SJ Berwin has reinforced its links with Patron Capital after advising the property investor on its latest $895m (£611m) fund.

The firm has won its second deal for the property investor with private equity partner Michael Halford leading on the transaction, aided by assistants Justine Nangle and Cindy Wishart. SJ Berwin won the work through a pitch having previously advised on Patron's previous fund Patron Capital, LP II.

The new fund, LP III, was launched in December 2006 and closed at the beginning of the month. It will invest in properties across Europe, focusing primarily on buying non-core property assets disposed of by corporates, distressed properties and getting value out of underperforming properties.

Halford told Legal Week: "It was good to be involved with Patron again and win this pitch. They are a long-term client of the firm and have a unique investment profile. The fund was raised in a short time as there was so much interest."

SJ Berwin worked alongside Patron Capital general counsel and senior partner Kendall Langford and Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker New York corporate partner Lawrence Hass, who advised on US issues.