Hire and promotions boost Shoosmiths Real Estate and Corporate teams

National law firm Shoosmiths has announced a boost to its Real Estate and Corporate teams in Scotland with news of two promotions and a partner lateral hire.

Sheelagh Cooley, a specialist in real estate finance who joined Shoosmiths as a senior associate in 2014, has been promoted to partner, one of 13 such promotions across the firm. Lateral hire Barry McKeown, a residential development and investment specialist, has also joined as a partner in the team.  Most recently a partner with gunnercooke in London and before that with Dentons and legacy firm Maclay Murray & Spens, he brings experience in advising UK plcs, property funds and large private corporates.

Corporate solicitor Jen Paton has been promoted to senior associate and will focus on an expanding M&A remit within the Edinburgh corporate team led by partner Alison Gilson.

Janette Speed, partner and head of Shoosmiths' office in Scotland, commented: "I am delighted to welcome both Sheelagh and Barry to the partnership in Scotland and congratulate Jen on her well deserved promotion. These appointments reflect Shoosmiths’ strategy to develop its presence in Scotland and to provide its growing blue-chip client base with the highest quality of advice."