Real estate sector strengthened as David Seymour and Will Bryant are appointed by Freshfields to bolster their offerings in this field.
In a strategic move to strengthen its global capabilities in the real estate sector, Freshfields, a leading global law firm, has appointed David Seymour and Will Bryant as private equity real estate lawyers in London. The lawyers, who specialize in cross-border transactions, will advise primarily European and global private equity real estate funds, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices, and operating partners.
Seymour and Bryant bring over a decade of industry experience to Freshfields, having previously worked at Ropes & Gray in London. Seymour became a partner at Ropes & Gray in 2016, while Bryant followed suit in 2021. Prior to that, both lawyers were associates at Slaughter and May.
The lawyers will work closely with senior leaders in Freshfields’ Global Real Assets and Private Equity real estate teams, including Alexander Watt, Niko Schultz-Suechting, and James Scott. Their appointment supports Freshfields’ strategy to expand its global private capital real estate offering, especially given the rising complexity and cross-border nature of real estate transactions driven by market diversification and evolving investor needs.
David Seymour and Will Bryant are recognized for their expertise working with private capital investors and advising on complex real estate investments worldwide. Their industry experience covers major sectors such as data centers, logistics, major retail, and social and educational investments.
Alexander Watt, co-head of Freshfields' Global Real Assets, noted that the appointments of David and Will are aimed at enhancing the firm's strength in London and global capabilities to meet the evolving needs of clients. Niko Schultz-Suechting, Global Real Estate Head at Freshfields, also commented that these strategic moves are essential to strengthen Freshfields' global capabilities in the real estate sector, given the increase in the complexity and cross-border nature of real estate transactions.
The changes are driven by factors such as shifting work patterns, generational shifts, interest rates, increased construction costs, and the need to adapt buildings to ESG requirements. As the real estate sector continues to undergo rapid change, Freshfields is well-positioned to advise on these complex transactions with the addition of Seymour and Bryant to its team.
In summary, David Seymour and Will Bryant bring a wealth of experience to Freshfields, specializing in cross-border transactions and advising various clients in the real estate sector. Their appointment supports Freshfields’ strategy to expand its global private capital real estate offering and strengthen its capabilities in the London market.
The lawyers, David Seymour and Will Bryant, will be advising primarily European and global private equity real estate funds at Freshfields, demonstrating their deep expertise in complex real estate investments worldwide. As private equity real estate lawyers, they will collaborate with the global real assets and private equity real estate teams at Freshfields, such as Alexander Watt and Niko Schultz-Suechting, to expand the firm's private capital real estate offerings and strengthen its capabilities in the London market.
