Osborne Clarke builds up property practice with senior Olswang recruit

Simpson, who joined the national law firm's City office last week (1 May) as a partner in the property practice, is set to work closely with the top 30 UK firm's head of real estate, Nadine Strahl. Simpson was a partner in Olswang's property team until last month.

Simpson, whose clients include property investment groups Consensus Business Group and Topland, both existing clients of the Bristol-based firm, has led a number of large portfolio acquisitions as well as working on structuring and funding development projects including mixed residential and warehouse sites.

Strahl said: "Although property investments have been hit by the economic downturn, we expect to see activity increase over the next few months. This is in part due to the enforcement action from the banks, but also the return of the experienced investor to the market - bank finance permitting."

Osborne Clarke's property investment team, whose other major clients include British Airways, Marks & Spencer and Imperial Tobacco, recently advised on the acquisition of Peverel Group by a joint venture between Consensus and Royal Bank of Scotland.