National law firm Irwin Mitchell is expanding its Construction & Engineering Team with the recruitment of a new partner, Joanna Preece, who will be based in the firm’s London office.

The appointment takes the specialist construction team to fifteen, with four partners and two trainees. The team is led by Mark Clinton and sits within Irwin Mitchell’s Property Division which will now number 30 partners and over 150 qualified lawyers. Jo’s appointment is also a boost to Irwin Mitchell’s property team in London, where partner Will Scott recently joined the Real Estate Disputes team.

Jo joins Irwin Mitchell from Maples Teesdale LLP where she was a non-contentious construction partner. Prior to joining Maples Teesdale, Jo was a Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, where she trained and qualified.

Jo has significant experience providing advice and solutions on potential deal issues to a wide range of clients on large development schemes and is responsible for drafting and negotiating building contracts and the full suite of construction documents. Jo also provides advice to less experienced developers walking them through the development process including advice on the procurement strategy, financing, development and completion. Her experience extends to advising on acquisitions and disposals, lettings and financings. Jo also has a keen interest advising clients in relation to ESG in the commercial real estate sector and in particular the built environment.

She has acted on a number of high-profile developments including  advising on the regeneration of Shepherds Bush Market, the redevelopment of Earls Court and Olympia and the financing for the purchase and development of 354-358 Oxford Street, Oxbourne House.

 Key examples of recent work include:

• advising a leading European independent investment management firm on the construction aspects of the acquisition of a portfolio of residential schemes from multiple sellers with over 250 units being developed in London and the connected financing under a “green” facility;
• advising on the construction aspects of a purchase of the life sciences and technology focused Precision Park in Leamington Spa and its further development;
• advising a UK based property company on a number of developments including the development and financing of a mixed-use development comprising of living accommodation, workspace and a restaurant and also on the construction and development of a new high-rise building including over 700 units of residential accommodation at Canary Wharf; and
• acting for a number of tenants in relation to high-profile lettings and fit-out works including in relation to buildings with ESG credentials at the forefront.

Mark Clinton, Head of the Construction & Engineering Practice at Irwin Mitchell said, “Jo’s arrival will be a real boost to our national construction practice, particularly in the Southern region.  She will strengthen our development practice and our push into housing and BTR.”

“We are now looking to boost the contentious side of our construction practice, particularly in building safety matters where we are building a strong practice and reputation, in large-scale litigation and arbitration and in adjudication.”

Irwin Mitchell has continued to invest heavily in its team focused on the corporate, property and institutions audience.

Earlier this year it announced the arrival of construction partner Robert Tunningley, banking partner Jeremy Ladyman, two corporate/property tax partners, Kate Featherstone and Jennie Newton and Real Estate Disputes partner Will Scott.