Gibson Dunn lands PE real estate partner from Jones Day

Private equity real estate partner Chris Slack has left Jones Day to join Gibson Dunn in London as City firms continue to compete for corporate real estate talent.

Slack, who arrives at Gibson Dunn after more than 13 years at Jones Day, will work closely with the firm’s funds offering while sitting in the real estate department. 

He advises on real estate capital raising matters, including funds, co-investments, joint ventures, and secondaries transactions.

The firm said the hire is part of an effort to invest in real estate and highlighted Slack’s experience advising on matters where real estate, private capital, and fund-related strategies meet.

Last year, the US firm hired real estate partners Mark Manson-Bahr and Hayden Cameron and investment funds partner James O’Donnell in London. It has also seen exits, with Jeremy Kenley moving to Latham, and Claibourne Harrison joining BCLP.

Appetite for private equity real estate talent remains high in the City - private capital activity across European real estate assets is up, and the pool of legal specialists is relatively small.

What they said

“Chris’ multi-disciplinary experience is an asset to the firm,” said Gibson Dunn’s real estate co-chair Eric Feuerstein.

“He brings a unique combination of real estate and investment funds experience that reflects the evolving needs of our real estate clients not only in London but across Europe, the Middle East, and other markets. 

“His ability to bridge these critical substantive areas will further enhance our support for clients across transactions involving sophisticated real estate capital structures, fund platforms, and cross‑border investment strategies.”