Ward Hadaway appoints construction lawyer as Teesside development gathers pace

By Danny BallPublished On: August 11th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Ward Hadaway has appointed Barnaby Rosenthall as legal director in its Teesside office, strengthening its construction and engineering law team.

Rosenthall joins following a period as Senior Legal Counsel at Mitie, where he advised the executive leadership team and supported major power and grid infrastructure projects.

His work included battery energy storage systems and high-voltage electrical infrastructure schemes, as well as project-related disputes.

Ward Hadaway

The appointment follows Ward Hadaway’s 2025 merger with The Endeavour Partnership, which expanded its Teesside presence and strengthened its real estate, construction and built environment capabilities in the region.

Teesside construction and infrastructure activity drives demand

The appointment comes as investment continues across Teesside, with projects spanning clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, grid infrastructure, offshore wind manufacturing, transport and regeneration.

Construction is underway on Net Zero Teesside, while wider activity associated with the East Coast Cluster is generating opportunities across the 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.”

Construction lawyer returns to Ward Hadaway

Rosenthall advises on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters, including contractual arrangements, project risk and dispute resolution.

His role will cover construction and engineering work for clients in Teesside, as well as matters handled through Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office.

Rosenthall previously worked at Ward Hadaway before moving in-house to Mitie.

He 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.”

Ward Hadaway expands Teesside construction expertise

The appointment forms part of the continued development of Ward Hadaway’s Teesside operation following its merger with The Endeavour Partnership.

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.”