Trowers & Hamlins is targeting the private construction sector with the hire of Pinsent Masons' London transactional construction team head Michael Mullarkey.

Mullarkey, who advises contractors in the health, education, water, transport, social housing and private development sectors, joined Trowers' projects and construction group earlier this week (1 November).

Trowers said that the appointment of Mullarkey, who holds key client relationships including Kier, Willmott Dixon and Wates, will help the firm to develop and expand its client base among major construction contractors, especially in the private sector.

Before joining Pinsents in 1999, Mullarkey was in-house counsel for major contractor Taylor Woodrow (now part of Vinci) for three years.

He will become the 10th partner in Trowers' London projects practice and will work with City construction partner Charles Morrish, who has a similar practice focus.

Morrish said: "What is interesting about Mike's arrival is that it represents a real opportunity for us to grow our practice in the private sector. We already focus on a broad spectrum of clients including in the private sphere but he gives us a significant further reach into the sector."

Trowers' projects and construction practice, which has around 50 lawyers internationally and around 35 in the UK, will continue to be headed by David Mosey.