Ashurst Ashurst

Ashurst has boosted its real estate practice in London with the hire of Hogan Lovells head of planning. 

Claire Dutch, who joined legacy Lovells in 1999 and was made up to partner in 2007, joins Ashurst's real estate practice to co-head the planning team.

Having headed up Hogan Lovells' planning team for the last two years, Dutch's practice focuses on all aspects of planning law, energy and waste projects.

Her recent work includes advising British Land on the redevelopment of its Paddington Central Campus, and she also acts as vice-chair of the British Property Federation Planning Committee. 

Ashurst's head of U.K. real estate Melanie Jordan said: "We are delighted to welcome Claire to the firm and have every confidence that she will play a significant role in growing the planning and broader real estate practice both in London and globally."

A spokesperson for Hogan Lovells said: "Claire has decided to leave the firm to join Ashurst. We would like to thank her for her contribution to Hogan Lovells and the London real estate planning practice."

Earlier this month, Ashurst appointed Anna-Marie Slot as its first global sustainability head, following the likes of Freshfields and Dentons, which have both made similar moves to up their sustainability credentials.

Hogan Lovells will soon usher in Hong Kong-based finance partner and Asia-Pacific and Middle East chief executive Miguel Zaldivar to succeed Steve Immelt as its new CEO.