Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has expanded its Real Estate Practice in London by adding Patrick Williams and Freya Dear as shareholders. The appointments strengthen the firm's capabilities in advising investors, developers, funds, and other market participants on complex real estate transactions across the U.K. and Europe. This strategic growth follows the firm being named Real Estate Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards on June 16.

Williams joined the firm from Fried Frank on June 10, while Dear will join after the completion of her notice period. Their arrival, along with the recent addition of Simon Elliott from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, underscores Greenberg Traurig's commitment to building a leading real estate platform in London. The firm has made more than 20 shareholder hires in London since the start of 2024.

Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum stated that London is a cornerstone of the firm's strategy and an increasingly important hub for cross-border investment. He emphasized that the new hires bring exceptional experience and client relationships that will enhance the firm's ability to serve clients globally.

Executive Vice President and London office Managing Shareholder Fiona Adams highlighted the firm's significant expansion in recent years. She noted that the new shareholders bring outstanding credentials and extensive experience in cross-border mandates, further strengthening the firm's ability to support clients on significant matters.

Global Real Estate Funds Practice Co-Chair Steven Cowins added that the market demands sophisticated advice across the real estate life cycle. He stated that Williams and Dear bring exceptional experience advising investors and developers, enhancing the firm's capabilities across asset classes and jurisdictions.

Williams advises institutional investors, private equity sponsors, fund managers, developers, and family offices on corporate-structured acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, and property financings. His experience spans sectors including build-to-rent, multifamily, office, retail, hospitality, and life sciences. Dear advises institutional investors, developers, and corporate landlords on acquisitions, disposals, major city lettings, joint ventures, and financings.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400.

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has strengthened its Finance Practice in New Jersey with the appointment of Ethan R. Buttner as of counsel. The addition aims to enhance the firm's ability to advise financial institutions on complex commercial matters, regulatory compliance, and asset servicing transactions. Buttner brings extensive experience from his previous role as Senior Vice President and Counsel – Asset Servicing at The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY).

Buttner represents major financial institutions in complex commercial matters, regulatory compliance, and asset servicing transactions. His practice focuses on advising on custody, fund accounting and administration, transfer agency services for registered investment companies and exchange-traded products, and middle-office operational transactions. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, he defended financial institutions in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts across New York and New Jersey, handling individual and class action lawsuits involving consumer financial products.

During his tenure at BNY, Buttner negotiated complex commercial contracts across multiple business segments and supported mergers and acquisitions. His responsibilities included due diligence reviews, purchase agreement negotiations, and the development of form agreements for various service lines. He also contributed to the launch of digital asset services.

Greenberg Traurig New Jersey Co-Managing Shareholders David Jay and David W. Oppenheim stated that Buttner's blend of in-house, transactional, and litigation experience will further strengthen the firm's advisory capabilities. They highlighted his practical perspective on commercial arrangements, regulatory and asset servicing work, and litigation involving financial products.

Buttner expressed his goal to complement Greenberg Traurig's team with his experience in asset servicing, regulatory, and transactional work. He looks forward to collaborating with financial-services-focused attorneys, including Nathan Iacovino, to enhance support for financial institutions. Buttner earned his J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and dual B.A. degrees in political science and history from Rowan University.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" and is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400.