Linklaters UK real estate chief quits

Linklaters’ UK head of real estate Anne Byrne has resigned from the firm, just a month after the departure of three partners in May.

Byrne declined to comment but it is understood that she has not left Linklaters to join another firm, but rather to pursue other interests within law. No leaving date has been set yet.

Byrne was only made head of UK real estate at the firm in 2011 (6 December 2010), when partner Patrick Plant, who was both global and UK head, stepped down after completing his two-term limit. Partner Andrew Bruce, who specialises in advising on the acquisition, funding, development, letting and disposal of commercial property, will take over from Byrne as UK head of real estate.

Byrne’s departure comes shortly after Linklaters real estate partner Joe Conder left for Goodwin Procter (14 May 2012) and fellow real estate partners Huw Baker and Julian Innes-Taylor left for Lawrence Graham (17 May 2012.

Byrne trained at the Linklaters and then left for a brief spell to work at Addleshaw Goddard legacy firm Addleshaw Sons & Latham. She rejoined Linklaters in 1994 and made partner in 2001. Byrne’s clients included Capital Shopping Centres, ProLogis and UBS.

A spokesperson for Linklaters said: “We thank Anne for her work at the firm and wish her well. Linklaters is totally committed to its London real estate practice. We’ve strength in depth at both partner and associate levels. Our real estate sector offering, which includes market leaders in all aspects of our work, remains a strong one, both in London and globally.”