Exclusive: BCLP boosts private equity real estate bench with Gibson Dunn hire

BCLP has added to its London real estate bench with the hire of private equity real estate partner Claibourne Harrison from Gibson Dunn. 

Harrison made partner at Gibson Dunn in 2022. Dual-qualified in Texas and England & Wales, he advises private equity and investment firms on cross-border investments and transactions in the real estate space.

The hire comes as part of a busy period for corporate real estate moves in London as firms position themselves to capture growing private capital investment into European real estate and infrastructure assets.

In February, Mayer Brown brought in Taylor Wessing partner duo Victoria Butcher and Mark Rajbenbach, part of a wider uptick in sector moves across the City.

For Gibson Dunn, Harrison’s exit follows the departure of private equity real estate partner Jeremy Kenley to Latham in November.

The firm had bolstered its own real estate bench last year with a pair of high-profile hires from A&O Shearman - Hayden Cameron and real estate finance specialist Mark Manson-Bahr.

A pillar of London real estate

Long known for its strength in real estate, Harrison cited the depth and quality of BCLP’s existing offering in London as a driving force behind his move. 

“BCLP is a top‑tier, well‑recognised firm, and its international, full‑service offering allows us to support clients through the entire lifecycle of a deal,” he said.

Nazir Dewji, the firm’s real estate department leader, said: “Clai’s arrival underlines our commitment to continue to grow a market‑leading global real estate platform.

"He brings deep private equity experience and additional knowledge to the team, in an area where we are seeing increasing client demand for our full spectrum real estate strategy.”