Law firm Brabners has appointed David Cole, a strategic land and development specialist, as a partner in its real estate group, based primarily in Leeds, the firm announced on 21 October 2026.
Cole joins the firm’s real estate development team and will work for clients and on projects across the UK. Brabners said he advises promoters, developers, landowners and investors on strategic land and development, from site acquisition and assembly through development to disposal, and that he is recognised by Legal 500.
A run of Leeds hires
Brabners said Cole’s arrival follows several senior appointments to its Leeds office in recent months: real estate partners Susan Samuel and Matt Ramsden, property disputes and litigation partner Jennifer Leah, and insolvency and restructuring partner Helen Bates. The firm also made six new partners earlier in 2026, taking its partnership to more than 100.
Its real estate group has a team of 120 advising on development, investment and asset management across the UK, according to the firm.
Cole said: “Being part of one of the largest real estate teams in the North with expertise spanning the full development lifecycle means that our clients can access specialist advice at every stage of a project.”
Nik White, managing partner, said Cole “brings a well-established national practice and a strong reputation, giving our real estate group and Leeds based team deeper capability”.
Elsewhere in Leeds property, the Financial Conduct Authority has agreed to take two floors at 2 Wellington Place. More appointments are in our people section.