Law firm Morrison & Foerster has appointed Luke Mines as partner in the firm’s global Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) practice in London.
Mines, who comes to Morrison & Foerster from Reed Smith, brings to the firm extensive experience in complex, multi-jurisdictional real estate transactions. He is the second partner to join the firm’s newly established London PERE practice since the start of the year, following the arrival in January 2019 of Oliver s’Jacob, also from Reed Smith.
“Luke’s practice is a great fit for the firm and aligns well with the needs of our real estate-focused corporate, funds and private equity clients in Asia and the US,” says Eric Piesner, Asia managing partner and one of the global leaders of the PERE practice. “Luke and Oliver have worked together successfully for years, and we are delighted that they will now operate as a team at MoFo.”
Mines’ practice focuses on advising investors and other industry participants on complex deals in the real estate sector. His experience spans indirect acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, club deals, asset management work, major development work, and restructurings involving underlying real estate assets or real estate-focused businesses. Mines has significant experience in a wide range of real estate sectors, including office, logistics, retail, student accommodation, hotels and residential, across a number of jurisdictions.
“Luke is the third lateral partner we have welcomed in London since the start of 2019, and I’m delighted that, with his arrival, we have been able to expand our new London Private Equity Real Estate practice so quickly,” says Paul Friedman, Morrison & Foerster’s managing partner for Europe. “Oliver has been with us for a few weeks only, but we have already seen a very enthusiastic reaction from many of the firm’s real estate clients. Luke’s arrival will enhance the opportunities for a robust launch of this important practice.”
Mines has acted for some of the world’s largest private equity real estate firms, alternative investment funds, their operating partners, developers, sovereign investors, public pension plans, REITs, and listed property funds. “I am excited to be part of Morrison & Foerster’s Global Private Equity Real Estate practice, and to work closely again with Oliver to further build the firm’s capabilities in London,” says Mines. “The firm’s highly successful Real Estate practice made it a very attractive proposition for me to join and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in the US, Asia and Europe.”
Mines is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales.