International law firm, Gowling WLG has welcomed international arbitration specialist Gordon Bell as a partner in its Dispute Resolution Group.

Gordon brings with him extensive experience in a wide range of sectors including construction, energy, oil & gas, shipbuilding, and defence projects and will join the firm's contentious construction team.

Formerly a partner at Pinsent Masons and Reed Smith, where he led the development of their respective international arbitration practices, Gordon will be part of the firm's International Arbitration Group alongside partners such as Tom Price and David Breslin. He will further strengthen the group's offering to clients in a wide range of jurisdictions including Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

Gordon will also enhance the unique geographical coverage offered to clients as a result of the recent formation of Gowling WLG, and will join an exceptional group of practitioners in our global practice. The International Arbitration Group has been a significant part of the firm's growth over the past 12 months and is one of the core areas of its strategic international development.

Michael O'Shea, head of the firm's contentious construction practice, said: "Gordon's vast expertise will be incredibly valuable to our growing team. He joins the firm at an important time, one year on from our combination, when our international reach is expanding on a significant scale."

The firm's construction team was one of the top growth practices in the past financial year, with turnover that now exceeds £10m.

Davinia Gransbury, head of Gowling WLG's dispute resolution practice, said: "Gordon's appointment represents an exciting opportunity for us to really make a step change and drive significant growth in the international arbitration field. This opportunity would not have been possible without the benefit of our recent combination."

Gordon's CV displays strength and depth in the many cases on which he has worked, making significant contributions during his time at other firms. He has been recognised in UK Best Lawyers for international arbitration and in Chambers and Legal 500 for construction and international arbitration.

Gordon said: "I look forward to joining my colleagues in both the construction and international arbitration practices. Gowling WLG's construction team is well-established and has grown significantly since its combination. I will be able to display my international expertise and drive further opportunities for the firm."

Gowling WLG's large and impressive team of construction experts combine quality and skill to provide a first-class service. Representing major contractors and leading developers, the team enjoys strong and longstanding relationships with some of the sector's most significant players, taking a lead role in some of the industry's biggest disputes.

The firm's international arbitration group has the knowledge and experience to efficiently resolve international disputes, allowing clients to stay focused on achieving commercial objectives. The team has represented clients in a wide range of institutional arbitrations under the ICC, LCIA, ICSID, SIAC, CIETAC and AAA rules, as well as pursuant to many ad hoc arbitrations.