Baird was taken ill when travelling in Asia earlier in the year and is currently in a critical condition under care of specialists in Hong Kong.
Baird has been with the firm for over 22 years, and at the firm’s Hong Kong office since 1990. He was first appointed regional managing partner in 2001.
Global managing partner David Childs said in a statement: “Jim has been at the heart of Clifford Chance's Asian practice for over 18 years.”
He added: “Jim and his family are constantly in our thoughts and the firm will continue to do all it can to support them in the months ahead."
The new Asia managing partner will be chosen through a ballot of the firm's Asian partnership, which is expected to conclude in September.
Clifford Chance’s Asian practice grew by 22 per cent in the previous year and the jurisdiction is understood to be one of the top priorities of the firm in the coming years.
No more Englishmen
From: Roger Wells
Long shot from Munich: Jan Wrede was in the Hong Kong office for years, came back and built a great Siemens practice. CC needs to diversify its managment
New Asia head
From: Anon.
Yup: Peter Charlton for sure.