Hammonds has made its first partner hire since agreeing its transatlantic tie-up with Squire Sanders & Dempsey, with the appointment of construction specialist Simon Bradley.

Bradley joined the national firm's Birmingham office yesterday (1 December) as a partner in the construction team. He was previously a partner with local rival Clarke Willmott.

Specialising in both contentious and non-contentious matters, Bradley focuses on energy, utilities and health and social care, advising on major infrastructure projects including the construction of hospitals, sports stadiums, energy plants and onshore wind farm developments. He also advises on private finance initiatives and public procurement litigation.

Bradley said: "As the economy moves out of recession the demand for non-contentious construction advice will grow as new projects are instigated, in addition to the major infrastructure projects that will need to be delivered in the coming decade to meet our energy requirements. I also anticipate that there will be an increase in disputes in the first phase of the upturn as cashflow improves and companies have greater flexibility to engage in litigation."

The hire follows a spate of recent partner additions to Hammonds' Birmingham office. These include David Gordon, who joined from Eversheds in May to head up the firm's national environment group, and corporate partner Geoff Perry, who joined from local rival Shoosmiths.

The merger of Hammonds and Squire Sanders is set to go live on 1 January 2011.