Irwin Mitchell, a national law firm, enhances its Construction & Engineering Team by appointing Joanna Preece as a new partner in London.
- This appointment expands the construction team to fifteen, including four partners and two trainees.
- Joanna Preece brings vast experience from Maples Teesdale LLP and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.
- Her expertise spans advising on large development schemes, procurement strategy, and ESG initiatives.
- The firm aims to strengthen its national construction practice, particularly in housing and building safety matters.
Irwin Mitchell, a prominent national law firm, has strategically enhanced its Construction & Engineering Team by welcoming Joanna Preece as a new partner based in their London office. This significant appointment bolsters the team to include fifteen specialists, comprising four partners and two trainees, under the leadership of Mark Clinton. The team now plays a vital role within Irwin Mitchell’s expansive Property Division, which consists of 30 partners and over 150 qualified lawyers.
Joanna Preece makes this transition from Maples Teesdale LLP, where she was pivotal as a non-contentious construction partner. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her tenure as a Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, the firm where she initially trained and qualified. Joanna is proficient in delivering strategic advice and solutions on complex deal issues to a diverse client base engaged in large-scale development projects. Her role entails drafting and negotiating comprehensive building contracts and a full spectrum of construction documents.
Moreover, Joanna extends her advisory services to developers less versed in the intricacies of development processes, providing insights on procurement strategies, financing, and completion. Her expansive experience also encompasses advising on acquisitions, disposals, lettings, and the financial underpinnings of various projects. Notably, Joanna maintains a robust interest in advising clients about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters pertinent to the commercial real estate sector, significantly impacting the built environment.
Joanna’s exemplary work includes involvement in several high-profile developments. Amongst these are her advisory roles in the regeneration of Shepherds Bush Market and the redevelopment of iconic sites such as Earls Court and Olympia. Additionally, she played an instrumental role in the financing for the acquisition and development of Oxbourne House on Oxford Street and provided crucial advice on a portfolio acquisition for a leading European independent investment management firm involving over 250 residential units in London under a green financing facility.
Mark Clinton, head of Irwin Mitchell’s Construction & Engineering Practice, warmly welcomed Joanna’s expertise as it is set to substantially benefit their operations in the Southern region. He emphasised that her presence would reinforce their development practice and facilitate their strategic expansion into housing and Build to Rent sectors. The firm is also focused on fortifying its contentious construction practice, particularly in addressing building safety issues, and is actively building a strong reputation in large-scale litigation, arbitration, and adjudication.
Joanna Preece’s appointment marks a pivotal advancement for Irwin Mitchell’s construction sector strategy, enhancing their capabilities and outreach.
