Four international property lawyers from England and Ireland have joined forces to set up a practice that will offer advice on property-buying in 31 countries.


The International Law Partnership, has been founded by John Howell and Peter Esders of John Howell & Co in London, Tom McGrath from Tom McGrath & Associates in Ireland, and Graham Platt, former French property conveyancer at Fox Hayes in Leeds.


The new firm will be based at offices in London, Dublin and Leeds and employ around 50 lawyers, support staff and paralegals. It aims to serve clients throughout the UK and Ireland buying property overseas in, among other places, Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, Dubai and the US.


After its official launch on 1 September 2006, the firm will extend its reach to include Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.


Mr Platt said: 'Our long-term plan is to create the highest concentration of best lawyers on the overseas property market, offering over 70 years of experience and excellent knowledge in law and tax issues.'


Mr Howell added: 'As the range of countries where one can buy property expands, our strength in numbers will enable us to keep on top of new legislative developments in each market and provide the best advice accordingly.'


Catherine Baksi