Squire Patton Boggs has appointed specialist construction and engineering lawyer Paul O’Kane as a partner in its European Real Estate practice from Addleshaw Goddard. Mr. O’Kane joins former colleague Charlotte Higham and a team of construction lawyers who arrived at the firm earlier in the year.

European head of Real Estate Matthew Dalzell said: “Paul is highly regarded and well-known to us, with a track record of advising on some of the most significant development projects in the North West and across the UK. He brings a wealth of experience in procurement, risk management and dispute resolution as well as a sector focus that dovetails with that of our wider team.

“In bringing Paul, Charlotte and the team to the firm, we are not only adding to our strength in real estate development and our construction practice, but also looking to support our work in the private equity space. They will add great strength to our existing construction offering as we seek to increase M&A and investment mandates for high value real estate assets and significant traded portfolios.”

Mr. O’Kane is a senior construction and development expert with over 20 years’ experience advising public authorities, developers, and investors on major UK real estate, infrastructure, and regeneration schemes. He specialises in transportation infrastructure, including national rail frameworks and tram and light rail projects, and has led legal teams on landmark developments and regeneration projects like the Liverpool Waterfront. Mr. O’Kane is widely recognised for his expertise in Build-to-Rent (BTR) and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and regularly advises on complex construction disputes, including High Court and international arbitration cases involving infrastructure and industrial plants across the UK and Middle East. His recent mandates include resolving issues arising from the collapse of Carillion on the Royal Liverpool Hospital project, Manchester Airport Terminal 2, and assisting West Midlands Combined Authority on their new railway station developments.

“We are delighted that Paul and his team have joined us and see great opportunity for the firm to expand its market share as we continue to develop our construction and real estate offering in the North West,” said Manchester office managing partner James Fitzgibbon.

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.