Reed Smith UK chief steps down in overhaul

Reed Smith UK chief steps down in overhaul" />Reed Smith Richards Butler has restructured its UK management team, with UK managing partner Tim Foster stepping down from the role.

Foster, who remains with the firm, will oversee its relocation to the Broadgate Tower and will also take on a higher level of fee-earning work.

The UK managing partner position, which has been renamed 'London office managing partner', will pass to energy partner Richard Swinburn at the beginning of November.

On the office move Foster will work alongside Fay Gillott, who has joined from Lovells as director of European and Middle East operations. Gillott was involved in Lovells' relocation to its Atlantic House headquarters.

The pair are currently surveying all members of staff about the facilities they want in the new premises, which the firm will move into in the second quarter of 2009.

In addition to the building project, Foster will continue to chair the firm's diversity committee and will work alongside European corporate head David Boutcher to develop Reed Smith's corporate practice.

"David will lead the outward-facing aspects of the role in terms of recruitment and business development and my emphasis will be on managing the operations and driving the team," said Foster.

Swinburn, who expects to spend 50 per cent of his time fee-earning, with the other half devoted to management duties, said he wants to consolidate and develop Reed Smith's position as a leading international firm.

"On the people side I'll focus on the career development of our lawyers and on creating the best possible environment within which to work," he added.