Rob Hayes

Rob Hayes is a Corporate partner, and head of the Thames Valley office of Osborne Clarke.

Rob's practice is split between venture capital and mergers and acquisitions transactional work.

He focuses on acting for high-growth technology companies and institutional investors on refinancing transactions and related VC-backed company exits. His combination of ventures ecosystem experience and commercial expertise allows him to give tailored advice that is aligned with his clients' strategic objectives.

Osborne Clarke's Venture Capital team has been ranked number one by Legal 500 in London for its combination of "excellent technical ability and commercial partner-led approach." 

Rob also works with clients in the private equity sector, where he has experience of acting on buyouts, buy-and-build platforms and related exits. Rob is currently working with his team on a consolidator platform in the professional services sector.

Many of Rob's clients also operate in the Life Sciences, Tech, Media and Telecommunications and Cleantech sectors.

Under Rob's leadership, in 2025 Osborne Clarke was recognised as Law Firm of the Year at The Business Magazine's Thames Valley Deal Awards for its high-profile dealmaking.

He has been recognised by multiple industry bodies and has been ranked by Chambers (Corporate M&A: £25 million and above) for the past fifteen years, and for Venture Capital by Legal 500. 

Rob Hayes is an incredible lawyer whose experience and negotiation skills mean you definitely want him on your side.

Legal 500.

"Rob Hayes – one of the very best in VC. Always approachable and a delight to work with. Technically outstanding combined with an incredible commercial approach is a winning combination."

Venture Capital Client, Legal 500.