Clyde & Co has added the co-head of construction from UK rival CMS in London as it moves to build its construction capabilities globally. 

Victoria Peckett has joined the firm’s global projects and construction group as a partner after almost 30 years at CMS. She advises on the drafting and negotiation of complex construction contracts for international and domestic projects and also has extensive experience assisting clients with dispute resolution, including through arbitration and mediation.

“Victoria has been one of the leading construction lawyers in our sector for decades and so bringing her on board here is a real coup for us,” said John Morris, global head of Clydes' projects and construction group. “Crucially, her focus closely aligns with our own strategy – to continue to work with the world’s major international contractors on globally-significant projects and disputes.”

Describing construction as a core area for Clydes, CEO Matthew Kelsall said the firm intends to continue to grow the practice globally “as contractors face both huge opportunities and risks as they navigate today’s challenging business environment”.

Peckett’s arrival follows the firm opening a permanent office in Chile in August as part of a merger of its local partner firm Grasty Quintana Majlis with projects and construction firm Halpern Pino. 

Last year it also launched in Vancouver through a merger with construction and professional disputes-focused firm SHK Law and in April this year promoted five lawyers to partner across its projects and construction group as part of a bumper 23-strong round. 

Peckett’s experience includes extensive work on international construction matters in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, where she will work with Clyde & Co’s construction teams. She also chairs the drafting committee of the Joint Contracts Tribunal, one of the main suites of standard construction contracts in the UK. 

“Both domestic and international clients are increasingly facing inflation and capacity constraints and need to find innovative ways of dealing with these issues, with potential disputes emerging further down the line,” Peckett said. “Against the backdrop, clients are looking for collaborative, joined-up support from their legal providers and that focus on collaboration is a value I share with Clyde & Co.” 

Another UK firm to boost its construction capabilities recently was Herbert Smith Freehills, which in May launched a construction and infrastructure hub in Malaysia led by veteran partner and construction dispute resolution specialist Craig Shepherd. 

And in June US firm Crowell and Moring added veteran construction disputes partner Werner Eyskens in Brussels from Allen & Overy.