Mishcon de Reya boosts Residential Property Group with two partner hires

Mishcon de Reya has strengthened its Residential Property Group, headed by partner Ned El-Imad, with the appointment of two new partners. Sonal Gandhi joined the Firm from Charles Russell LLP on 8 November, along with one assistant, and Beverley Lewis will join from Forsters LLP on 10 January 2011. The lateral hires reflect the ever increasing demand for residential property services from clients of Mishcon Private, as well as the opportunity to offer a more comprehensive service to the Firm’s lender, developer and investor clients.

Sonal provides legal advice on all aspects of UK residential, inward investment property and secured lending for banks. She has a diverse client and intermediary base ranging from high net worth individuals and their companies, investment companies, trading companies and banks. Also joining Sonal from Charles Russell LLP is Sarah Cubacub, an assistant with five years’ PQE. Both are qualified lawyers in the British Virgin Islands.

Beverley has more than 25 years’ experience in dealing with urban and country residential properties, with particular expertise on the central London estates including complex enfranchisement work and landlord and tenant matters. She also has an extensive client base, acting for individuals, developers, property funds, landlords and tenants.

Nick Doffman, Head of Real Estate at Mishcon de Reya, said: “Sonal and Beverley are the fourth and fifth lateral partner hires within our Real Estate Group in this calendar year, adding breadth and depth to our well resourced real estate practice. It is a real coup for us to have attracted such a high calibre at partnership level and a testament to the Firm’s highly regarded brand and reputation. The appointments are a significant boost to Mishcon Private, and we anticipate an increased work flow to our Tax, Planning, Construction, Property Litigation, Banking and Corporate groups."

Ned El-Imad, Head of the Residential Property Group, added: "Both Sonal and Beverley are well known and very highly regarded lawyers within the residential property sector. The team’s expansion is an exciting further step towards establishing ourselves as the premier residential property practice in London. Since the news of the appointments has leaked, I have had numerous calls and messages from various key industry players, paying their respects to our achievement!"

Eliza Leigh, a partner at Knight Frank specialising in sales in Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Chelsea, said: "News of Mishcon de Reya’s new residential partner hires has generated a very exciting buzz within the market, and will greatly enhance the Firm's already formidable residential offering.”