Birketts LLP has a large construction and engineering team in the region, with dedicated team members in Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich. Stefan Harris-Wright in Cambridge leads the practice, while Patrick Cooney is ‘responsive and very good at managing a wide number of different stakeholders’, and Katrina Bretten is known for her non-contentious construction knowledge, frequently assisting the real estate and investment teams with due diligence exercises, acquisitions and disposals. In Ipswich, senior non-contentious construction lawyer Iain Thom is highly regarded. Simon Oats joined the team in May 2025 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, bringing his extensive expertise in contentious construction work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Stefan Harris-Wright knows what we require and effortlessly gets the job done so that we are covered in the event of a dispute.’
‘The team gets to grips with the complexities of the task with apparent ease.’
‘Patrick Cooney has a great grasp of our needs. He's responsive and very good at managing a wide number of different stakeholders on our behalf.’
'The level of construction law knowledge and common sense approach to issues.'
'Emma Chiaramello has been providing assistance for many years with our company on a number of particularly difficult issues and has always been available and provides accurate and concise advice.'
‘Personal and concise advice.’
Key clients
- Moor Bio-Energy Limited
- Selsdon Building Contractors
- Tru Demolition Limited
- Stephen James (Automotive) Limited
- Acai (Bruton Street) Ltd
- Welcome Break
- Churchmanor Estates Company Plc
- Oxford Instruments NanoTechnology Tools Limited
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Patrick Cooney
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Katrina Bretten
Practice head
Stefan Harris-Wright
Other key lawyers
Katrina Bretten; Patrick Cooney; Iain Thom; Emma Chiaramello; Simon Oats