Shoosmiths has appointed residential development specialist Steven Plummer as a partner to strengthen its national Real Estate offering and strategic land capability.

Published: 18 May 2026

Steven joins Shoosmiths from Gateley and brings extensive experience advising PLC housebuilders, landowners and developers on complex residential development and strategic land matters, including high-value acquisitions, disposals and portfolio transactions. He is also experienced in dealing with build to rent transactions and funding arrangements for development site acquisitions.

His appointment supports Shoosmiths’ continued investment in its Real Estate practice and wider Living sector offering as part of the firm’s 2030 growth strategy.

Joseph Mazzuca, partner and head of Real Estate division head at Shoosmiths, said: “Steven is a highly regarded lawyer with an excellent reputation in the residential development market and deep expertise in strategic land. He brings a strong national presence and trusted relationships with major housebuilders, developers, landowners and other key stakeholders across the sector. His arrival further strengthens our national residential development offering at a time of continued demand from clients across the living and housebuilding sectors.

“Alongside his technical expertise, Steven brings a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach which aligns strongly with Shoosmiths’ culture and the way we work across teams and sectors to deliver the best outcomes for clients. His appointment reflects our continued focus on investing in high-calibre lateral hires who strengthen our three core pillars and will help to deliver on the firm’s ambitious 2030 growth strategy.”

Commenting on his appointment, Steven Plummer said: “Shoosmiths has a clear vision for growth, an outstanding reputation in the residential development market and a genuinely collaborative culture.

“The firm’s sector-focused approach and national platform present a significant opportunity to continue building strong client relationships and support housebuilders, developers and landowners on projects across the UK. I am looking forward to joining the firm, collaborating with its specialist teams and contributing toward its continued success.”

Steven’s appointment follows a series of strategic hires and promotions across Shoosmiths’ wider Real Estate, Planning and Construction practices, including the appointment of Sarah Fitzpatrick as partner and head of planning, the arrivals of partners, Andrew Miles, Peter Stockhill and Simon Collis, and the promotion of Matt Nixon to partner in London.