Building up construction expertise

A leading Cumbrian legal firm has reinforced its Construction team with the recruitment of a new construction and engineering law specialist.

Jonathan Marshall joins Burnetts in Carlisle as a Partner from Newcastle’s Ward Hadaway. Burnetts already has a considerable construction practice which includes multi-million pound property developments at Carlisle College, Blackburn College and the Nuclear Academy, Cumbria. Jonathan will bring invaluable support to these projects as well as giving Burnetts an opportunity to develop other new and prestigious clients.

A former partner at national firm Eversheds and Ward Hadaway, Jonathan has worked exclusively in construction and engineering law since 1990. He specialises in drafting and negotiating development contracts and has advised local authorities, universities and schools as well as working with major contractors and sub contractors. Jonathan is a regional Co-ordinator of the PPC 2000 User Group, an industry committee which promotes a cooperative, partnering approach to construction project contracts. He is also a judge for the Constructing Excellence and the RICS Renaissance awards.

Jonathan said, “I was attracted to Burnetts because I think there is a great deal of opportunities in my sector in this part of the North and because of the approachability and openness of the people here. I am looking forward to taking a leading role in developing those opportunities for Burnetts.”

Tom Leach, Managing Partner said, “We’re delighted to welcome another dynamic and high calibre lawyer into our partnership. His expertise in public sector and bespoke construction developments will be a particular asset and I know Jonathan will make a real contribution to Burnetts’ future growth.”

Burnetts’ construction team already includes Doug Claxton the only planning law expert in Cumbria accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, litigator Michael Cousins who is a member of the Technology and Construction Association, Head of Commercial Property John Priddle and Partners Vaughan Jones and Alan Chapman.

Newcastle-born Jonathan, 45, lives in Hexham.

For further information on Burnetts’ construction expertise, visit www.burnetts.co.uk.