TLT strengthens construction expertise with third partner hire in six months

Award-winning law firm TLT has welcomed leading construction disputes lawyer Michael Bennett, supporting the strategic growth of the firm’s national projects, infrastructure and construction (PIC) team.  Michael will be based in the firm’s Birmingham office. 

Joining TLT from Shoosmiths, Michael brings over 15 years’ experience advising on construction disputes across all sectors of the industry. His practice includes advising developers, contractors and consultants on a range of projects related to process plants, rail, power stations, coastal defence and commercial and residential developments. Michael’s experience covers litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation.

Recognised as a ‘Recommended lawyer’ in Construction by the Legal 500 2024, Michael is known in the sector for his client-centric approach focused on working in-step with clients to achieve impactful results. 

Michael is an experienced and knowledgeable adjudication practitioner as well as a panel adjudicator on multiple industry adjudication panels.  This represents an important addition to the PIC’s capability and capacity to manage a busy contentious and advisory caseload.  At TLT, Michael will work closely with Simon Goss, head of the national PIC team and Tom Wrzesien who leads on contentious construction to pursue the team’s strategic objectives in building a leading national construction and infrastructure practice in our chosen sectors.

Michael joins TLT at a pivotal moment of growth for the firm’s PIC team over the last six months, following the recent appointments of Alex Murdie and Madi Dacey at the end of 2024. It also follows the announcement that TLT will be welcoming a team of 29 lawyers from Broadfield (formerly BDB Pitmans), including eight partners and 21 associates, working across TLT’s future energy, infrastructure, public law and planning teams.   

Commenting on Michael’s appointment, partner and head of TLT’s PIC team, Simon Goss said: “Michael’s arrival significantly strengthens our contentious construction offering. He is a tenacious and knowledgeable lawyer whose expertise will be in demand.  The PIC team is looking forward enthusiastically to working with Michael and the opportunity it brings within our existing client base and beyond.  Especially so in our focus areas in infrastructure, future energy and real estate development. Michael’s appointment aligns with our continuing ambition to invest in infrastructure amply demonstrated by the recent PIC partner appointments of Alex and Madi, and, of course, the 29 lawyers from Broadfield (formerly BDB Pitmans).”  

Michael said: “2024 was a transformative year for the built environment. The legal framework for building safety is now largely in force and new plans introduced by the Labour Government, the construction industry is experiencing significant changes. In addition, the changes brought on by climate change and the ever pressing need to decarbonise all aspects of the built environment and wider economy present unique challenges when undertaking new developments. As the sector anticipates further fluctuations in the coming year, I look forward to joining TLT and working with the team to help prepare clients for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”