Former Ashurst managing partner quits for Shearman

Ashurst’s former managing partner Ian Nisse is leaving for Shearman & Sterling.

The property partner, who served as managing partner from 1997 to 2000, is joining the US firm to set up its real estate practice, which it hopes to grow to three partners and 10 associates.

Shearman has been searching for a real estate partner for over a year. It is understood that Nisse received approaches from a number of firms including Berwin Leighton Paisner.

The move follows Thomas Forschbach's departure from Ashurst for Latham & Watkins (first revealed by www.thelawyer.com (26 August).

Nisse declined to comment.