Lent joins from Gowling WLG, where he was a partner and co-led the firm’s real estate finance practice, as well as leading the firm’s healthcare and hotel finance practices.

Alongside Lent, the firm has appointed Bradley Silver as a director in the real estate practice in London and two senior associates, Beatrice Sidi and Andrea Zemenides, in the financial services practice. All three also join from Gowling WLG.

Lent specialises in real estate finance, advising banks, debt funds and alternative lenders, as well as investors, developers, listed corporates and private equity funds, on real estate finance transactions in the UK and across Europe.

'We welcome Jon and his team to London,' said Paula Laird, leader of the financial services practice in EMEA. 'Jon is a versatile finance lawyer with a successful track record across the full spectrum of real estate finance.

'His additional expertise includes advising on Islamic-compliant investment and development deals, restructuring distressed real estate debt, and loan-on-loan and loan-to-own transactions.'

Matt Dalzell, head of the European real estate practice group, said: 'This is a significant addition to our real estate offering.

'The additional resources and skills Jon and the team bring will enhance our client services, and the significant sector experience in hospitality and leisure, senior living and student accommodation complements our strong credentials and appetite for expansion in these areas.'

Commenting on his appointment, Lent said, 'I am delighted to be joining Squire Patton Boggs. The talented team there has strong relationships with diverse lenders, investors and developers, and deep sector knowledge, making it an ideal platform to expand the practice.'