Koltai will join the firm in early 2012 from Blakes. He is recommended as a leading real estate lawyer by Chambers Global.  

Koltai advises major domestic and international corporations, sovereign wealth funds, foreign pension funds, domestic and foreign private investors, institutional funds, funds investors and investment managers, with a particular focus on cross border real estate transactions. 

With increased interest over recent years from global real estate investors into the growth markets of Australia and Asia, Koltai has been involved in significant transactions including a number of iconic assets.

Tony Holland, managing partner Australia said the new recruit's experience advising domestic and international companies, advisors and investors is a perfect fit with the firm's vision.

"The depth of the market for investment grade and securitised real estate in Australia is considered a major draw card for foreign investors, and is likely to remain a major source of significant transactional opportunities. His experience representing a number of major domestic and global real estate investors further enhances our capability in what is a key area of focus for our Real Estate practice."

Alastair Da Costa, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Emerging Markets said the appointment will be "transformational" for the firm's real estate practice in the Asia Pacific region, "particularly given his strong reputation in the market and significant domestic and cross-border experience". 

This latest appointment follows the recent announcement that Simon Cookson will join DLA Piper later this year as London head of real estate.  He was formerly Ashurst’s head of European real estate and his appointment demonstrates the global firm's ongoing investment in its real estate practice as part of its strategy to be the leading global business law firm.