Ward Hadaway appoints Construction Partner in Birmingham

Steven is a construction and engineering law specialist who helps organisations manage project risk and resolve disputes. His work covers strategic advice on both non-contentious and contentious matters, including advising on and negotiating the full suite construction contracts and ancillary documents. He also provides project advisory services and assists clients in managing risk and resolving disputes through litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and other ADR processes.

Steven advises clients across a range of sectors, including the commercial development, housing (including social housing), leisure, healthcare, education, infrastructure, manufacturing and energy sectors.

Kevin Weston, Head of Real Estate at Ward Hadaway, said: “The West Midlands market needs lawyers who understand both the delivery of schemes and the risks that can arise when things go wrong.

“Steven brings experience across the supply chain and has the commercial approach needed when clients are trying to resolve a problem or put the right protections in place from the start.

“His arrival gives us additional senior capability in Birmingham and strengthens the support we can provide across the built environment sector.”

Steven has particular experience in Building Safety Act matters, including remediation orders, remediation contribution orders and building liability orders, alongside project documentation and risk management before issues escalate.

Steven said: “Ward Hadaway is an ambitious firm with a strong national real estate and built environment platform, and the opportunity to help build on that momentum by supporting clients on complex construction and engineering matters in the West Midlands and across the wider firm was a key reason I joined.

“I am looking forward to helping drive Ward Hadaway’s continued growth in this area, while working with clients as they navigate project challenges, including claims arising under the expanded Defective Premises Act 1972 regime and the Building Safety Act 2022. Those claims have significantly increased the risk profile for contractors, developers, landlords and other organisations across the supply chain, making clear, early and commercially focused advice essential.”

A member of the Society of Construction Law and recognised by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, Steven will work as part of Ward Hadaway’s national construction practice, also supporting colleagues across its Leeds and Manchester offices.

Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “Steven’s arrival reflects the continued development of our Birmingham office and the strength of our built environment work.

“The West Midlands is an important market for the firm, with strong demand for senior construction and engineering law expertise.

“Steven brings the experience and commercial judgement to support clients on complex projects, both in the region and across the wider firm.”