Russell Orme has been named as the new top man in Birmingham for international legal giant DLA Piper.

Mr Orme, the head of the office’s corporate law team, has been made managing partner of the city centre offices, replacing well-known Birmingham business figure Chris Rawstron.

Mr Rawstron, a key part of the business community as well as an leading light in the corporate world, will be formally stepping down from his role on March 31, but will stay on as a consultant to the firm.

He said: “I have felt very privileged being at the helm of DLA Piper’s Birmingham office for the last 11 years and I am very proud of the success we have achieved locally and the firm’s great achievements internationally.

“I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Russell with whom I have worked for over 20 years and who I know will continue to ensure that our clients receive the very highest quality of service, support and advice.”

Russell Orme has been in the top corporate role at DLA in Birmingham since 2000, three years after he joined the firm.

He said: “Chris has made an immeasurable contribution to the success of DLA Piper’s Birmingham office – the record speaks for itself. We have been close friends and colleagues for what seems a lifetime and naturally, the place will not be the same without him for many of us.

“However, I am very excited to take on the role of managing partner in Birmingham particularly at this time.”

David Bradley, the UK managing partner at DLA, added: “On behalf of everyone at the firm I want to thank Chris for the significant contribution that he has made to the firm.”