International law firm DAC Beachcroft has announced the appointment of a new commercial and construction disputes specialist.

Alistair Dean has been named as a partner in DAC Beachcroft's national Professional & Commercial Risks team in Scotland. Alistair joins DACB from Scottish law firm Anderson Strathern.

Alistair has nearly three decades' experience in commercial and construction disputes, advising developers, contractors, sub-contractors, housebuilders and national retailers. He is a Solicitor Advocate and has significant experience in representing clients in a very wide range of complex commercial matters at adjudication, arbitration, mediation and expert determination. Alistair also previously served as secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Scotland Branch) and sat for two years on the committee of the WS Society.


Suzanne Wharton, partner who leads DACB's Professional & Commercial Risks team across Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Scotland, said: "Alistair is an experienced, senior lawyer who has been practising in the Scottish construction market for many years and is very highly regarded by his clients and peers. He will be a fantastic addition to our team as we continue delivering our plans to strengthen our contentious construction expertise in Scotland."

John Maillie, DACB's Scotland Location Head, said: "We are delighted to welcome Alistair to DAC Beachcroft. Our firm continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland, and with this latest high-calibre hire, we are demonstrating yet again that we are delivering on our ambitions to be the law firm of choice for talented Scottish lawyers."

Alistair added: "I'm very excited to be joining the DAC Beachcroft team. The firm boasts an enviable reputation and shows a strong commitment to meeting to the evolving demands of the construction sector. I look forward to working with the team and continuing to deliver outstanding results for our clients."

Alistair's hire follows on from the recruitment of construction litigation partner Jilly Petrie in 2022. Jilly represents clients in complex, high-value construction and engineering insurance claims across the full spectrum of project, contractors all risk and professional indemnity policies.