International real estate companies and asset managers feature prominently among the varied client roster at Dentons, who the firm is well placed to counsel on the acquisitions of other real estate companies. Volker Mergener is key in this regard. The group also advises on real estate portfolios which span asset classes, from residential to mixed use and commercial developments, in addition to advice on cross-border real estate transactions, and is well versed in financing structures. Real estate finance expert David Zafra Carollo and versatile real estate practitioner Sebastian de Schmidt oversee the team. Having been promoted to partner in April 2025, Jessica Vorster has been instrumental in many of the group’s high-volume portfolio transactions. Dirk-Reiner Voß stands out for real estate contract negotiations. René Dubois is another key name to note in the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team works in a seamless and integrated manner to the highest standards and to deadlines.’
- ‘Volker Mergener, a superbly knowledgeable and skilful lawyer with highest identification with the goals of his clients. He gives real advice with conviction and experience also from own experience on the business side, including litigation. This makes his advice on drafting and executing agreements all the way through to litigation invaluable.’
- ‘David Zafra Carollo is one of the most broadly skilled legal minds we've worked with, combining deep legal expertise with strategic clarity and sharp negotiation instincts. He’s not only exceptionally clever, but also decent, thoughtful and solution-driven — a valuable mix in demanding negotiations.'
- ‘Dentons’ real estate practice is highly dependable, exceptionally professional, and consistently delivers top-tier quality. We've been working together for over five years, and the team has continually impressed with their strategic advice, attention to detail, and seamless handling of complex matters. Compared to other firms, Dentons stands out through its pragmatic approach and depth of expertise.'
- 'The collaboration with the team at Dentons is outstanding. Each team member is highly qualified, and together they present a cohesive and well-balanced unit, both in their internal work and external perception. I have rarely seen such a strong team dynamic at any other firm. This makes Dentons truly unique. Their ability to collaborate seamlessly with our own team is exceptional, and I could not imagine a better partner in our legal work.'
- 'Working with David Zafra-Carollo is truly exceptional. He combines a high level of professionalism with a strong sense of partnership. As co-head of the real estate team, he leads his team with precision and a clear entrepreneurial mindset. David is highly focused, solution oriented, and reliably delivers excellent results at remarkable speed. I can wholeheartedly recommend him and his team — the collaboration is a real asset.'
Key clients
- Hines
- Vonovia
- Trei Real Estate
- IGP medical
- CSG
- Globe Trade Centre
- IREIT Global
- Photon Capital
- Palmira Capital Partners
- IROKO ZEN
- Midstad Advisory GmbH
- AEW
Work highlights
Advising Hines on the financing of the real estate project "Le Coeur" in Düsseldorf.
Advising Vonovia on the sale of a real estate portfolio of Berlin apartments and a 40-hectare area worth €700 million to the municipal housing companies HOWOGE and berlinovo.
Advising Globe Trade Centre S.A. (GTC) on the acquisition and acquisition financing of a 5,200-unit real estate portfolio.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
David Zafra Carollo; Sebastian Schmid
Other key lawyers
Volker Mergener; Dirk-Reiner Voß; René Dubois