Ashurst boosts US infrastructure capabilities with partner relocation and counsel hire

Global law firm Ashurst has further strengthened its infrastructure capabilities in the US with the relocation of Ashurst partner Gareth Sage and appointment of digital infra specialist Paul Dawson as counsel in its projects practice, marking another significant step in the growth of the firm's US offering.

Construction and infrastructure partner Gareth Sage has relocated to New York from the firm's Sydney office, initially as a Foreign Legal Consultant. Gareth's experience spans road, rail and energy projects. He has particular expertise in PPP/P3 projects, complex outsourcing projects and renewables, and regularly advises both government and non-government participants.

Paul Dawson, who joins the team in Los Angeles from telecoms company Liberty Global, has extensive experience across digital infrastructure, including data centres and fibre projects, as well as corporate and commercial matters, particularly in the technology sector. He started his career working in international law firms across Australia and UK, and is qualified to practice in California, England & Wales, and Australia.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gareth and Paul to our US projects practice, they are both excellent additions to our team", said Anna Hermelin, Co-Head of Ashurst's Projects, Americas practice. "With their combined experience, which perfectly aligns with our current team's strengths, we will be able to further expand our capabilities and enhance our capacity to infuse a global perspective into local projects. Their arrival underscores our continued commitment to growth, addressing the evolving needs of the market and to successfully deliver our clients most critical infrastructure programs."

Betty Cerini, Co-Head of Ashurst's Projects, Americas, added: "Infrastructure stands as a cornerstone of our firm's offering. The addition of Gareth and Paul, who bring with them a wealth of experience in advising the public and private sectors globally, enriches our capacity to bring innovative ideas to address industry challenges whilst delivering transformative infrastructure to communities, further cementing our pre-eminent reputation in the US P3 market."

Ashurst's US team advises on many of the largest and most innovative US infrastructure deals, including most recently, the Georgia Department of Transportation on the SR-400 Express Lanes project, one of the highest profile P3 projects in the US, the University of Utah on their P3 for 5,000 new student housing units, the largest US university student housing project to date; and the Port of Long Beach on the Pier Wind project.

The firm's US offering has also been further expanded recently with the appointment of partner Nick Allen in the global markets team in New York and the promotion of projects partner Tristan Robinson in Los Angeles.