Wragge & Co appoints new real estate partner in Paris

Wragge & Co has added a new partner to its Paris office. Public law, projects and real estate expert Bruno Richard joins the firm on 13 September 2010, taking the total number of Paris partners to 11 and the total number of real estate partners to 32.

Senior partner Quentin Poole said: "We have made a superb start in Paris and are working hard providing clients with excellent advice and support. With a strong track record acting for both French and international clients on the planning, environment and construction elements of major projects and developments, Bruno is the perfect addition to the team."

Bruno Richard specialises in administrative and public law, environmental law, construction and town planning. He advises public and private companies, real estate investment funds and developers on a full range of public law issues.

Career highlights include acting for Fayat Group and Eiffage on high-profile, complex disputes. He also acted for Iberdrola Renovables and Spie Batignolles, advising on major projects including the refurbishment of the Saint-Lazare railway station in Paris.

Bruno Richard said: "The Wragge & Co team includes some of the best real estate lawyers in the market. This reputation for quality, plus their entrepreneurial and ambitious attitude, makes them a very attractive proposition. I'm looking forward to playing a big part in developing Wragge & Co's reputation in France and further afield."

Admitted to the bar in 1995, Bruno Richard became a Rambaud Martel partner in 2000, joining Orrick when the firms merged in 2006. At Wragge & Co he will be part of the firm's full-service Real Estate group, working closely with associates Valérie Moskal-Deniau and Betty Viau.

As well as expanding in Paris, Wragge & Co has added another high-profile real estate lawyer to its full-service, international real estate practice. Former Macfarlanes partner Tim Steele has joined the firm in London. He acts for property investors and developers on a range of town centre, office and residential developments.

Wragge & Co opened its Paris office in April 2010, offering commercial legal advice from some of France's leading lawyers. With 11 partners and 23 other lawyers in Paris, the team offers clients a comprehensive service on the ground supported by 1,000 people in the UK, Germany and China.

The firm's 150-lawyer Real Estate group operates as one team from offices in Birmingham, London and Paris. This 'single team' model ensures clients receive consistently excellent and cost-effective commercial legal advice where and how they want it.

Highlights from the past 12 months include a £190 million real estate investment deal, a £300 million joint venture between St. Modwen and Persimmon, a £400 million regeneration project and two new social housing clients. The firm also appointed three new real estate directors – Julia McNaught (residential development), Nisha Jassal (commercial development and investment) and Helen Emmerson (retail).