Ward Hadaway strengthens Teesside construction team
Barnaby Rosenthall is returning to the law firm as legal director following a two-year stint at Mitie, where he supported the delivery of major power and grid infrastructure projects.
His work at Mitie included battery energy storage systems and high-voltage electrical infrastructure schemes, alongside project-related disputes and other legal and commercial issues.
Rosenthall advises on contentious and non-contentious construction matters, helping organisations manage risk, avoid disputes, and protect commercial relationships.
Prior to working at Mitie, he spent four years at Ward Hadawy’s Leeds office, and has also worked at DWF and Ison Harrison Solicitors.
The appointment follows Ward Hadaway’s 2025 merger with Teesside law firm The Endeavour Partnership, which expanded its presence in the region and strengthened its real estate, construction and built environment capabilities.
Rosenthall will also provide construction and engineering legal support for matters handled through Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office.
Rosenthall’s return comes as significant investment continues across Teesside, with activity spanning clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, grid infrastructure, offshore wind manufacturing, transport, and regeneration.
Construction is underway on the Net Zero Teesside project, while wider East Coast Cluster activity is expected to generate opportunities across engineering, infrastructure and project delivery supply chains.
Kevin Weston, head of real estate at Ward Hadaway, said: “Barnaby adds construction and engineering law expertise to our Teesside office at an important point for the local market.
“He brings experience from private practice and from working in-house on complex project delivery, which gives him a strong understanding of the pressures that can arise across construction and engineering work.
“That perspective will be valuable for businesses and organisations working on complex projects, where legal advice has to take account of delivery pressures, cost, programme and commercial relationships.”
Rosenthall said: “Returning to Ward Hadaway was an easy decision because I already knew the strength of the team, the quality of the work and the firm’s ambitions for the future.
“My time in-house gave me valuable insight into the commercial and operational challenges clients face on construction and engineering projects, from procurement and contract negotiation through to delivery and dispute resolution.
“It has helped me develop a pragmatic approach to legal advice that supports successful project delivery while helping clients achieve their commercial objectives.
“The opportunity to join as legal director combines a leadership role with the chance to help develop the firm’s construction and engineering practice in Teesside. I’m looking forward to working with clients across the region on projects and developments that are contributing to Teesside’s continued growth.”
Managing partner Steven Petrie said: “Barnaby’s appointment reflects the continued development of our Teesside office and the opportunities we see in the region.
“The merger has given us greater scale in a market where there is significant activity across development, infrastructure and low-carbon energy.
“Barnaby brings technical expertise, commercial judgement and in-house perspective, strengthening our built environment work in Teesside and across the wider firm.”
