Clifford Chance has bolstered its Australian real estate bench, poaching Stuart Dixon-Smith from Mallesons along with a team of five lawyers who’ve worked closely with him.

Dixon-Smith brings extensive experience advising on complex transactions and urban regeneration projects, working with developers, lenders and investors across the full lifecycle of major property and infrastructure developments.

Based in Sydney, he’ll work alongside recently promoted partner Rebecca Elgar to lead Clifford Chance’s growing Australian real estate group. The team recently advised student accommodation provider Scape Australia on its $3.85bn acquisition of Aveo Group, the largest direct real estate transaction in Aussie history.

Australia managing partner Mark Currell pointed to broader sector momentum.

“Australia's strong market fundamentals, combined with the rapid expansion of real estate-intensive sectors such as energy and digital infrastructure, continue to drive investor demand. Stuart's arrival significantly enhances our capability in this space and supports our strategic growth ambitions in Australia.”

The hire builds on Clifford Chance’s recent Australian growth, following the appointments of counsel Rebecca Davie to lead Environment & Planning, Katie Joukadjian to head Transactional Construction, and Liz Humphry and Brett Cohen as M&A partners in Perth.

Source: Clifford Chance