Leading real estate lawyer Nicholas Cowie today becomes part of Herbert Smith Freehills’ market-leading Australian real estate practice, joining the firm’s team in Sydney.
Nicholas has worked across a range of significant and complex property matters for high-profile and diverse clients across the Asia Pacific region for more than two decades. He joins the firm from Allens where he has worked for 21 years, 18 as partner.
“I’m absolutely delighted to join Herbert Smith Freehills’ exceptional real estate team and I’m really looking forward to working with the firm’s highly talented lawyers on some of the most complex and landscape-changing transactions in the domestic and international real estate sectors,” Nicholas said.
Herbert Smith Freehills’ Head of Real Estate, Australia and Asia, David Sinn said Nicholas was a valuable addition to the team.
“Nicholas has a strong Asia Pacific practice and an excellent reputation for outstanding technical legal skills and exceptional client service,” David said.
“As one of the key sector groups of the firm globally, the real estate sector group is able to provide global clients with corporate and funds management knowledge and expertise, in addition to direct real estate expertise. Nicholas has this experience and will complement the skill set and transactional capability of the team," David said.
Nicholas’ arrival comes as the real estate sector is experiencing a period of strong growth, both in Asia Pacific and around the world.
“There is an increase in demand for prime assets in Sydney and Melbourne. Foreign investors are also looking for advice around changes to Australia’s foreign investment regime and how to form partnerships with local associates when acquiring assets.
“In Asia, emerging economies are creating increased investment opportunities after experiencing strong industry growth over the past five years,” David said.
About Herbert Smith Freehills
Operating from over 26 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America, Herbert Smith Freehills is at the heart of the new global business landscape providing premium quality, full-service legal advice. We provide many of the world’s most important organisations with access to market-leading dispute resolution, projects and transactional legal advice, combined with expertise in a number of global industry sectors, including energy, natural resources, infrastructure and financial services. www.herbertsmithfreehills.com
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