This month we shine the spotlight on Paul Johnston, our construction and engineering partner (barrister). Paul joins us from an in-house team where he was a senior legal counsel. He tells us about working on Manchester airport’s redevelopment, his recent projects and walking his two labradoodles on the Malvern Hills.
Where do you live?
I live near our Worcester office on the Malvern Hills AONB ridge.
How long have you been a lawyer?
After originally qualifying as a quantity surveyor, I returned to study for law. I qualified as a lawyer almost 25 years ago with a national law firm and then spent 18 years in-house with the largest privately owned Tier One design & build contractor in the UK.
What type of legal advice do you provide and to what type of clients?
I act for developers, funders, property owners and contractors. Recent projects include Jaguar Land Rover’s NVH and Triangle new builds, Derwent London’s Baker Street mixed use development, Land Securities and Crown Estate’s Oxford Westgate retail development, University of Manchester’s capital partnering framework and Clatterbridge Cancer Care Hospital.
I am a member of the Society of Construction Law, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and was called to the Bar by Middle Temple.
What’s your most memorable outcome for a client and why?
Working on Manchester airport’s redevelopment with new and refurbished terminals was a real highlight. I helped to bring the deal to a close for a successful project delivery for the client and contractor.
What is your number one tip for clients?
To challenge your key drivers for any project and obtain early specialist advice.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy walking with my family and my two labradoodles on the beautiful Malvern Hills.
