Eversheds Sutherland strengthens international offering with double partner hire

Ben Peecock joins the firm’s Construction team from DLA Piper, bringing over two decades of experience advising on major civil engineering and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on green energy and nationally significant developments. His practice spans sectors including energy (nuclear and renewables), transport, manufacturing, life sciences, real estate and finance. Ben is known for his expertise in NEC, FIDIC, IChemE, JCT and bespoke EPC contracts, and for building and leading high-performing teams. He has delivered clean energy projects across the Nordics, Serbia and Kenya, and has a robust network across more than 30 jurisdictions. Ben is recognised in Legal 500 2025 as a “Next Generation Partner” and is ranked in Chambers & Partners.

Anne-Marie Lacoste joins the firm’s International Arbitration team in Paris – coming from Quinn Emanuel – bringing with her over 15 years of experience in international commercial and investment arbitration. She has advised international groups, public entities and States in high-stakes disputes, particularly in the energy and construction sectors across Europe and Africa. Anne-Marie has acted as counsel and arbitrator in proceedings under ICC, ICSID, SCC and UNCITRAL rules, and regularly represents clients in arbitration-related litigation before the French courts. Her arrival strengthens the firm’s global arbitration offering, which includes over 200 specialists across 70 offices worldwide.

Mark Davenport, Global Co-Head of Litigation and Dispute Management, Eversheds Sutherland, said:
“These appointments – alongside our recent strategic hires - reflect our continued investment in top-tier talent and our ambition to deliver integrated, cross-border solutions for clients. We are delighted to welcome Ben and Anne-Marie to the team as we continue to expand our reach and capabilities.”

Ben Peecock, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:
"I am excited to join Eversheds Sutherland at a time of such dynamic growth for the Construction team. The firm’s collaborative culture and international reach provide a fantastic platform to deliver innovative solutions for clients, particularly in the rapidly evolving green energy and infrastructure sectors."

Anne-Marie Lacoste, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, added:
“I am very pleased to join the Eversheds Sutherland team, whose expertise in international arbitration and public international law is globally recognized. The firm’s extensive experience—particularly in key sectors such as energy and TMT—the diversity of its lawyers’ backgrounds, and its international footprint make it an ideal platform for advising and representing clients in complex arbitrations.”

 

Continued Growth Across International Practices

Ben and Anne-Marie’s appointments follow a series of strategic hires across Eversheds Sutherland’s international arbitration, disputes and advisory practices. 

In recent months, the firm has welcomed John Lurie and James Holden to the Construction team, bringing significant experience across the UK, Middle East and Africa. The team has also strengthened capability in Scotland with the arrival of Lauren Morrison as Legal Director, and in Ireland with the integration of Kim O’Neill and Lisa Boyd as Partners in Dublin & Belfast, and Seán Scally and Chelsey O’Doherty as Partners in the Energy & Infrastructure team in Dublin.

The global Disputes offering saw further growth in the past year – most recently with the arrival of Partners Lambros Kilaniotis from Quinn Emanuel, who now leads the firm’s Competition Litigation team, and Joaquin “Jack” Terceño from Freshfields in Tokyo. Jack brought significant experience in both international commercial arbitration and investor-State treaty arbitration, further strengthening the firms international arbitration capabilities. 

Jonathan Douglas, Head of Construction and Engineering, Eversheds Sutherland, said:
"Ben’s appointment is a testament to our commitment to building a truly international Construction practice. His experience in major projects and green energy, combined with our recent hires across the UK, positions us to support clients on their most complex and ambitious mandates both in the UK and in our global markets."

Wesley Pydiamah, Global Co-Head of International Arbitration, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Anne-Marie, a highly regarded practitioner in the Paris arbitration market. Her sector-specific expertise and extensive experience in high-stakes strategic disputes will be a strong asset for our global clients, who are increasingly facing major geopolitical challenges across all continents.”