Squire Sanders has announced the expansion of its Real Estate Practice with the appointment of partner Rachel Orton, who has joined the firm’s London office from DLA Piper.

Ms. Orton is an accomplished real estate lawyer with more than ten years’ experience advising property developers, institutional investors and funders. Among her recent work, she has acted on the disposal of Peterborough Court, Fleet Street - the UK headquarters of Goldman Sachs - and was also seconded to the London Development Agency to assist on the London Olympic legacy development and related matters. Ms. Orton has an in-depth knowledge of the legal and commercial issues facing domestic and overseas investors and developers and was previously shortlisted as Associate of the Year at the British Legal Awards.

Ms. Orton is the fourth partner hire for Squire Sanders in London so far in 2014, following leading competition lawyer Martin Rees, employment law specialist Fraser Younson, and Alison Hardy who has joined as a Real Estate Litigation partner.

Mike Shaw, head of the Squire Sanders London Real Estate team said: “We are very pleased to welcome Rachel to the firm. Her experience adds to our existing expertise in real estate investment and significantly expands our capabilities in the development arena. Commercial real estate is one of the largest markets in the UK and London, as a preferred global investment destination and a base for fund management of global assets, is an acknowledged hub for the international real estate market. With positive signs in the market, the growth of our team with the arrival of Rachel and Alison puts us in prime position to support UK and international clients to take advantage of the increasing opportunities in the sector. Rachel’s appointment is part of our continuing investment in our real estate capability.”

Rachel Orton added: “I am delighted to join Squire Sanders. The team is highly skilled and extremely enthusiastic about the work it does for its clients. I am looking forward to working on some fantastic projects in a real estate practice which is well positioned to move with the recovering market.”

Squire Sanders’ Real Estate Practice provides a full service to property investors, including the acquisition and disposal of properties, advising on funding structures and the creation of investment vehicles, leasing and leasehold management. The team also acts for companies, public sector organisations, developers and high net worth individuals on a wide range of real estate portfolios and regeneration projects.