Irwin Mitchell strengthens construction team with new partner hire

Irwin Mitchell has boosted its national Construction & Engineering team with the appointment of partner Steve Nichol, a highly regarded construction disputes specialist with extensive international experience.

Steve joins the firm from Duane Morris and brings a wealth of expertise advising clients across the construction and engineering sectors on both contentious and non-contentious matters. His practice spans the full spectrum of construction disputes, particularly technically complex, high-value matters involving transport, infrastructure, energy and building projects.

Working with clients ranging from specialist subcontractors and suppliers through to multinational developers, manufacturers and joint ventures, Steve has advised on projects across the UK, Europe, the US, the Middle East and beyond.

He is particularly experienced in international arbitration, having acted on major projects across Europe, Africa, the Gulf, the Caribbean, the Indian sub-continent and the Asia-Pacific region. His experience includes proceedings under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) and UNCITRAL.

Alongside his disputes practice, Steve advises clients throughout the project lifecycle, helping businesses manage legal and commercial risks from procurement and contract negotiation through to project delivery. His pragmatic approach focuses on preventing disputes wherever possible while protecting clients' commercial objectives.

Vijay Bange, Head of Construction at Irwin Mitchell, said:

 

"Steve is a fantastic addition to our growing Construction & Engineering team. His reputation in the market, particularly for handling complex disputes and international arbitration work, speaks for itself.

 

"The construction sector continues to face significant challenges and opportunities, from major infrastructure investment through to increasingly complex project delivery models. Steve's experience across both contentious and non-contentious matters, combined with his international outlook, will further strengthen the support we provide to clients across the UK and overseas.

 

"We're delighted to welcome him to Irwin Mitchell and look forward to the contribution he will make as we continue to grow our construction offering."

Steve Nichol added:

"Irwin Mitchell has a strong reputation in the construction sector, underpinned by its focus on delivering practical, commercial advice and its commitment to helping clients achieve their objectives.

 

"I was particularly attracted by the firm's ambitious growth plans, collaborative culture and the strength of its national Construction & Engineering team. The opportunity to work alongside such a talented group of colleagues, while helping clients navigate increasingly complex projects and disputes, was incredibly appealing.

 

"I am excited to have joined the firm and look forward to supporting clients across the full lifecycle of their construction and engineering projects."

Steve's appointment further strengthens Irwin Mitchell's national Construction & Engineering practice, which advises developers, contractors, consultants, funders and public sector bodies on a wide range of construction and infrastructure matters.