Greenberg Traurig Hires London Construction Practice Head

Greenberg Traurig has significantly enhanced its London real estate and construction advisory capabilities with the appointment of Ben Patton as the new head of its U.K. Construction Practice. This strategic move underscores the firm's commitment to expanding its footprint in the vital London market and strengthening its integrated offering for complex development projects.

Patton, a highly respected figure in the construction law arena, joins from Ashurst Perkins Coie, where he previously led their construction division. His arrival is expected to bolster Greenberg Traurig's capacity to guide clients through the entire lifecycle of development, from initial planning and financing through to the intricate stages of construction and final completion. This comprehensive approach is crucial in a market where project timelines and budgets are under constant scrutiny.

The addition of Patton aligns with Greenberg Traurig's broader strategy of investing in key global hubs and building a robust platform that combines deep sector expertise with cross-border collaboration. His focus on U.K. development and construction matters will complement the existing strengths of the firm's Infrastructure Group, particularly the work of shareholder Richard Ceeney, who joined in April 2025 to concentrate on major global infrastructure and energy initiatives. This synergy aims to provide clients with seamless advice across both real estate development and large-scale infrastructure projects.

Patton's extensive experience spans advising a diverse clientele, including developers, investors, occupiers, and lenders on a wide array of construction and development mandates. His expertise is recognized by industry rankings, with a listing as a Leading Partner for Non-Contentious Construction in The Legal 500's 2026 U.K. guide. Furthermore, his active involvement in industry bodies such as the Joint Contracts Tribunal drafting subcommittee and membership in the City Property Association and Society of Construction Law highlight his deep engagement with the sector's evolving standards and practices.

This appointment follows a period of significant growth for Greenberg Traurig's London Real Estate team. The firm recently welcomed shareholders Simon Elliott, Patrick Williams, and Freya Dear, alongside the promotion of real estate finance lawyer William Lo to shareholder. The team's excellence was recently acknowledged when it was named Real Estate Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2026 and received commendation at the Legal Business Awards 2026, signaling a strong trajectory in the competitive legal services market.

The U.K. construction sector, a significant contributor to the nation's economy, is navigating evolving challenges including supply chain resilience, sustainability mandates, and technological adoption. Greenberg Traurig's strategic expansion, particularly with the addition of a seasoned leader like Patton, positions the firm to effectively advise clients through these complexities. The firm's global presence, with approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations, provides a strong foundation for supporting international clients undertaking projects in the U.K. and for U.K. entities operating abroad.