Shoosmiths is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Ward as a partner, continuing the build out of the firm’s core Real Estate practice.

Published: 2 July 2026

Joining from DWF, Charlotte brings over two decades of experience as an investment lawyer, with deep expertise in Real Estate investment, development and finance. Her practice focuses on complex and high value matters, including large-scale portfolio acquisitions, disposals and financings.

Charlotte’s client base spans developers, investors and financial institutions. Previous representation includes advising developers on the full life cycle of projects and leading multiple portfolio acquisitions, financing, forward fundings and re-gears for a REIT. Her work spans sectors, with a focus on industrials and logistics, offices, and consumer and retail.

Joe Mazzucca, Partner and Head of Shoosmiths' Real Estate Division, said: "Charlotte is a highly regarded investment lawyer with an exceptional track record and a strong institutional client base that aligns closely with our growth ambitions. Her appointment significantly strengthens Investment and Development practices and reflects our continued investment in Real Estate, one of Shoosmiths' three market-facing pillars, as part of our 2030 strategy. She is a proven team leader whose collaborative and inclusive approach is a natural cultural fit for Shoosmiths, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have across the firm."

Commenting on her appointment, Charlotte said: "Shoosmiths has a clear and ambitious vision for its Real Estate practice, and I'm thrilled to be joining such a strong team at an exciting point in the firm's growth. The firm's focus on high-value institutional work and its collaborative culture were immediately compelling, and I look forward to contributing to the firm's Real Estate offering across the UK and more widely."

Charlotte’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, Simon Collis and Steven Plummer and the promotion of Matt Nixon to partner in London.