International legal business DWF has appointed construction partner Chris Wheeler to its Dublin office where he will work with both the energy and commercial property teams to strengthen the business's construction offering in Ireland. He joins from global consultancy AECOM where he worked as senior legal counsel advising on high value pharmaceutical, IT, equipment supply, datacentre and construction projects across Europe.
With dual Canadian and Irish citizenship and over 25 years' experience, Chris has focused on contentious and non-contentious construction work and procurement across Ireland, the UK, EMEA and Canada. Chris has related expertise in employment law, data privacy, governance and leasing from advising on high-value projects.
At DWF, Chris will lead the growth of DWF's construction offering in Ireland and help develop and support the firm's overall International construction and real estate presence. Consistent with Irish Government policy, DWF's strategy on the island of Ireland is to invest in the skillset, expertise and client skills needed to participate fully in Ireland's significant capital and infrastructure investment programme. This was evidenced in the recent Project 2040 development plan issued by the Irish Government to address Ireland's ability to meet increased population, decarbonisation and renewal of transport, technology, education and health infrastructure.
Garrett Monaghan, Executive Partner of DWF Dublin, said: "Chris is a perfect fit for the Dublin office and our construction and infrastructure offering in particular; he has the right mix of technical ability and commercial skills that his practice area demands. Chris has an international outlook and client base; his expertise in all aspects of construction law and related areas such as procurement will enable DWF to grow in key sectors such as energy, hospitality and real estate development."
Chris Wheeler added: "With an expanding international presence and sector-strong reputation, DWF Dublin is in prime position to embrace the current economic, demographic and decarbonisation drivers that impact on all aspects of the construction industry and wider Irish and global economies. DWF's innovative business model and lawyers focus on what clients need and how legal and non-legal services can be best delivered. I am excited at the local and international opportunities presented by this opportunity to join DWF."
DWF Dublin continues to grow and widen its offering across the business with a number of lateral hires including insurance partner Adrian Flynn, new Head of Employment at DWF Dublin Dermot Casserly and associates in corporate and data protection Edon Byrnes and Niall O' Brien.
