Simmons & Simmons has lost a real estate partner in London with Rachel Francis-Lang joining City outfit Lewis Silkin last week (23 November).

Francis-Lang joined Simmons from Eversheds in September last year, after eight years as a partner at the national firm. She began her career at Slaughter and May, where she trained and qualified.

Her practice focuses on advising corporate occupiers, investors, financiers and developers on real estate transactions, including cross-border deals.

She joins Lewis Silkin's commercial property team as the fourth partner in the group. The hire brings the total number of partners at the City-based firm – which also has an Oxford office – to 51.

Lewis Silkin's head of property, housing and construction Leonard Goodrich said: "Rachel brings to the table over 18 years of commercial property experience. Her knowledge and expertise will serve to further strengthen our current client offering."

Francis-Lang added: "I am very much looking forward to my new role at Lewis Silkin. The team's experience of advising both the private and public sectors provides great synergy with my track record."

The hire comes less than a month after Lewis Silkin last added to its practice with the hire of employment partner Ellen Temperton from Baker & McKenzie.

Francis-Lang's departure is the second partner loss for Simmons in a week, after Salans hired bank restructuring partner Bodo Schaar last week.