As part of the firm's growth strategy in Europe, global top 100 law firm, Gowling WLG, has recruited leading real estate lawyer Nicolas Deuerling to join its expanding Frankfurt office. Nicolas Deuerling will be joined by his team of a counsel (Matthias Fischer) and two associates (Kai-Steffen Knapp and Susanne Schaad) to strengthen the firm's real estate practice in Germany, led by Dr. Wolfram Paetzold. All are joining from Ashurst.

Nicolas specialises in advising national and international clients on complex real estate transactions, along with property finance and project development. He also advises on distressed real estate transactions.

Dr. Wolfram Paetzold, Head of Gowling WLG's German Real Estate, said: "The addition of Nicolas and his team will further boost the growing German Real Estate practice. Nicolas is very experienced and enjoys a fantastic reputation. I know him as a leading market player with excellent reputation for many years and look forward to having our clients excel together."

Nicolas stated: "I am absolutely thrilled about our move to Gowling WLG. The energy, enthusiasm and team spirit that the firm brings to the table is truly inspiring. I look forward to this exciting new chapter and the opportunities it will bring."

This latest recruitment, part of a wider strategy of expansion on an international level and growth in Germany will see a German practice consisting of 12 partners and nearly 40 lawyers in total as well as business services and staff. The Frankfurt office has only opened in May last year and, together with the teams in Stuttgart and Munich, advises across corporate/M&A, capital markets, real estate, finance, dispute resolution, IP and employment. The Gowling WLG German team has been shortlisted in The Lawyer European Awards 2024 – Law Firm of the Year: Germany.

Dr. Daniel Perlzweig, Member of the International Board of Gowling WLG and Director of International Development, commented: "We continue to develop our team in Germany across Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich as part of our European and international strategic growth initiative. We're thrilled for Nicolas and his team to join us, so closely after welcoming Nils Kupka in September, again on time and on target with our international growth ambitions on our path to build market leading and high-end services across jurisdictions, sectors and practice areas securing long-term success of our growing client base.""

Gowling WLG has more than 1,500 legal professionals in 20 cities worldwide.