International law firm Simmons & Simmons has announced that it has hired tax specialist Helen Coward in its London office.

Joining Simmons after over eight years at a UK-headquartered international law firm, Helen brings experience across a wide range of tax matters spanning multiple sectors - with particular expertise and a strong market reputation in real estate taxation.

Helen will join the firm's UK Corporate Tax practice, which has seen growing demand in recent years from clients for integrated, specialist real estate tax advice.

Helen is expected to work closely with partners from across the firm, drawing on her expertise to support complex real estate transactions both in the UK and internationally.

Commenting on the partner hire, Darren Oswick, head of the firm's UK and international tax practices, said: Helen is a fantastic addition to our team, and a great boost to both our UK Corporate Tax practice and wider real estate capabilities. We're pleased to have added another real estate tax specialist with an established reputation to our market leading real estate tax practice led by Nick Cronkshaw. Helen will play a central role in providing first class support to our existing clients, whilst also enabling the firm to grow into new areas.

On joining Simmons, Helen said: I'm excited to be joining the firm and to be bringing my expertise in real estate tax matters. Simmons offers an excellent platform for my practice, and I look forward to supporting the growth of the UK Corporate Tax practice and working with the firm's real estate team to generate new opportunities.