DLA Piper today announces the appointment of a further two partners to the firm's Real Estate team. Karen Howard and Trevor Ivory, both of whom focus on Planning and Development, join the team in London and Birmingham respectively.

Trevor joins from Howes Percival, where he was Head of Planning & Environment, a position he held from 2010. Karen joins from RPC where she was head of planning.

Trevor's experience covers all aspects of planning and compulsory purchase, including the highly specialised areas of large scale strategic development and regeneration schemes. He advises on all aspects of the planning process, and is an experienced appeal advocate. Trevor is also the President of the Planning and Development Association, and is the first lawyer to serve in the role.

Karen's practice focuses on planning and regeneration, particularly in the promotion of major regeneration and mixed-use development schemes for commercial developers, house builders, private clients, local authorities, institutions and government bodies and institutions. She also has significant experience in promoting and opposing Compulsory Purchase Orders, advising on infrastructure agreements, large environmental impact assessments, and advising on planning policy.

Ian Brierley, Head of DLA Piper's UK Real Estate team added: "We are delighted to welcome Karen and Trevor to DLA Piper. Hot on the heels of our other recent lateral hires, their skills and experience have strengthened our Real Estate Sector capabilities even further."