The announcement follows the recent news that Forsters is to move to new headquarters at 22 Baker Street in the heart of Marylebone in late 2023, coinciding with the firm’s 25th Anniversary, the firm added.

Natasha Rees joined Forsters from Pinsent Masons in 2001 and became a partner in 2008. Until March this year, Rees was head of the property litigation team. She is widely recognised as a leader in this field – particularly in the area of residential disputes and leasehold enfranchisement. 

Rees is taking over as senior partner from Smita Edwards, who has led the firm through a period of sustained growth and success during her eight-year term of office, the firm said. Edwards, who is one of the founding partners of Forsters, was head of the commercial real estate team from 1998 until 2003. She is one of the UK’s pre-eminent real estate lawyers, who maintains a Band 1 ranking in the latest edition of Chambers UK, the firm added. 

From September, she will return to full-time practice and to her diverse client base, which includes leading real estate investors, funders and developers.

In addition to the new office announcement, Forsters has recently promoted six senior associates to partner and four to counsel. This is the single largest round of promotions that the firm has recorded in its 24-year history. Forsters now has 65 Partners and 420 other members of staff.

Rees, said: “Through her visionary leadership, Smita leaves an outstanding legacy at Forsters and it is great news for our clients that she will continue to practise with us."