Pictured above: Russell Orme
DLA Piper announced that Russell Orme has been appointed as the
new managing partner of the Birmingham office from April
1.
Russell, who heads the Corporate practice in Birmingham,
succeeds Chris Rawstron, who will retire from the partnership on
March 31 but will remain as a consultant to the firm.
Russell joined DLA Piper in 1997 and was appointed Head of
Corporate in Birmingham in 2000. Russell will continue to lead the
Corporate team when he succeeds Chris, who has been at DLA Piper
for 13 years. Chris was appointed as Head of Corporate for
Birmingham in 1998 and he quickly established himself as an
important member of the UK management team. In 1999 he was
named managing partner of DLA Piper's Birmingham office and he also
served as a member of the global board from 2005 to 2006.
Chris will remain as a consultant to DLA Piper following his
retirement.
"On behalf of everyone at the firm I want to thank Chris for the
significant contribution that he has made to the firm and wish him
well for the future, said David Bradley, UK Managing Partner at DLA
Piper.
"This is certainly not goodbye, as through his role as a
consultant to the firm we will continue to benefit from Chris's
extensive management experience and knowledge of the region. I
would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Russell to his
new role. He is the ideal person to succeed Chris and I am
confident that our Birmingham office will continue to flourish
under his leadership."
Chris commented: "I have felt very privileged being at the helm
of DLA Piper's Birmingham office for the last 11 years and I am
very proud of the success we have achieved locally and the firm's
great achievements internationally.
"I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Russell with
whom I have worked for over 20 years and who I know will continue
to ensure that our clients receive the very highest quality of
service, support and advice.
"While I am looking forward to pursuing new challenges I am
delighted to be staying involved with the firm through my
consultancy."
Russell Orme added: "Chris has made an immeasurable contribution
to the success of DLA Piper's Birmingham office - the record speaks
for itself. We have been close friends and colleagues for
what seems a lifetime and naturally, the place will not be the same
without him for many of us.
"However, I am very excited to take on the role of Managing
Partner in Birmingham particularly at this time. We could not be
better positioned for three key reasons: we have a very special
team of partners and staff that are fit for the future; we have
much valued national and international client relationships and
contacts who support us and us them; and, we are able to offer the
highest quality of service both domestically and across the globe
to match our clients' requirements.
"For these key reasons we will be able to take advantage of the
opportunities thrown up by the current business environment and I
look forward to the challenge with relish."