Yorkshire law firm Gordons strengthens its construction practice with senior lawyer and solicitor appointments.
Gordons LLP has bolstered its construction practice with the recruitment of two experienced lawyers, enhancing its expertise in both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Meet the new recruits
Mark Smith, formerly of Addleshaw Goddard, joins as a senior lawyer specialising in construction and engineering disputes, risk management, and dispute avoidance. With 25 years of experience, Mark has a background advising clients across diverse sectors including retail, education, transport, energy, utilities, water, and power. He has represented contractors, sub-contractors, employers, and public sector bodies, as well as private sector professionals in the construction and engineering industries.
Joining him is Haiqa Baig, a solicitor with a strong track record in managing high-value residential and commercial development projects. Previously at Shoosmiths, Haiqa has worked on projects ranging from hospitals and leisure centres to railway networks and oil refineries. Her experience spans adjudication, litigation, and dispute resolution, including mediation in the Technology and Construction Court.
Joining an existing construction team
The pair will work under the leadership of Richard Piper, Gordons’ construction partner. The firm’s construction clients include prominent names such as GMI Construction, Bridgecore Developments, United Living Group, and Evri.
Piper commented, “Mark and Haiqa are excellent additions to our expert construction team. Mark is a highly regarded lawyer whose knowledge and expertise is already providing our clients with additional insights and commercially effective advice.
“Haiqa is an ambitious and proven operator with a track record of securing positive results for clients across a wide range of construction matters, and she is continuing to do so at Gordons.
“They both also have the ability to initiate, develop and nurture strong client relationships, which is a skill that is key to the ongoing success of the firm. We have every confidence Mark and Haiqa will help us further evolve our construction law offer as we look ahead to another successful year.”
Gordons, which employs 170 staff and is headquartered in Leeds, also serves high-profile clients in the retail and consumer sectors, including AO, Iceland Foods, Morrisons, Ocado Retail, Wren Kitchens, and Molson Coors.