The Lawyer has announced that Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer global managing partner Ted Burke is joining energy private equity firm, Arclight Capital Partners, as general counsel and COO.

Burke will step down from the role in the first quarter of 2014. He was elected as Managing Partner at Freshfields in 2005.

David Aitman will take over from Burke. Aitman is currently the senior elected member of the firm's governing body, the Partnership Council, and also co-chairs the partnership recommendation committee.

The Lawyer reports that Burke said:

"I've had a fantastic time at Freshfields and I've genuinely appreciated how patient and generous the firm's been. It's been a privilege to be in that role but it's time for me to go home."

In a statement, Senior partner Will Lawes added:

"The firm owes much of its recent success to Ted's strategic guidance and courageous leadership. In David Aitman we have a hugely respected and wise partner, with a deep understanding of our business and culture. I'm looking forward to working even more closely with him as we implement our strategy."

ArcLight Capital Partners is an energy-focused investment firm, formed in 2011 and that manages over $10 billion in five funds. The firm invests across the entire energy industry value chain.