Retaining its firm standing as a ‘market-leading’ set for construction disputes, Atkin Chambers has continued handling high-stakes matters in the UK and internationally. As one example of the chambers’ prowess in construction-related international arbitrations, the set’s mainstay, the Third Set of Locks Project on the Panama Canal saw Manus McMullan KC and Christopher Lewis KC represent the Panama Canal Authority in a series of high-value claims. Domestically, Dominique Rawley KC and Jennifer Jones defended Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and Balfour Beatty Group in Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease Construction, a case concerning alleged structural defects at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, while Simon Lofthouse KC and Omar Eljadi represented one of Lendlease’s subcontractors in the related Lendlease Construction v MPB Structures counterclaims. In an expansive multi-party dispute, among others Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC and David Streatfeild-James KC acted for Morrisons against Lorien Engineering Solutions regarding alleged defects in the refrigeration systems of its pork abattoir in Colne. Stephanie Barwise KC has been advising on cladding issues and the Building Safety Act, and has made clarification submissions on Grenfell – a number of other members of chambers have been involved in litigation surrounding related issues of cladding and fire safety. Notable internal changes include Stuart Catchpole KC joining from 39 Essex Chambers and Rupert Choat KC taking silk in March 2022.
Construction in
London Bar
Atkin Chambers
Testimonials
‘David Barnes and Justin Wilson are extremely good clerks.’
‘The Atkin Chambers clerking team is very good: they are responsive and take steps to understand the instruction. Justin Wilson is great to work with and goes the extra mile to ensure that he finds suitable counsel.’
‘The clerks – in particular David Barnes and Justin Wilson – are friendly and helpful.’
‘Atkin Chambers is our number one go-to chambers for construction barristers. Their barristers are experienced with in-depth construction legal knowledge.’
‘Atkin Chambers is one of my first ports of call when looking for construction and arbitration barristers.’
‘Atkin Chambers is market-leading in construction. They have a good range of counsel at all levels of seniority and they are experienced in appearing before the full range of Courts and tribunals applying to construction disputes.’
‘Atkin Chambers is one of the top sets for Construction and Engineering work. They have a number of top-quality barristers (both at junior and KC level) who are dedicated to providing excellent client service.’
‘Atkin Chambers is the leading construction set; the quality of its silks and juniors is unparalleled.’
Keating Chambers
As an ‘excellent specialist set’ in construction law, Keating Chambers continues to impress with its representation in an array of high-profile cases, both in the UK and abroad. In addition to the set’s global presence in arbitrations, domestic instructions include Martlet Homes v Mulalley, the first post-Grenfell cladding fire safety case to go to trial, where Jonathan Selby KC and Tom Coulson represented the claimants, while Simon Hughes KC and James Frampton acted for the defendants. Other key cases include Cambridgeshire County Council v BAM Nuttall Limited, a long-running case concerning a guided busway in Cambridgeshire, involving Piers Stansfield KC, Sarah Williams, and Harry Smith acting for the claimant. Paul Bury, acting for Resource Recovery Solutions (Derbyshire) Limited, and Lucy Garrett KC, who is representing Derbyshire CC & Derby CC, are instructed to appear on opposite sides of a dispute revolving around the termination of a PFI contract for the Derby waste-to-energy plant. The set has seen the addition of Alexandra Bodnar from 39 Essex Chambers. Paul Buckingham KC and William Webb KC both took silk in March 2023, while Adam Constable KC (as was) is now on the High Court bench.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are a pleasure to deal with, responsive and friendly. Rob Garvan is particularly excellent.’
‘The service I receive from the clerks at Keating is excellent. They always respond in a timely manner and deliver what I need when I need it. Amy Barrie and Jade Clark have been particularly helpful.’
‘James Luxmoore has grown into a superb leader in the clerks room.’
‘An excellent specialist set in construction law.’
‘There is great strength in depth within Keating Chambers, at no stage have they been unable to meet our needs within the construction sector.’
‘Keating has a very strong set of construction specialist barristers. Very impressive, and well managed.’
‘Keating Chambers are one of my go-to for construction litigation. They have an excellent range of top quality barristers from the top down.’
