Thames Valley: Osborne Clarke awarded ‘Law firm of the year’ in blaze of successes

Osborne Clarke has been named Law Firm of the Year at this year's Legal Business awards. The firm, which has offices in the City, Thames Valley and Bristol, was commended in particular for its recent growth trajectory and its focus on sectors and issues that are at the cutting edge of the law, such as building smart cities and the sharing economy.

This year, for the first time, the awards were judged by an independent jury of senior General Counsel.

Andrew Saul, Osborne Clarke's senior partner, said: "I'm delighted the firm has been awarded this honour. It is a result of years of planning and execution of our client strategy and delivering on our international expansion. The award is something that we will treasure as a sign of our progress." 

UK managing partner Ray Berg commented: "Thanks to all our clients and our people who helped get Osborne Clarke where it is today. Everyone who works at OC should be proud of this award as we have continued to grow without compromising what makes OC great: its culture and can-do attitude. 

"The award is also recognition of the 12 years of leadership of Simon Beswick, from whom I took over a few months ago. I'd like to add my personal thanks to him for his time at the helm as managing partner."

The award comes hot on the heels of another win for OC. Partner Catherine Wolfenden was named Regulatory Lawyer of the Year at the 2015 Women in Compliance Awards last week.

Additionally the firm was:

• named as the sixth best law firm to work at by RollonFriday in this year's annual survey
• named a leader in client service by Legal Business
• shortlisted for Corporate Team of the Year at the Legal Business awards for its work on the Carphone Warehouse/Dixons merger and
• shortlisted for Management Partner of the Year for Simon Beswick's leadership of OC.