Real Estate Review 2003: Real estate rundown

Undoubtedly the most memorable event in the world of real estate lawyers this year was the demise of DJ Freeman.

After an internal rift became too big to repair, DJ Freeman’s property team was sent packing to take up a new home at Olswang – thereby building the latter’s real estate turnover to around 25 per cent of the practice.

US firms were also on the market for UK real estate lawyers in 2003, none more so than Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker. After taking on Jeff Bailey from Linklaters, the firm has since added to its capabilities in environmental, planning, litigation and construction.

White & Case also took on its first real estate partners, with hires from Lawrence Graham and Tite & Lewis. And keep an eye out for Shearman & Sterling early next year. Word is that the firm is looking for a big name to launch its UK property team.