Goodwin Procter has expanded its recently launched City arm with the hire of Linklaters real estate sector co-head Joe Conder, who also headed the magic circle firm's UK investment team.

Conder, who will join Goodwin's real estate capital markets practice in London when he has served out his notice period at Linklaters, focuses on commercial real estate transactions, including M&A, development funding and leasing.

He has served as real estate relationship partner for international investors including German, Middle Eastern and Asian funds, and has worked with clients including Lend Lease and Istithmar. He was made up to partner at the magic circle firm in 2005.

London office chair David Evans (pictured), who joined the US firm from Ashurst last year and is now charged with executing London expansion, said: "Joe's presence, added to our existing London corporate, hospitality and funds capabilities, will enable us to leverage Goodwin's broad range of real estate and hospitality relationships in North America and better serve our growing EMEA client base."

The news comes seven months after Goodwin effectively relaunched its London office with the hire of Ashurst's European real estate funds chief Evans and fellow real estate funds partner Samantha Lake Coghlan.

Goodwin's sole London partner Brian Smith died in early 2011, with real estate partner Mike Glazer subsequently relocating to London to oversee the relaunch, resulting in the hire of the Ashurst duo.