International law firm Osborne Clarke has appointed commercial law partner Lara Burch as head of its Bristol office, succeeding Peter Clough, who has completed two terms in the role.
The office head’s principal role is to promote a high-quality working environment by embracing best practice, new technologies and new ways of working – and by acting on feedback from employees.
Lara, pictured, who joined the firm in 1997 and has been a partner since 2001, has more than 20 years’ experience advising on high-value, complex commercial transactions, both within the UK and on a cross-border basis.
She is described by The Legal 500 as a lawyer “with a fantastic reputation”.
Under the five-year leadership of Peter Clough, pictured, the office’s head count increased from 400 to just over 700 people and twice won the Law Firm of the Year title in consecutive years at the Bristol Law Society Awards.
It also raised considerable funds for local charities, including FareShare, LandAid and Children’s Hospice South West.
Osborne Clarke senior partner Andrew Saul said: “We’d like to thank Peter for the huge contribution he’s made during the past six years as head of Bristol.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Lara to the role, and working with her as we enter the next stage of our development in Bristol.”
Lara’s term will coincide with the firm’s move – planned for autumn next year – from its base in Temple Quay to Halo, a landmark green office building at Finzels Reach.
The site, currently under construction, will be one of the UK’s most sustainable buildings and is set to be ranked BREEAM outstanding – the highest rating in the building industry’s sustainability assessment.
It will also be one of the first office buildings to connect to Bristol City Council’s pioneering district heat scheme
Lara said: “I’m so pleased to take up the reins from Peter, who has done an excellent job in leading our Bristol team for the last six years.
“With the move to Halo, it’s an exciting time to be stepping into the role. There’s certainly going to be plenty to keep me busy, not just with Halo but also in terms of Osborne Clarke’s contribution in Bristol.
“As one of the region’s largest employers, we have a key part to play in supporting not just our own employees but also Bristol’s communities and the natural environment. I’m really keen to make sure we do that effectively.”
