Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s construction and engineering department excels across the built environment, energy, utilities, and infrastructure sectors, where the firm is prepared to assist clients on transactional and contentious matters. The group is co-led by Jo Hatton-Jones, who works closely with clients in the utilities and energy sectors on procurement matters, and Sarah Maylor, a key contact for developers seeking dispute resolution advice on multipurpose developments. Joseph Hale is another name of note for contentious construction, while Ben Peecock advises on energy, road, and infrastructure projects. Joshua Curry is a key name.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The individuals within the team stand out for their combination of technical excellence, commercial awareness, and strong interpersonal skills. They differentiate themselves from competitors through their ability to build genuine, trust-based relationships with clients while delivering consistently high-quality advice. Partners are particularly notable for their strategic vision and hands-on involvement. They are approachable, pragmatic, and deeply invested in client outcomes. Rather than offering purely theoretical advice, they focus on solutions that are actionable and aligned with clients’ business objectives.
- The practice distinguishes itself through a unique combination of deep technical legal expertise, commercial pragmatism, and an exceptionally client-focused approach. The team consistently demonstrates an ability not only to advise on complex legal issues but also to translate those issues into practical, business-oriented solutions. This balance between legal rigor and commercial awareness sets the practice apart from many competitors.
- My experience of this practice is positive. The team is approachable and client-focused, providing solid strategy and practical advice, in addition to the legal and technical knowledge of construction dispute issues. The office has hosted industry events that are very useful to the wider sector.
- Joseph Hale is an excellent lawyer with a good grasp of the issues in dispute. He clearly researches the issues, solutions, and weaknesses in any case before engaging with clients and offers swift and solid advice to steer disputes to resolution. I also observe a willingness to react to clients' requests around the structure of correspondence and timetable. He offers candid and structured feedback on experts, opposing parties' views, and client views.
- Sarah Maylor - clarity and practicality of advice, availability, and engagement.
- Joseph Hale is strategic and highly effective.
- Highly knowledgeable and practical. Provides the right level of insight for the particular requirement.
- Josh Curry is a standout lawyer. He is detailed and supportive - leaves no stone unturned in support of his client.
Key clients
- Legal & General
- Wm Morrison
- Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
- Luminate Education Group
- University of Sheffield
- Greencore
- Wales & West Utilities
- Harworth Group PLC
- Southbank Colleges
- University of Leeds
- North East Property Partnership Limited (UK Land)
- University of Essex
- Severn Trent
Work highlights
Advising the University of Essex on a large multi-party TCC cladding claim on its property in University Square.
Advised Wm Morrison Supermarkets on key elements of its strategic partnership with Motor Fuel Group to acquire 337 petrol forecourts and more than 400 sites across the UK supermarket portfolio for ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging development.
Advising Mix Manchester on elements of its development of 2M sq ft of advanced manufacturing, R&D, laboratory, and office space with complementary hotel and amenity uses close to Manchester Airport.
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.
Ben Peecock
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Joshua Curry
Practice head
Jo Hatton-Jones; Sarah Maylor
Other key lawyers
Joseph Hale; Ben Peecock; Joshua Curry