Charles Russell is first to hire estate agent as consultant

City firm Charles Russell has claimed to be the first commercial law firm to recruit an estate agent as a property buying consultant.

Richard Crosthwaite, formerly a partner at Knight Frank and head of its West End residential office in London, will be working with lawyers in the firm's private property group.His role will be to act for clients throughout the buying process - handing over to the lawyers once terms have been agreed - and continuing to advise on their property portfolios and deal with their managing agents, something Ian Cooke, head of the private property group, said would be of particular benefit to overseas investors.'From the feedback we've had from clients, this is going to be a huge benefit to both our UK and foreign clients,' Mr Cooke said.Mr Crosthwaite added: 'After someone buys a property, they will still need legal advice in the future: for example if they want to buy the freehold, lease it out, and eventually sell it.

Being a part of Charles Russell means that I can now offer clients not only independent property advice, but also top-class legal services.'Victoria MacCallum