Mills & Reeve strengthens construction practice with double partner hire and new leadership

Mills & Reeve has appointed two senior industry specialists to support the growth of its construction practice, as Dominic Jones takes the helm to lead the team into the next phase of expansion.
Ian Hardman joins Mills & Reeve as a non-contentious partner and Jody Kite as construction disputes partner, both arriving from Shoosmiths.

Ian led the Manchester construction team, where he advised on large scale infrastructure projects and commercial developments across sectors such as hospitality, energy, retail and education. He’ll play a pivotal role in strengthening Mills & Reeve’s non-contentious offering, and his expertise will help strengthen the firm’s growing real estate and energy practices.

Jody Kite is a leading construction disputes lawyer with 18 years’ experience acting for high-profile clients across diverse and specialist sectors including water/waste infrastructure, gas and oil, nuclear energy and building safety. Jody’s appointment marks a significant expansion of Mills & Reeve’s construction disputes capability in the North, and a key part of the strategic growth of the firm’s national and international contentious construction, engineering and energy platform.

Ian comments: “I’m delighted to have joined Mills & Reeve and their market-leading construction practice. I look forward to working with my fantastic new colleagues to deliver an exceptional service to companies operating in the development, construction and engineering sectors.”

Jody adds: “It’s a privilege to join Mills & Reeve and their outstanding construction team, and I look forward to playing a significant role in the continued growth of the firm’s top-notch construction, engineering and energy disputes practice across the North of England, nationally and beyond.”

Their appointments come at a time of significant expansion for Mills & Reeve’s construction practice, as well as a recent change in leadership for the firm’s construction team. Dominic Jones has taken over the role as head of construction at Mills & Reeve, after nearly three years as partner in the firm’s Oxford office.

Dominic comments: “It’s brilliant to welcome Ian and Jody to Mills & Reeve. They are both class acts, and their arrival will expand and enhance the whole of lifecycle service offered by our national construction and engineering team. They are also joining at a time when the sectors we serve are facing real opportunities – and a few challenges – and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside Ian and Jody to help our clients navigate both.”