Irwin Mitchell to launch City property practice with hire of former Nabarro partner

While Irwin Mitchell has real estate expertise in its regional offices, it lacks a London property presence. Lander, who has joined the firm in a non-executive role, is charged with establishing a full-service property practice and is looking to bring the commoditised model used elsewhere in the firm’s business into its property division.

“London’s the home of property. I know London and the real estate world - it’s my life,” said Lander.

“Irwin Mitchell has found the secret to commoditising legal services and bringing down the cost. If we can take some of these skills and apply them to the commercial property world we can provide a different type of service,” he added.

Lander said that he would be attending the MIPIM property event in Cannes this year with his “recruitment hat on”. While he declined to name a specific number of recruits, he commented that a “critical mass” was important.

Lander retired from the Nabarro legacy firm in 2003 after around 30 years. He left the firm to set up a property outsourcing company, but subsequently abandoned the plan to focus on non-executive appointments. He now holds non-executive positions at eight non-competing businesses.