Former Mayer Brown partner Michael Hutchinson has rejoined the firm following a brief spell in Dickinson Dees’ Newcastle office.

Hutchinson, who first joined Mayer Brown in 2000 and made partner a year later, gave up a consultancy position with the firm in March to head up Dickinson Dees’ environmental and safety practice.

Dickinson Dees senior partner Robin Bloom said a replacement for Hutchinson’s practice head position is yet to be finalised. He added that, rather than promoting from within the firm, an offer has been made to someone at another firm who is expected to join at partner level.

At Mayer Brown, Hutchinson is working alongside environmental law practice head Cate Sharp. She explained that, while Hutchinson had been a consultant before he left the firm, he has rejoined as a partner.

“Michael was made a partner in 2001 but there was also a consultancy arrangement,” she said. “During the period he was with us he travelled to South Africa but he remained an active part of the team and was doing work for us when he was there.”

Hutchinson’s practice focuses on the environmental aspects of national and international corporate, real estate and finance transactions, with an emphasis on contaminated land and regulatory compliance issues as well as development issues. He provides stand-alone advice on developments in UK and EU environment law and acts for clients from a variety of sectors including waste, energy, chemicals, retail, property and banking.