‘Keating Chambers is the best set for construction and engineering disputes. Simple.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court handles a myriad of substantial contentious construction matters both in the UK and abroad, offering a ‘first-class service’. In addition to the members' work in heavyweight arbitrations across Asia, the Middle East and further afield, Sean Brannigan KC and Jennie Gillies represented the claimants, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in a high-profile case against Lendlease and Balfour Beatty resulting from the defective construction of a PFI hospital. Members of the set were enlisted by various parties to defend against claims brought forward by Shepherd Construction Limited, pertaining to alleged defects in the design and construction of cladding systems on residential blocks in London. Among them, Lynne McCafferty KC represented Drytech Façades , while Rachel Ansell KC acted for Kingspan. Jeremy Nicholson KC represented Aecom in the complex multi-party proceedings case of Willmott Dixon Construction v. Prater, Lindner Exteriors Holding, Sheppard Robson, AECOM, and AIS Surveyors, which arose from alleged defective cladding in a Woolwich Central commercial and residential development. Jonathan Lewis KC took silk in March 2023, and Fiona Sinclair KC retired.
Testimonials
‘4 Pump Court’s clerking is modern, practical and efficient. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are both very experienced, competent clerks who run a very good ship.’
‘Carl Wall is very friendly and helpful. The clerking team overall takes a pragmatic and tailored approach to fees and to any unforeseen issues that may crop up, which makes our life easier as instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Carl Wall and the team always provide top-notch service.’
‘Excellent set of chambers, which is our “go-to” set for our construction dispute work. Their members are both technically excellent and well-grounded in the realities of the construction sector, engaging very effectively with clients, experts and the like.’
‘4 Pump Court is always able to recommend appropriate Counsel when we require it and has great strength in depth.’
‘4 Pump Court is a powerhouse of a set with quality throughout. I know that we are in safe hands when we instruct a member of 4 Pump Court. Their counsel are easy to work with and always deliver a first-class service.’
‘A strong set for construction and engineering disputes, with a good range of KCs and Juniors.’
‘4 Pump Court has an incredible variety of counsel who deal with construction disputes and we can always find someone suitable with availability.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
With a ‘great breadth of expertise’ on display, 39 Essex Chambers tackles an array of construction and engineering issues on both domestic and international fronts. Marion Smith is acting for the defendant Buro Four Project Services Ltd in Standard Life Assurance Limited v Gleeds, a claim concerning the procurement, development, and design of a mixed-use retail and residential project in West Berkshire. In the international arena, David Brynmor Thomas KC is representing Vedanta against Baker Hughes, a significant dispute arising from the supply of drilling services and materials in India. Crossing over with the set's expertise in areas such as public law, Kate Grange KC is one of a significant number of members to have had involvement in the Grenfell Tower inquiry - she was part of the counsel to the inquiry team.
Testimonials
‘Darcey Bourne is a clerk to watch.’
‘There is strength in depth. They have counsel at every level for construction disputes.’
’39 Essex Street is one of my first ports of call when looking for construction and arbitration counsel.’
‘Excellent knowledge and expertise in construction and commercial matters.’
‘Good set with great breadth of expertise in particular on arbitration, engineering and construction.’
‘Outstanding expert in international construction law.’
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
Demonstrating ‘expertise across all levels’, 4 New Square offers representation on a variety of construction-related issues, with a particular focus on defending contractors in cases framed as professional negligence claims. Roger Stewart KC and George McDonald are acting on Sudlows Limited v Global Switch Estates 1 Limited, a series of disputes centred on a project to upgrade a data centre. The set has marked its presence in high-value cladding claims, including Hugh Saunders‘s representation of Broadway Malyan against Balfour Beatty in a dispute concerning a student accommodation development in east London. Additionally, Ben Patten KC is defending cladding consultant Cladtech Associates in Shepherd Construction Limited v Kingspan and Others, a substantial damages claim concerning fire safety and structural defects in a major London development.
Testimonials
‘Denis Peck is a superb clerk. Lizzie Stewart is also really good.’
‘4 New Square is an excellent set. From the front desk to the KCs, everybody is pragmatic and willing to help.’
‘They are one of the best chambers to work with for construction and professional negligence. They are responsive, down to earth, get the work done and get good results. They are also very nice people to work with.’
‘Highly dependable in all respects.’
‘4 New Square is a great chambers. They have a varied range of skills and expertise across all levels and are able to offer the right person for the right matter.’
