International legal firm Osborne Clarke has appointed a Bristol-based senior lawyer as its next UK managing partner.
Conrad Davies, pictured, currently a corporate partner and the international head of the urban dynamics group, will succeed Ray Berg when he takes up the role on 1 January. 
Conrad joined Osborne Clarke more than 17 years ago and became a partner in 2011. He helped to establish the firm’s corporate real estate practice 10 years ago and also headed its international real estate and infrastructure sector for seven years.
He was instrumental in leading the team that established the firm’s 2025 client strategy.
Most recently he was appointed as the firm’s international transformation leader for urban dynamics.
The group is focused on supporting clients as they navigate the legal impacts, challenges and business opportunities arising from the rapid changes taking place in modern cities and towns, particularly around the future of work and living, smart cities and urban mobility.
His appointment was announced to Osborne Clarke’s partners by senior partner Peter Clough, who is also based in Bristol.
He said: “It’s been an incredible eight years under Ray’s leadership. He’s shown outstanding dedication and commitment to building the firm into what it is today.
“Huge congratulations to Conrad. He has also been one of our firm’s great leaders and has been instrumental in helping to build our strategy.
“I know he will do an excellent job, and I and the team very much look forward to working with him.”
Conrad joined Osborne Clarke from American multinational law firm, where he was an associate. Before qualifying as a lawyer, he spent five years working in business – giving him an understanding of his clients’ needs from both a legal and commercial perspective, Osborne Clarke said.
Conrad said: “I am thrilled to be appointed as managing partner. They will be big shoes to fill, but I am up for the challenge, and I look forward to building on all the good work that’s been done as I lead the firm for the next four years.”
Osborne Clarke employs around 800 people in Bristol and also has offices in London and Reading. Internationally it has 25 offices across Europe, the Far East and in the US.
