International law firm Osborne Clarke has named Lara Burch as its next UK senior partner for a four-year term beginning on 1 January 2026. She will succeed Peter Clough, who has held the role since 2021 and is credited with increasing partner engagement and strengthening governance across the firm’s UK and international operations.
Lara has been with Osborne Clarke since 1997 and became a partner nearly 25 years ago. A specialist in complex commercial transactions, she advises UK and international clients across multiple sectors. She currently leads the Bristol office and serves on the firm’s partnership council, having previously headed the transport & automotive sector group for eight years.
Outside her legal practice, Lara holds board-level positions with two wildlife conservation charities and is also a qualified executive coach, supporting colleagues in leadership and professional development.
Speaking about her appointment, Lara Burch said it was ‘a privilege to take on the role of UK senior partner at such an important time for the firm and our clients’. She added: ‘I look forward to working with colleagues across our offices to build on our culture of collaboration and continue our focus on responsible and sustainable growth.’ UK managing partner Conrad Davies described her as ‘an outstanding lawyer and leader’ whose ‘integrity, judgement and commitment to our people have long been evident’.
