Osborne Clarke targets fewer sectors and compiles core client list

Osborne Clarke (OC) has revamped its practice model, cutting back on the number of areas it focuses on and creating a new list of core clients.

The firm is aiming for a 'sector-first' approach, halving the number of areas it concentrates on in a bid to target more high-value instructions.

OC has appointed former Thames Valley head Greg Leyshon to oversee the drive, in the newly-created role of head of markets.

The top 50 UK law firm's sector groups have been reduced from eight to four, with Mike Turner heading the new digital business group and Paul Anning and Tim Boyce leading the financial services group. The other two groups – real estate and infrastructure and natural resources and energy will be led by Leona Briggs and David Ferris respectively.

Previously, the firm also included life sciences, retail, defence and transport among its core sector groups.

Leyshon is currently working with the sector heads to identify which new clients to target.

As part of the shake-up, the firm is also reviewing whether it should bring in external project managers to oversee transactional work in a bid to run deals more efficiently.

In addition, the firm has cut down its practice groups from seven to four. Two over-arching transactional practices have been created, broadly covering corporate and commercial and banking and finance. Adrian Bott now leads the former while Omar Al-Nuaimi will head up the latter.

Litigation will be led by Peter Clough and the advisory practice – which includes competition and pensions – will be headed by Paul Matthews.

Former practice group heads Michael Bell, Paul Gardner and Nadine Strahl – who led tax, commercial and real estate – will return to dedicated fee earning.

Managing partner Simon Beswick (pictured) commented: "Our structural changes will allow us to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new economic landscape."