‘4 New Square is always my ‘go to’ chambers.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
With ‘strength in depth’, Crown Office Chambers tackles a broad spectrum of construction disputes, including construction-related professional negligence and insurance claims. In Sky, Mace & Prater v Riverstone Managing Agency and others, Andrew Rigney KC acted for the insurers in a substantial claim tied to defects and damages to the roof of Sky’s headquarters and studios in Osterley. Michael Curtis KC and Michele De Gregorio represent Simply Construct in the case of Toppan Holdings Ltd & Abbey Healthcare (Mill Hill) Ltd v Simply Construct (UK) Ltd, concerning alleged fire safety defects at a London care home, and have secured permission to appeal to the Supreme Court - at issue is if a collateral warranty is a construction contract within the meaning of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; if it is not, the adjudicator who heard the case did not have jurisdiction.
Testimonials
‘Rob Cowup provides an excellent clerking service.’
‘Crown Office Chambers offer specialist Construction law Advice. They have a wide range of experience within chambers for matters of all levels, complexity and value.’
‘Good chambers with good strength in depth.’
‘One of the most friendly and accessible chambers I’ve worked with.’
‘Crown Office Chambers are highly regarded in the market. Their excellent reputation is well deserved.’
‘A very proactive chambers with an excellent construction offering.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Going ‘from strength to strength’, Gatehouse Chambers handles a full spectrum of construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure disputes both domestically and internationally, such as matters relating to bonds and guarantees, construction all risks insurance, professional liability matters, defects, disruption and delay. Paul Reed KC and Simon Kerry are representing Prestoplan Limited in Avantage and others v PRP and others, an insurance-backed construction dispute linked to a fire at a timber-framed care home. David Pliener KC, now newly appointed silk as of March 2023 alongside Catherine Piercy KC, acted for the refrigeration supplier, J&H Hall, in Morrison Supermarkets v Lorien et al., a multi-party dispute resulting from the redevelopment of a large abattoir. Sarah McCann served as sole counsel in Openview Security Solutions Ltd v Metropolitan Housing Trust, a case arising from non-payment and alleged defects. Meanwhile, members of the set have been involved in international disputes spanning locations from the Americas, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East. Andrew Kearney joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘James Duncan Harthill is a standout and excellent. I like dealing with him a lot.’
‘Gatehouse Chambers offers a good depth of experience, from KC down to the most junior counsel. They can offer suitable candidates for any given case, even when one of our usual preferred counsel is not available. They offer a range of training, both online and in person, which caters for all levels of experience in my team.’
‘Very collaborative approach from chambers. They were able to field various other counsel to plug gaps when required.’
‘A very good bunch; very commercial and they offer fantastic training.’
‘Gatehouse is one of my two ‘go-to’ construction sets. There are a number of barristers who I would happily instruct. Their training programmes are also very on point and useful.’
‘As a construction set, Gatehouse is unparalleled and going from strength to strength. Their offering is increasingly strong across the board. Gatehouse has a very bright future. They also offer an impressive training programme of regular webinars and in-person seminars that are well pitched and address all the hot topics and key issues in the sector.’
Work highlights
Atkin Chambers
Testimonials
‘David Barnes and Justin Wilson are extremely good clerks.’
‘The Atkin Chambers clerking team is very good: they are responsive and take steps to understand the instruction. Justin Wilson is great to work with and goes the extra mile to ensure that he finds suitable counsel.’
‘The clerks – in particular David Barnes and Justin Wilson – are friendly and helpful.’
‘Atkin Chambers is our number one go-to chambers for construction barristers. Their barristers are experienced with in-depth construction legal knowledge.’
‘Atkin Chambers is one of my first ports of call when looking for construction and arbitration barristers.’
‘Atkin Chambers is market-leading in construction. They have a good range of counsel at all levels of seniority and they are experienced in appearing before the full range of Courts and tribunals applying to construction disputes.’
‘Atkin Chambers is one of the top sets for Construction and Engineering work. They have a number of top-quality barristers (both at junior and KC level) who are dedicated to providing excellent client service.’
‘Atkin Chambers is the leading construction set; the quality of its silks and juniors is unparalleled.’
