UK Property Fund LLC

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher's London-based real estate practice is still very much in its infancy, but it is a sign that US firms are recognising the importance of having a UK property capability. After just six months, head of European real estate Alan Samson can reel off an impressive deal list, including this series of acquisitions for UK Property Fund LLC. The fund is a joint venture with Boston-based pension fund AEW and London investor UKI as key shareholders. The client came with Samson when he left Nabarro Nathanson to set up the new real estate group at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher. The US firm is now its sole adviser. Assistants Nick Turner and Sarah Lane, hired from Herbert Smith and Allen & Overy respectively, also worked on the deals.

The practice is focused on Samson's strengths of investment and finance work - he is a dual qualified New York/UK real estate and real estate finance lawyer.