Peter Butler (OAM RFD) assumed the role of managing partner responsible for the firm’s six practice groups on 1 July 2005.

Peter joined Freehills in 1981 as a senior associate and became a partner in 1983. He has been a Litigation partner in both the Melbourne and Sydney offices, a member of the national board, and was deputy chairman of Freehills’ Melbourne office for seven years between 1991 and 1998. Peter was chairman of the firm’s integration committee and involved in the task of merging the state-based offices.

For six years Peter also held the role of national practice partner, assisting in building a collaborative approach between the firm’s practice groups in each state ahead of the firm’s integration in 2000.

In 1997, Peter took up the position of special counsel to the Board and global head of compliance of Reuters, based in London.

On his return to Freehills in 2000, Peter became the firm’s head of litigation, a position he held for five years. In this role, Peter continued to practise while also taking a strong management focus. He has provided dispute resolution and litigation assistance to many of Australia’s public companies including Telstra, Coles Myer, Lend Lease, ANZ, NAB, Santos, CSIRO and many others. He has also worked closely with the Government of New South Wales and the Government of Victoria.

Peter combines his management responsibilities with an ongoing commercial litigation practice. 'I think the role of managing partner is easier, not harder, when a hands on practice is maintained. It gives credibility to the role both internally and externally,' said Peter. 

In his current position Peter is focused on building a culture that fosters enhanced opportunity and potential. He is passionate about the development of the firm from the point of view of its values, culture and people. In addition to his management role, Peter continues to provide advice to a number of the firm’s key clients. As a litigation lawyer Peter enjoys the practice of commercial litigation and the ‘strategic needs of clients involved in major disputes’.

Peter chairs the firm’s Executive—the main operational committee of the firm that acts as an adviser and initiates internal and external strategy for consideration by the board.

An active member of the firm’s pro bono work over the years, Peter currently looks after Freehills’ pro bono and community programs and is the first chair of the Freehills Foundation, established in 2006. He has also been president of a number of charities and is currently Chairman of the National Board of the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Peter is a Major in the Australian Army Reserves. He was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in 1998 for service to the community.

At Freehills, Peter is passionate about the culture of the firm and the link between culture and performance. ‘Culture is about the people, clients and staff. Improvements in culture should lead to change and improved performance.’

Peter is interested in sailing and farming. He has three daughters, one of whom has followed him into law.