Lovells is to overhaul its Berlin property practice, in a move insiders say could lead to partner demotions, as the top 10 London firm moves to bolster the profitability of its German practice.

The move is part of an on-going review of the firm’s Frankfurt and Berlin offices that has put a question mark over the future of the Berlin practice. Although the 30-lawyer Berlin branch is to remain, the real estate and construction practices have been singled out as “the less profitable” areas.