Clayton Utz has taken on a new special counsel in Irene Wales to boost its construction and major projects division.

Wales, a construction specialist, has over 20 years’ experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction work. She has extensive experience throughout Asia, having advised on building and infrastructure projects in Australia, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Bangkok and Philippines.

Wales comes to the firm after previously having spent nine years with UK law firm Pinsent Masons in Hong Kong.

Clayton Utz achieved the sole “premier” ranking in construction in last year’s Asia Pacific Legal 500 directory and has won the Australian Law Award for Best Construction Team for five years running.