AN INTERNATIONAL legal practice with an office in Reading is to get a new managing partner in the new year.
Conrad Davies will head up Osborne Clarke from January 1, taking over from Ray Berg, who is stepping down after eight years.
Senior Partner Peter Clough told staff at The Forbury-based firm that they had had an incredible eight years under Mr Berg’s leadership.
“He’s shown outstanding dedication and commitment to building the firm into what it is today,” he said, adding a congratulations message to Mr Davies.
“He has also been one of our firm’s great leaders and has been instrumental in helping to build our strategy,” he said.
“I know he will do an excellent job, and I and the team very much look forward to working with him.”
Having spent more than 17 years at Osborne Clarke, Conrad became a Partner in 2011 and was previously at Jones Day. He helped to establish the firm’s corporate real estate practice 10 years ago and also headed up the firm’s international real estate and infrastructure sector for seven years.
He is currently a corporate Partner and the International Head of the Urban Dynamics Group.
He was instrumental in leading the team that established the firm’s 2025 client strategy. Most recently he was also appointed as International Transformation Leader for Urban Dynamics, which 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.
Before qualifying as a lawyer, Conrad spent five years working in business – so he understands his clients’ needs from both a legal and commercial perspective.
“I am thrilled to be appointed as Managing Partner,” he said.
“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.”