DLA Piper has named Russell Orme as the firm's new Birmingham managing partner, replacing Chris Rawstron in the role.

Orme will take up the post next month (1 April), while also remaining as the firm's head of corporate in the region – a role he took on in 2000.

Rawstron is set to retire from the partnership at the end of March after 13 years at the firm. He will take up a new role as a consultant at the firm, as well as pursuing other opportunities outside the law.

Rawstron was appointed head of corporate for Birmingham in 1998 and was named Birmingham managing partner in 1999. He also sat on the UK top 10 firm's board in 2005-06.

DLA UK managing partner David Bradley commented: "On behalf of everyone at the firm I want to thank Chris for the significant contribution that he has made to the firm and wish him well for the future."

He added: "This is certainly not goodbye, as through his role as a consultant to the firm we will continue to benefit from Chris's extensive management experience and knowledge of the region. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Russell to his new role. He is the ideal person to succeed Chris and I am confident that our Birmingham office will continue to flourish under his leadership."