JMW appoints head of construction

Neil Armstrong has joined the Manchester-based law firm from Myerson Solicitors, where he was a partner.

Armstrong has nearly three decades of law experience, having started his career as a mechanical engineer before trading machinery for legalese. In addition to working at Myerson, he has also been employed by Addleshaw Goddard, Shoosmiths, Weightmans, and Pannone Corporate.

At JMW Solicitors, Armstrong is the head of construction. His team advises on negotiating contracts, construction disputes, consultant appointments, transaction management, and securing warranties.

“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to further develop the JMW construction offering,” Armstrong said. “There are many challenges facing the sector, but also numerous opportunities, both driven by unprecedented change requiring the navigation of broad regulatory reforms, economic fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties.”

He continued: “I am confident that the JMW team’s industry expertise and sound understanding of the sector means we are able to meet both challenges and opportunities, continuing to deliver the highest level of legal advice to clients old and new.”

Thomas Pearson, head of JMW’s real estate commercial team, said he was “extremely pleased” for Armstrong to join the law firm.

“As one of the North West’s most experienced and fastest growing construction and real estate teams with a national reach, I know he will make a significant contribution to our offering,” Pearson said.

Armstrong’s appointment was one of three key hires made by the law firm since start of the year. David Easdown joined as a partner in the corporate team and John Burns became head of brands in JMW’s commercial team.

JMW has more than 600 staff across its three offices in Manchester, London and Liverpool. Founded in 1978, the law firm has been recognised as a Legal 500 top-tier firm.