Keating Chambers
As an ‘excellent specialist set’ in construction law, Keating Chambers continues to impress with its representation in an array of high-profile cases, both in the UK and abroad. In addition to the set’s global presence in arbitrations, domestic instructions include Martlet Homes v Mulalley, the first post-Grenfell cladding fire safety case to go to trial, where Jonathan Selby KC and Tom Coulson represented the claimants, while Simon Hughes KC and James Frampton acted for the defendants. Other key cases include Cambridgeshire County Council v BAM Nuttall Limited, a long-running case concerning a guided busway in Cambridgeshire, involving Piers Stansfield KC, Sarah Williams, and Harry Smith acting for the claimant. Paul Bury, acting for Resource Recovery Solutions (Derbyshire) Limited, and Lucy Garrett KC, who is representing Derbyshire CC & Derby CC, are instructed to appear on opposite sides of a dispute revolving around the termination of a PFI contract for the Derby waste-to-energy plant. The set has seen the addition of Alexandra Bodnar from 39 Essex Chambers. Paul Buckingham KC and William Webb KC both took silk in March 2023, while Adam Constable KC (as was) is now on the High Court bench.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are a pleasure to deal with, responsive and friendly. Rob Garvan is particularly excellent.’
‘The service I receive from the clerks at Keating is excellent. They always respond in a timely manner and deliver what I need when I need it. Amy Barrie and Jade Clark have been particularly helpful.’
‘James Luxmoore has grown into a superb leader in the clerks room.’
‘An excellent specialist set in construction law.’
‘There is great strength in depth within Keating Chambers, at no stage have they been unable to meet our needs within the construction sector.’
‘Keating has a very strong set of construction specialist barristers. Very impressive, and well managed.’
‘Keating Chambers are one of my go-to for construction litigation. They have an excellent range of top quality barristers from the top down.’
‘Keating Chambers is the best set for construction and engineering disputes. Simple.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court handles a myriad of substantial contentious construction matters both in the UK and abroad, offering a ‘first-class service’. In addition to the members' work in heavyweight arbitrations across Asia, the Middle East and further afield, Sean Brannigan KC and Jennie Gillies represented the claimants, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in a high-profile case against Lendlease and Balfour Beatty resulting from the defective construction of a PFI hospital. Members of the set were enlisted by various parties to defend against claims brought forward by Shepherd Construction Limited, pertaining to alleged defects in the design and construction of cladding systems on residential blocks in London. Among them, Lynne McCafferty KC represented Drytech Façades , while Rachel Ansell KC acted for Kingspan. Jeremy Nicholson KC represented Aecom in the complex multi-party proceedings case of Willmott Dixon Construction v. Prater, Lindner Exteriors Holding, Sheppard Robson, AECOM, and AIS Surveyors, which arose from alleged defective cladding in a Woolwich Central commercial and residential development. Jonathan Lewis KC took silk in March 2023, and Fiona Sinclair KC retired.
Testimonials
‘4 Pump Court’s clerking is modern, practical and efficient. Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are both very experienced, competent clerks who run a very good ship.’
‘Carl Wall is very friendly and helpful. The clerking team overall takes a pragmatic and tailored approach to fees and to any unforeseen issues that may crop up, which makes our life easier as instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Carl Wall and the team always provide top-notch service.’
‘Excellent set of chambers, which is our “go-to” set for our construction dispute work. Their members are both technically excellent and well-grounded in the realities of the construction sector, engaging very effectively with clients, experts and the like.’
‘4 Pump Court is always able to recommend appropriate Counsel when we require it and has great strength in depth.’
‘4 Pump Court is a powerhouse of a set with quality throughout. I know that we are in safe hands when we instruct a member of 4 Pump Court. Their counsel are easy to work with and always deliver a first-class service.’
‘A strong set for construction and engineering disputes, with a good range of KCs and Juniors.’
‘4 Pump Court has an incredible variety of counsel who deal with construction disputes and we can always find someone suitable with availability.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
With a ‘great breadth of expertise’ on display, 39 Essex Chambers tackles an array of construction and engineering issues on both domestic and international fronts. Marion Smith is acting for the defendant Buro Four Project Services Ltd in Standard Life Assurance Limited v Gleeds, a claim concerning the procurement, development, and design of a mixed-use retail and residential project in West Berkshire. In the international arena, David Brynmor Thomas KC is representing Vedanta against Baker Hughes, a significant dispute arising from the supply of drilling services and materials in India. Crossing over with the set's expertise in areas such as public law, Kate Grange KC is one of a significant number of members to have had involvement in the Grenfell Tower inquiry - she was part of the counsel to the inquiry team.
Testimonials
‘Darcey Bourne is a clerk to watch.’
‘There is strength in depth. They have counsel at every level for construction disputes.’
’39 Essex Street is one of my first ports of call when looking for construction and arbitration counsel.’
‘Excellent knowledge and expertise in construction and commercial matters.’
‘Good set with great breadth of expertise in particular on arbitration, engineering and construction.’
