LAW firm Watson Burton has appointed Bal Manak to its construction and engineering group after working for five years advising companies on construction law.

Manak will be able to provide advice related to non-contentious matters at the Newcastle firm, such as building contracts, appointments, warranties and other security documentation.

But she also has experience in advising clients on dispute avoidance and dispute resolution, including arbitration, litigation and adjudication.

Manak’s recent experience includes drafting a suite of contracts on behalf of a number of private developers for the development of multi-million-pound care homes, initiating a half million-pound claim on behalf of an employer against a builder for defective workmanship, and drafting a multi-party framework agreement for a new build development programme.

In her role at Watson Burton, she is working alongside the national team – ranked number one in the North by The Legal 500 for 10 consecutive years – in advising national housebuilders, developers, contractors and funders.

She said: “I am excited to join such a successful team that is a market leader and is known for exceeding its clients’ expectations. I am looking forward to becoming part of the team and getting an opportunity to add to its success and working for the firm’s impressive client base.”

James Harrison, partner in construction and engineering at Watson Burton, said: “We have been looking forward to Bal joining the team and helping us to continue to provide the highest standard of service delivery, which our clients expect and deserve.

“Her experience and ‘can do’ attitude will be an asset to our already thriving practice. Bal’s recruitment forms part of a longer term strategy to grow our business.”