Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has hired a high-profile City real estate partner from Linklaters.

James Knox will join the City rival's senior equity partnership after 23 years at the magic circle law firm, having joined as an assistant in 1987 and made partner in 1999.

Knox's practice focuses on large-scale corporate real estate deals in the UK and around the world. His work covers the high-end investment market, distressed real estate and cross-border investments.

BLP real estate head Robert MacGregor said: "We are delighted James has decided to join our team. He has a fantastic reputation and will further enhance our offering in relation to the most significant and complex multi-disciplinary UK and international real estate related transactions."

Previous magic circle hires for BLP include financial services head Sidney Myers, who joined from Allen & Overy in 2008 and Clifford Chance tax partner Murray North last year.

Berwin Leighton Paisner on the Legal Week Wiki