Burges Salmon has been named as the sole adviser on book chain Waterstones' retail property portfolio.

The firm, which won the role after a competitive process, will hold the role until 2016.

Pitches for the mandate were led by Burges Salmon head of real estate Richard Clark, with support from associates qualified in Northern Irish and Scottish law among the team.

Burges Salmon will advise the iconic retailer on issues related to property management including include contentious and non-contentious real estate asset management and sales, purchases and lettings.

Waterstones general counsel Richard Manning said a key factor of the appointment was the firm's ability to advise on real estate law in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Waterstones head of property Chris Scourfield added: ""As a business we are currently undergoing a transformation with significant change and investment, and we are looking forward to working with Richard and his team to achieve our strategic objectives during this exciting time for Waterstones."

Clark said: "Waterstones is a strong brand with a dynamic business plan, and to be associated with such a company further boosts our growing presence in the retail sector."

Waterstones, which operates around 280 retail stores across the UK and Ireland, is currently carrying out an extensive property refurbishment programme.

Law firms recently acting for Waterstones include Taylor Wessing, which advised on the £53m sale of the retailer by HMV to buyer A&NN Capital Fund Managament in 2011.