Browne Jacobson

Browne Jacobson has expanded its property team in Birmingham with the recruitment of three specialists.

Partner Zo Hoida (pictured, left) has joined the firm after three years with the Birmingham office of Weightmans. She is highly experienced in commercial property matters, and offers particular expertise in public sector regeneration projects. She is also the director of the England China Business Forum, and works with a number of Chinese investors.

Brian Hession (right) spent almost four years with Shoosmiths. He specialises in large-scale commercial and mixed-use property development, investment, funding and leasing, and also has experience advising on high-value real estate portfolio acquisitions.

The third newcomer, Natalie Moustache, qualified in 2016 and joins after almost two years with Anthony Collins Solicitors in Birmingham. She focuses on commercial landlord and tenant issues, including business lease renewals, boundary disputes and vacant possessions, as well as advising retail sector clients on contentious matters.

The head of the Birmingham office, Michael Stace, said: ‘We are seeing record levels of development activity across both commercial and residential sectors and the arrivals of HSBC, the Paradise Circus development, staging the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the eventual arrival of HS2 means Birmingham is attracting unprecedented levels of interest and attention, both home and abroad. The real estate sector is a major growth area for the firm and we feel now is the right time for make further investments in Birmingham.

‘Attracting high calibre and talented lawyers is a testament to our growing reputation, stellar client portfolio and the quality of work we are undertaking.’

Dominic Swift, the head of the property team, added: ‘Zo, Brian and Natalie are joining us at an incredibly busy period.

'Both Brian and Zo have impressive track records in delivering high quality work on large commercial projects and their excellent credentials will further strengthen our team. We are committed to investing in and nurturing great local talent so we are delighted that Natalie has also chosen to develop her career with us at this very exciting time.’