Dechert's property star departs to SJ Berwin

Jones's departure follows that of former property head Chris Edwards to Charles Russell and retail and development partner Edward Bannister to Field Fisher Waterhouse. The firm also made assistant and support staff redundancies in the department.

Jones originally trained at Dechert, before a spell at CMS Cameron McKenna. She then ran her own property development company before returning to Dechert around seven years ago.

Jones specialises in complex development transactions, including a recent redevelopment on the South Bank.

SJ Berwin senior partner David Harrel said the reason behind Jones's appointment was two-fold. "One, we're always looking for bright individuals who can take the practice forward. And the other reason is that we're investing in what's always been a strong part of the firm."

Jones's appointment takes the number of pure property partners at the firm to 13, with a further three in planning and environment and one in construction. She started at SJ Berwin last Tuesday (7 January).