Freeths continue to bolster Bristol offering with strategic appointment

National law firm Freeths has appointed Suriya Edwards as Construction and Engineering Partner in Bristol.

With 13 years' experience, Suriya advises developers, funders and contractors, in addition to utility companies and waste operators, on a range of non-contentious construction matters. Her extensive expertise covers renewable energy, including solar and battery storage, and built environment related developments, waste, utility and infrastructure projects as well as mainstream construction for commercial development work. Underpinning her practice is the importance she places in providing practical advice to her clients on contract strategy and approach to take. At Freeths, Suriya will work alongside the national energy team to lead the construction and engineering practice in Bristol.

Adam Watson, Managing Partner of Freeths Bristol, said: “Suriya's strategic appointment will cement a new service offering to Freeths Bristol as well as bolster our wider national construction team. She joins at a critical point of growth for our office, and we're delighted to welcome her into the team.”

Suriya is the latest senior hire to join Freeths Bristol in recent months including Environmental Law and Planning Director Sarah Phillips. It comes as the 50+ strong Bristol office recently recorded an increase in revenue of 51% on the previous year and was also recently named Law Firm of the Year at the Bristol Law Society Awards 2023 (over 20 partners).

Chris Holwell, Freeths' National Head of Construction and Engineering, added: “We warmly welcome Suriya to our 30-strong national team, her expertise in energy projects and carbon reduction will deepen our already close joint working relationship with the Freeths energy team.”

Suriya Edwards added: “This is an exciting opportunity for me to join such a prestigious team during this period of record growth. I have been impressed at the level of professionalism and warm culture that Freeths has displayed, and I believe I can bring a new level of innovation within the practice for both existing and new clients.”