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 15, 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.

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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.

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."