Osborne Clarke is mourning the death of retired partner Simon Speirs, who passed away while taking part in a Clipper Round the World Race.
Speirs, who had retired from the partnership earlier this year, was a real estate partner for 31 years at the firm.
He specialised in commercial real estate, particularly investment and development. During his time at Osborne Clarke, he was head of property for almost 10 years, and was a member of the firm’s management board.
He was responsible for the development and ongoing asset management of the firm’s occupational space in Bristol.
Speirs, 60, was taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race leg from South Africa to Australia when he was washed off the deck by the wind. In a statement, Clipper said that Speirs was given a sea burial yesterday morning.
A firm spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our friend and colleague Simon Speirs.
“Simon spent more than 20 years of his career at Osborne Clarke and had a huge enthusiasm for the firm, which alongside his caring nature and his deep love of lawyering made him a highly popular and valued member of our team.
“Simon was also committed to raising money for charity and his friends at Osborne Clarke always followed his progress during his fundraising challenges, many of which involved sailing. The Clipper race was the greatest of those challenges and we are devastated that he has lost his life while pursuing his dream.
“Our thoughts are with Simon’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
