Non‑Billable Features Edwards Gibson on the City’s Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) Hiring Rally
We’re delighted that Edwards Gibson’s market intelligence was featured in Non‑Billable’s latest article: “How corporate real estate became the City’s latest talent war” by Rachel Scepanovic. The piece explores how private capital is transforming real assets into one of London’s most competitive hiring arenas - and our data provided the backbone for this analysis.
Drawing on our tracking of partner moves, the article highlights that 14 senior corporate real estate hires have taken place in London so far this year, with private equity real estate (PERE) moves driving much of the activity.
The piece also notes that activity has roughly doubled each year over the past five years, reflecting how private capital and real‑asset strategies are reshaping demand for specialist legal talent.
Our director, Scott Gibson, offered insight into why this niche is booming:
"Private equity is a fairly flooded marketplace. Private equity real estate has historically been less fashionable and as a reflection, is under-lawyered compared with other areas of private equity."
The article analyses how as firms pivot to treat real estate like any other asset class in global private markets portfolios, legal teams are restructuring to match. What was once a niche dominated by US sponsor-focused firms is now a battleground for every major player in London.
Gibson adds a note of caution about future growth:
"I don’t anticipate it [senior PERE moves] expanding at the same rate, but there is no sign of reduction of interest in this area."
Only time – and our Law Firm Partner Moves in London reports – will tell… Watch out for our 90th edition coming out soon.
Read the full Non-Billable post here.