Construction law expert to lead new division at EGL

Heidi Brennan - EGL

A construction law expert with more than 12 years’ experience has been appointed to lead a new division at Birmingham law firm Emms Gilmore Liberson (EGL).

Heidi Brennan joins as director of construction services and will work alongside Mark Dakeyne and the other partners in developing the firm’s construction client base.

Heidi will be responsible for advising clients on all major forms of construction, engineering and demolition contracts, from devising procurement strategy through to completion.

She brings significant experience of advising developers, funders, contractors, sub-contractors, retailers, hotel operators, care home providers and other end users across a wide range of construction law.

Heidi moves to EGL from Shoosmiths LLP in Birmingham.

Heidi said: “I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic and respected firm, with an impressive client base for such a recent entrant into the legal market.

“I am excited by the opportunity to set up a distinct and specialist construction division within EGL, developing a portfolio of new standalone construction-based clients, as well as supporting the firm’s existing clients with their construction needs.

“Mark is very well-known in the local development fraternity and between us we have some great openings with existing contacts. There are real synergies between development and construction.”

Heidi has a wealth of experience of advising on a string of high-profile construction projects, including the The Old Dairy in South Ruislip, a RICS award-winning mixed use scheme comprising a cinema, foodstore, restaurants and 162 residential properties.

She also advised on all legal aspects relating to the construction of the leisure scheme element of the Southwater Square development in Telford, which formed part of the £250 million re-development of this area, encompassing an 11-screen IMAX cinema, a hotel and eight restaurants.

Heidi, a mother of two, attended Sussex University achieving a 2:1 in Law (LLB) and the University of Law Birmingham where she completed the LPC with distinction in 2003.

Mark Dakeyne, partner at EGL, said: “We are delighted to welcome Heidi to the firm. She brings a wealth of experience as a sole construction advisor for a number of developers, handling projects relating to the design and construction of offices, warehouse and infrastructure.

“As a construction law specialist, Heidi will add considerable value to what is already an extremely talented property team and I am certain she will enjoy a successful future here with us.”

EGL is ranked highly by leading law publication Legal 500 for its corporate and commercial, licensing, commercial litigation, commercial property, tax and probate and property litigation services. It has recently been approved as an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association, in recognition of the franchise expertises at EGL.