Ashurst, DLA Piper, Eversheds celebrate Shard opening

Eversheds real estate investment partner Nicholas Bartlett advised development consortium LBQ as owner of the new building, Europe’s tallest tower, with Ashurst partner Martin Wright advising on real estate and planning issues and DLA Piper partner Cecily Davis advising on construction matters.

The firms have been advising on the project since November 2007, when Norton Rose and Rosenblatt were also on the deal (19 December 2008).

Another stakeholder in the development, Sellar Property Group, hired Rosenblatt corporate partner David Fairfield, who is now a consultant at the firm, but it is understood that the firm is not involved in the project any more. Qatar Diar, which lent the money to fund the deal, originally turned to Norton Rose finance partner Lucy Wolley Dodd. Norton Rose is also not involved in the deal any more.

Ashurst, DLA Piper, Eversheds were set to gather at the latter’s office terrace today to watch the laser show inaugurating the building.

No law firms have confirmed plans to move in the Shard, but Trowers & Hamlins considered the tower before choosing 3 Bunhill Row for their new London base last year (21 July 2011).