Dewey gains German real estate presence with Pöllath raid

Dewey Ballantine has continued its hiring spree by taking on a founding partner of Pöllath & Partners, adding a real estate capability to its German operations for the first time.

Ralph Wagner will bring a team of six associates with him to launch Dewey's German real estate practice.

Hanno Berger, German managing partner at Dewey, said: "We’re expecting the trend for property companies to float, which began in 2006, to continue. German Reit [real estate investment trust] legislation has further boosted demand for professional advice pertaining to property transactions. With Ralph's move we’ve gained a fully functioning, distinguished team of lawyers with an impressive track-record."

Wagner and his team bring Dewey's Frankfurt lawyer headcount to 45. The firm has been bulking up in most jurisdictions this year in the wake of its failed merger with Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. In Dewey's Frankfurt office Wagner's arrival follows that of capital markets partner Walburga Kullmann from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer a month ago.

Pöllath launched in 1998, headed by leading tax lawyer Reinhold Pöllath. He reunited eight partners from his former Munich firm Rädler Raupach Bezzenberger, which became Oppenhoff & Rädler. There are still four dedicated real estate partners at the firm.