DLA Piper managing partner Russell Orme dies

RUSSELL Orme, office managing partner for law firm DLA Piper in Birmingham, has died following a battle with cancer. He was just 49.

He was diagnosed with the disease last year.

Mr Orme joined DLA Piper from Edge Ellison more than 15 years ago and was head of corporate before becoming office managing partner in May 2010, succeeding Chris Rawston.

Mark Beardmore, who succeeds him as managing partner in Birmingham, said: “Russell will be deeply missed by all of his friends and colleagues at DLA Piper and by his clients and the many friends he had within the Birmingham business community.

“His dignity and courage over the past few months has been remarkable. Our thoughts are with his wife Jo and two sons, Matthew and Sam, and we will do all we can to support them at this difficult time. His impact on the lives of those that he knew has been immense and we will never forget him.”