Morgan Lewis is to reduce its exposure to litigation in the UK when London managing partner Robert Goldspink, a litigator, retires at the end of the month.

Finance partner Charles Lubar is to embark on a second stint as the firm’s London head when Goldspink steps down. As one of the partners who founded the London office, Lubar was managing partner of London during the 1990s.

As part of Morgan Lewis’ strategy for London the firm will focus on building up in corporate, employment and energy.

Lubar said: “These practice areas are in line with our firm in the US. We have a very significant energy and regulatory practice. It makes sense for us to align the London office with the rest of the firm.”

Goldspink’s departure will leave the US firm with minimal litigation capabilities on the ground.

That said, Lubar added: “We would not rule out building up a litigation team in London. Bob was a significant presence in London. We wouldn’t rule out litigation, but our strategy is to focus on these other areas.”