Salans has poached Baker & McKenzie‘s former Moscow head of real estate as the firm looks to double the size of its Russian property practice.
Andrei Soukhomlinov, a specialist in real estate and construction matters, has been with Bakers since 1997. He joins Salans as joint head of the firm’s Russian real estate team, alongside partner Anna McDonald.
Eric Rosedale, co-chairman of Salans’ global real estate group, said it was the firm’s goal to double the size of its real estate team in Russia to handle the rapidly increasing deal flow out of the country.
“Andrei’s move is the first step,” said Rosedale.
Salans’ Moscow office is widely considered to be the firm’s strongest and the arrival of Soukhomlinov is considered a major coup.
In addition to Moscow, Salans has an office in St Petersburg and Russian desks in Paris, London and New York. In total, the firm has around 80 lawyers dedicated to the rapidly expanding Russian market.
Prior to joining Bakers, Soukhomlinov worked in the legal team at real estate company Menatep-Lars. He has also advised on real estate and construction matters at Informcosmosconsult.