‘Outstanding expert in international construction law.’
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
Demonstrating ‘expertise across all levels’, 4 New Square offers representation on a variety of construction-related issues, with a particular focus on defending contractors in cases framed as professional negligence claims. Roger Stewart KC and George McDonald are acting on Sudlows Limited v Global Switch Estates 1 Limited, a series of disputes centred on a project to upgrade a data centre. The set has marked its presence in high-value cladding claims, including Hugh Saunders‘s representation of Broadway Malyan against Balfour Beatty in a dispute concerning a student accommodation development in east London. Additionally, Ben Patten KC is defending cladding consultant Cladtech Associates in Shepherd Construction Limited v Kingspan and Others, a substantial damages claim concerning fire safety and structural defects in a major London development.
Testimonials
‘Denis Peck is a superb clerk. Lizzie Stewart is also really good.’
‘4 New Square is an excellent set. From the front desk to the KCs, everybody is pragmatic and willing to help.’
‘They are one of the best chambers to work with for construction and professional negligence. They are responsive, down to earth, get the work done and get good results. They are also very nice people to work with.’
‘Highly dependable in all respects.’
‘4 New Square is a great chambers. They have a varied range of skills and expertise across all levels and are able to offer the right person for the right matter.’
‘4 New Square is always my ‘go to’ chambers.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
With ‘strength in depth’, Crown Office Chambers tackles a broad spectrum of construction disputes, including construction-related professional negligence and insurance claims. In Sky, Mace & Prater v Riverstone Managing Agency and others, Andrew Rigney KC acted for the insurers in a substantial claim tied to defects and damages to the roof of Sky’s headquarters and studios in Osterley. Michael Curtis KC and Michele De Gregorio represent Simply Construct in the case of Toppan Holdings Ltd & Abbey Healthcare (Mill Hill) Ltd v Simply Construct (UK) Ltd, concerning alleged fire safety defects at a London care home, and have secured permission to appeal to the Supreme Court - at issue is if a collateral warranty is a construction contract within the meaning of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996; if it is not, the adjudicator who heard the case did not have jurisdiction.
Testimonials
‘Rob Cowup provides an excellent clerking service.’
‘Crown Office Chambers offer specialist Construction law Advice. They have a wide range of experience within chambers for matters of all levels, complexity and value.’
‘Good chambers with good strength in depth.’
‘One of the most friendly and accessible chambers I’ve worked with.’
‘Crown Office Chambers are highly regarded in the market. Their excellent reputation is well deserved.’
‘A very proactive chambers with an excellent construction offering.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Going ‘from strength to strength’, Gatehouse Chambers handles a full spectrum of construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure disputes both domestically and internationally, such as matters relating to bonds and guarantees, construction all risks insurance, professional liability matters, defects, disruption and delay. Paul Reed KC and Simon Kerry are representing Prestoplan Limited in Avantage and others v PRP and others, an insurance-backed construction dispute linked to a fire at a timber-framed care home. David Pliener KC, now newly appointed silk as of March 2023 alongside Catherine Piercy KC, acted for the refrigeration supplier, J&H Hall, in Morrison Supermarkets v Lorien et al., a multi-party dispute resulting from the redevelopment of a large abattoir. Sarah McCann served as sole counsel in Openview Security Solutions Ltd v Metropolitan Housing Trust, a case arising from non-payment and alleged defects. Meanwhile, members of the set have been involved in international disputes spanning locations from the Americas, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East. Andrew Kearney joined the team in October 2023.
Testimonials
‘James Duncan Harthill is a standout and excellent. I like dealing with him a lot.’
‘Gatehouse Chambers offers a good depth of experience, from KC down to the most junior counsel. They can offer suitable candidates for any given case, even when one of our usual preferred counsel is not available. They offer a range of training, both online and in person, which caters for all levels of experience in my team.’
‘Very collaborative approach from chambers. They were able to field various other counsel to plug gaps when required.’
‘A very good bunch; very commercial and they offer fantastic training.’
‘Gatehouse is one of my two ‘go-to’ construction sets. There are a number of barristers who I would happily instruct. Their training programmes are also very on point and useful.’
‘As a construction set, Gatehouse is unparalleled and going from strength to strength. Their offering is increasingly strong across the board. Gatehouse has a very bright future. They also offer an impressive training programme of regular webinars and in-person seminars that are well pitched and address all the hot topics and key issues in the sector.’