Herbert Smith appoints new head of real estate

25 June 2008

Herbert Smith confirmed today the appointment of Ian Cox as head of the firm's real estate division, with effect from 1 July. This follows the decision by Iain Rothnie to step down after heading the practice since January 2006.

Ian Cox, a leading real estate investment and property finance lawyer, has been a partner since 1996 and has held a number of firm-wide management roles. His major clients include Moorfield Group and Rockpoint. Highlight work on which he has acted includes advising the London Stock Exchange on the sale of the London Stock Exchange Tower to Hammerson and the move to new headquarters at 10 Paternoster Square.

Among Iain Rothnie's responsibilities going forward will be the support he gives to the further internationalisation of the practice and the development of its links with Sovereign Wealth Funds.

Iain commented:

"I am very much looking forward to returning to full-time fee-earning after eight years in management roles. In Ian Cox we have exactly the right blend of experience, practice management and leadership skills to take the division forward."

Ian Cox added:

"Iain has overseen a period of terrific growth for the real estate practice and we are very grateful for his leadership. We have a strong business with great clients and a business model which has been used as an example of best practice in a Harvard Business School book. Amongst our key priorities will now be to develop our international practice and to align our business more closely with specific sectors of the real estate market."