Meet our new London Office Managing Partner – Claire Dutch
Meet Claire Dutch, the new Office Managing Partner for Ashurst’s London office.
With a distinguished career in planning law spanning more than 25 years, Claire is known for her approachable, authentic leadership style and her commitment to building a supportive, high-performing culture. Since joining Ashurst in 2020, she has championed professional excellence and is known for promoting a strong sense of community, making her a natural fit to lead the London team and strengthen our alumni network.
Hi Claire. Could you tell us a little about your background and what first inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I have three older brothers and nobody else in my family obtained a qualification at school, let alone went to university! My dad was a policeman in Greater Manchester and I was quite interested in some of the crimes he talked about, so I ended up going to university to study law (on a full grant).
I thought being a criminal lawyer sounded exciting but somehow I ended up in the niche area of town and country planning…
What brought you to Ashurst?
I spent 21 years at another large international law firm and was coaxed out of my comfy slippers by Ashurst. I arrived five years ago, just before lockdown in 2020.
I had worked opposite Ashurst in the past and always thought that the lawyers there had first-rate technical expertise and were friendly team players who didn't point-score.
Ashurst also struck me as a modern, ambitious firm. Those first impressions have proved to be true since I joined.
Are there any particular experiences or mentors that have shaped your approach to leadership?
I've been very lucky to have worked for some brilliant leaders, particularly early in my career. I've tried to emulate some of their characteristics that resonated with me – being open, authentic and bringing some humour into the workplace!
What excites you most about taking on the role of Office Managing Partner for the London office?
A lot. We have a brilliant team of nearly 1,200 people in the London office and I want to make it an even better place to work.
What are your key priorities for the London office in the coming year?
This is an exciting time for the London office and we have an ambitious growth strategy. I'm a great believer in the need to have the right culture and infrastructure to support our people if we are to sustain a high-performance culture and achieve our strategy. This is a people business. I will have that front and centre in everything I do.
How do you view the role of alumni in the ongoing success of the firm?
Community is important to us at Ashurst and that community includes our former colleagues, many of whom retain a sense of belonging and pride in Ashurst, long after they have left. Having a strong alumni network is important. It broadens our connections and reinforces our brand. Stating the obvious, it's also lovely to keep in touch with so many old friends!
Are there any new initiatives or ways you hope to engage with our alumni community?
Plans are already under way for another London alumni party in 2026 – a fantastic chance to reconnect, catch up with old friends and celebrate the Ashurst network. Watch this space!
Outside of work, what are your passions or interests?
At the weekend I run Claire's Cabs, a completely free taxi service continuously available to transport teenagers at absolutely no notice to anywhere in the South East.
When I'm not doing my taxi shift, I like to do creative things – I play the viola. After 30 years, I recently started lessons again with Music In Offices and I play in an orchestra. I've also started painting and drawing, inspired by a team-building event we did at an art café near the office.
How do you find balance in your professional and personal life?
I'm quickly realising that my role means I could be out every night at a work function! But that's not sustainable and we are no use to anyone if we're completely worn out. So, I try to keep my nights out to three on working days and not burn the candle at both ends if I can help it.
Is there a book, film or experience that has had a significant impact on you recently?
I am going through a personal Britpop revival. I saw Blur at Wembley a few years ago and I saw Pulp at The O2 at the weekend. Both were nostalgic and a bit emotional actually! I didn't manage to get Oasis tickets though, despite queuing online for 5 hours – boo hoo!
