Birmingham law firm Ward Hadaway has appointed Steven Hayward as partner strengthening its built environment offer in the West Midlands.
Steven is a construction and engineering law specialist who helps organisations resolve disputes. His work covers contracts, professional appointments, adjudication, mediation, arbitration and court proceedings.
His appointment supports growing demand for specialist construction advice linked to planning and development, housing, funding, property disputes and wider project delivery.
Kevin Weston, head of Real Estate at Ward Hadaway, said: “The West Midlands market needs lawyers who understand both the delivery of schemes and the risks that can arise when things go wrong.
“Steven brings experience across the supply chain and has the commercial approach needed when clients are trying to resolve a problem or put the right protections in place from the start. His arrival gives us additional senior capability in Birmingham and strengthens the support we can provide across the built environment sector.”
Steven has particular experience in resolving disputes arising out of Building Safety Act matters, including remediation orders, remediation contribution orders and building liability orders, alongside project documentation and risk management services before issues escalate.
Steven said: “Ward Hadaway has a strong real estate and built environment team, and the opportunity to help grow that work in Birmingham was a key reason I joined.
“Construction law is often about helping organisations reach the right commercial outcome, whether that is at the start of a project or once a dispute has arisen. The sector is dealing with more complex risk, particularly around building safety, delivery and payment, so advice needs to be clear and focused on what will work for the client in their specific circumstances.
“I’m looking forward to working with the wider team and supporting businesses across the West Midlands as the firm continues to grow its construction and built environment work.”
A member of the Society of Construction Law and recognised by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, Steven will work as part of Ward Hadaway’s national construction practice, also supporting colleagues across its Leeds and Manchester offices.
Managing partner Steven Petrie said: “Steven’s arrival reflects the continued development of our Birmingham office and the strength of our built environment work.
“The West Midlands is an important market for the firm, with strong demand for senior construction and engineering law expertise. Steven brings the experience and commercial judgement to support clients on complex projects, both in the region and across the wider firm.”
