Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announced on July 29, 2026, that it has strengthened its Construction Law Practice with the addition of William ("Bill") J. Shaughnessy as a shareholder in its Atlanta office. The appointment aims to enhance the firm's capabilities in real estate, digital infrastructure, and energy projects, providing clients with deeper expertise in both transactional matters and high-stakes litigation across the Southeast and nationally.

Shaughnessy joins Greenberg Traurig from Jones Walker, where he advised owners, developers, contractors, and investors on complex construction and infrastructure projects. Admitted to practice in both Georgia and Texas, he represents clients in the public and private sectors throughout the United States and internationally. His practice covers the full project lifecycle, including contract negotiation, risk management, dispute resolution, arbitration, and trial.

Ernest LaMont Greer, Co-President of Greenberg Traurig and a Litigation Practice shareholder based in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., highlighted Shaughnessy's trial experience. "Bill is a proven construction litigator with deep first-chair trial and arbitration experience across a broad spectrum of complex projects and disputes," Greer said. He noted that Shaughnessy's ability to deliver practical counsel complements the firm's Global Real Estate Practice, enhancing service for owners, developers, and investors.

Shaughnessy's expertise includes handling high-stakes construction disputes involving schedule impacts, design issues, contract performance, and project delivery challenges. He regularly manages matters with significant exposure and multiple stakeholders in arbitration, at trial, and on appeal. Additionally, he advises on major infrastructure developments, negotiating procurement agreements for projects valued in the billions of dollars, with particular strength in power generation, manufacturing, transportation, and data centers.

Robert L. Crewdson, Chair of Greenberg Traurig's Atlanta Construction Law Practice, welcomed Shaughnessy to the team. "Bill is one of those lawyers who impresses you from the moment you meet him," Crewdson said, citing his judgment and commitment to client service. Shaughnessy expressed excitement about joining the firm's global platform and collaborative culture, noting the attractiveness of its combined transactional and litigation strengths.

Key Details of Appointment

Greenberg Traurig, LLP operates approximately 3,200 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm was recognized as a 2025 BTI "Best of the Best Recommended Law Firm" by general counsel and is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400 lists.

Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has expanded its Real Estate Practice in London by adding Patrick Williams and Freya Dear as shareholders. The appointments strengthen the firm's capabilities in advising investors, developers, funds, and other market participants on complex real estate transactions across the U.K. and Europe. This strategic growth follows the firm being named Real Estate Team of the Year at The Lawyer Awards on June 16.

Williams joined the firm from Fried Frank on June 10, while Dear will join after the completion of her notice period. Their arrival, along with the recent addition of Simon Elliott from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, underscores Greenberg Traurig's commitment to building a leading real estate platform in London. The firm has made more than 20 shareholder hires in London since the start of 2024.

Greenberg Traurig Executive Chairman Richard A. Rosenbaum stated that London is a cornerstone of the firm's strategy and an increasingly important hub for cross-border investment. He emphasized that the new hires bring exceptional experience and client relationships that will enhance the firm's ability to serve clients globally.

Executive Vice President and London office Managing Shareholder Fiona Adams highlighted the firm's significant expansion in recent years. She noted that the new shareholders bring outstanding credentials and extensive experience in cross-border mandates, further strengthening the firm's ability to support clients on significant matters.

Global Real Estate Funds Practice Co-Chair Steven Cowins added that the market demands sophisticated advice across the real estate life cycle. He stated that Williams and Dear bring exceptional experience advising investors and developers, enhancing the firm's capabilities across asset classes and jurisdictions.

Williams advises institutional investors, private equity sponsors, fund managers, developers, and family offices on corporate-structured acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, and property financings. His experience spans sectors including build-to-rent, multifamily, office, retail, hospitality, and life sciences. Dear advises institutional investors, developers, and corporate landlords on acquisitions, disposals, major city lettings, joint ventures, and financings.

Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 3,100 lawyers across 51 locations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. The firm is consistently ranked among the top firms on the Am Law Global 100, NLJ 500, and Law360 400.