Ashurst Perkins Coie has hired real estate litigation partner Sophie Schultz in London, its first lateral partner hire since officially completing its merger.
Schultz becomes the firm's ninth London lateral partner hire since the planned combination was announced in November 2025.
Ashurst Perkins Coie has hired real estate litigation partner Sophie Schultz in London from Stephenson Harwood, marking the newly combined firm's first lateral partner move since officially launching earlier this week.
Schultz joins the firm's UK real estate litigation practice, where she advises institutional investors, developers, funders, sovereign wealth funds and corporates on high-value property disputes.
She spent more than 11 years at Stephenson Harwood, making partner in 2017, with previous experience at legacy firm A&O in London.
The appointment comes just days after Ashurst and Perkins Coie formally completed their merger to create Ashurst Perkins Coie, a combined firm with more than 950 partners across 52 offices.
Post-merger investment
Schultz is the ninth lateral partner hired in London since the firms announced their plans to combine in November last year. HSF Kramer poached Ashurst's real estate disputes head Alison Hardy in June 2025.
Global head of real estate Sarah Sivyour said the appointment reflects “our continued investment in the growth of our real estate platform and our commitment to supporting clients through the most complex matters”.
"Her track record in navigating contentious issues across the real estate sector, and her collaborative approach with transactional teams, makes her a perfect fit for our global practice."
UK head of litigation Jon Gale added: "She enhances our bench strength in the UK and will play a key role in the continued growth of our contentious offering."
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