The law firm, which rarely takes on partners from rivals, says: 'The addition of Mr. Lichter, whose experience covers a wide range of commercial real estate transactions, will help Davis Polk meet strong client demand in its growing real estate practice.' Mr Lichter has, according to Davis Polk: 'extensive experience representing owners, developers and real estate investment trusts (REITs) in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions, concentrating in the acquisition and sale of office and retail properties, commercial mortgages, mezzanine and construction financings, debt restructurings and joint ventures'.