King & Wood Mallesons SJ Berwin's real estate partner David Ryland has left the firm after 25 years in the partnership to join US outfit Paul Hastings.

Ryland joined legacy SJ Berwin in 1981 and was made up as partner in 1988. His practice focuses on commercial real estate with particular emphasis on UK and European property funds, property finance, hotel transactions and development.

Ryland, who will join the US firm's City real estate team, has represented a number of high-profile clients in recent years, including Shroders, Starwood Capital, Invesco and the Hilton Group.