Global law firm K&L Gates has added Diane Skapinker as a real estate partner in its Sydney office. She joins K&L Gates from Gilbert + Tobin.

Skapinker focuses her practice on property developments, strata and community titling, acquisitions, disposals, and leasing. She regularly advises on the property aspects of telecommunications and infrastructure projects.

Skapinker commented: “There is considerable change in Australia’s real estate market, most notably in increasing investor demand from Asia. Australia’s property market is more closely connected with foreign markets than ever before and it makes sense to offer my clients a globally integrated platform that can service their legal needs wherever they do business.”

“A leading authority in property law and former Associate Professor of Property Law at Sydney University, Diane is highly regarded in the marketplace,” stated Nick Nichola, K&L Gates’ Managing Partner, Australia. “Her appointment further strengthens our real estate practice and we are excited to welcome Diane to the partnership.”

Skapinker is joined in her move by special counsel Vicki Aron. Their arrival follows the recent additions of Sydney partner Naomi Pearce in the firm’s intellectual property practice and Brisbane corporate and transactional partner Jeremy Prentice.