Linklaters' UK head of real estate Anne Byrne has resigned from the firm, it has emerged, with the news coming after the departures of a number of other real estate partners from the magic circle firm.

Byrne, who resigned two months ago, has led the firm's UK real estate practice since the start of 2011. She succeeded global and UK head Patrick Plant, who stood down following two terms in the role, the maximum allowed at the magic circle firm.

Linklaters has appointed London partner Andy Bruce to replace Byrne as UK head of real estate. Bruce, who has advised clients including National Grid and InterContinental Hotels, focuses on the acquisition, funding, development and letting of all types of commercial property in the UK and continental Europe.

Byrne, who trained at Linklaters, moved to legacy Addleshaw Goddard firm Addleshaw Sons & Latham in 1994, before rejoining the magic circle firm a year later and making partner in 2001. Her next destination is as yet unknown.

Headline deals she has handled during her time at Links include the £340m development and pre-let of the UBS headquarters on London's Broadgate Estate in 2010, while she also led a team advising Development Securities on the £2bn Wood Wharf project in 2004.

The news comes after fellow Linklaters real estate partners Huw Baker and Julian Innes-Taylor left the firm to join LG alongside Herbert Smith real estate partner Clare Fielding.

In a statement, Linklaters said: "We thank Anne for her work at the firm and wish her well. Linklaters is totally committed to its London real estate practice. We've strength in depth at both partner and associate levels. Our real estate sector offering, which includes market leaders in all aspects of our work, remains a strong one, both in London and globally."