UK law firm TLT has announced the appointment of Jonathan O’Hagan as partner in its national Real Estate team, further expanding its capacity to meet rising demand for cross-jurisdictional expertise. Based in the firm’s Belfast office, Jonathan’s arrival aligns with TLT’s strategic growth plans across the UK and Ireland.

Joining from DWF, Jonathan brings more than a decade of experience in the commercial real estate sector. He holds legal qualifications in the Republic of Ireland, England and Wales, and Northern Ireland, enabling him to advise clients on complex matters involving multiple jurisdictions.

Throughout his career, Jonathan has managed a wide range of commercial real estate, corporate, and finance transactions, often with significant cross-border elements. His work has spanned from advising SMEs to representing multinational corporations and financial institutions. Notably, his portfolio includes acting for corporate occupiers in the retail and office sectors, as well as handling real estate financing for major energy projects in Ireland.

At TLT, Jonathan will deliver strategic and commercially driven real estate advice to a diverse client base, including international investment funds, banks, global retail brands, and public sector bodies.

His appointment follows a period of continued growth for TLT’s UK-wide real estate practice, which has recently welcomed Kay Desai in January, and Colin Brown and Neal Bhattacharyya in May and June respectively.

Maria Connolly, Partner and Head of Real Estate and Future Energy at TLT, said: “The commercial real estate market is active with inflationary pressures easing and overall occupier demand and investor confidence increasing in the first quarter of this year.

Our retail sector clients in particular are increasingly coming to us for advice as they seek to capitalise on opportunities. Jonathan’s expertise in the real estate market will be invaluable in supporting clients as they navigate the trends ahead. We are pleased to welcome him to the team.”

Jonathan O’Hagan, Partner at TLT, commented: “Many of my clients, both in the UK and Ireland, are seeking to take advantage of emerging trends such as the increasing prominence of green building practices, or the accelerating diversification of retail spaces.

TLT has built a strong and exciting client portfolio, and its ambition is clear to see. I am pleased to be joining such a dynamic firm at such a pivotal moment for the market, and to be working alongside clients and colleagues as they prepare for what comes next.”