Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway in Teesside role

The move follows Ward Hadaway’s 2025 merger with The Endeavour Partnership, which gave the UK Top 100 law firm a large, dedicated Teesside team including a stronger platform for real estate, construction and built environment work in the region.

The appointment comes at a significant point for Teesside, with major investment and project activity linked to clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, grid infrastructure, offshore wind manufacturing, transport and regeneration. Construction is underway on Net Zero Teesside, while wider East Coast Cluster activity is creating substantial supply chain opportunities for businesses involved in engineering, infrastructure and project delivery.

Barnaby rejoins following a period as Senior Legal Counsel at Mitie, where he advised the executive leadership team and supported the delivery of major power and grid infrastructure projects, including battery energy storage systems and high-voltage electrical infrastructure schemes. He also advised on a range of project-related disputes, helping to manage legal and commercial challenges across the business.

Kevin Weston, Head of Real Estate at Ward Hadaway, said: “Barnaby adds construction and engineering law expertise to our Teesside office at an important point for the local market.

“He brings experience from private practice and from working in-house on complex project delivery, which gives him a strong understanding of the pressures that can arise across construction and engineering work.

“That perspective will be valuable for businesses and organisations working on complex projects, where legal advice has to take account of delivery pressures, cost, programme and commercial relationships.”

Barnaby advises on contentious and non-contentious construction matters, helping organisations manage risk, avoid disputes, protect commercial relationships and put robust contractual arrangements in place from the outset.

Barnaby said: “Returning to Ward Hadaway was an easy decision because I already knew the strength of the team, the quality of the work and the firm’s ambitions for the future.

“My time in-house gave me valuable insight into the commercial and operational challenges clients face on construction and engineering projects, from procurement and contract negotiation through to delivery and dispute resolution. It has helped me develop a pragmatic approach to legal advice that supports successful project delivery while helping clients achieve their commercial objectives.

“The opportunity to join as legal director combines a leadership role with the chance to help develop the firm’s construction and engineering practice in Teesside. I’m looking forward to working with clients across the region on projects and developments that are contributing to Teesside’s continued growth.”

Barnaby will also provide construction and engineering legal support for matters handled through Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office.

Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “Barnaby’s appointment reflects the continued development of our Teesside office and the opportunities we see in the region.

“The merger has given us greater scale in a market where there is significant activity across development, infrastructure and low-carbon energy.

“Barnaby brings technical expertise, commercial judgement and in-house perspective, strengthening our built environment work in Teesside and across the wider firm.”