United Kingdom > London > Real estate > Construction
Index of tables
Construction
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Leading individuals
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- Terry Fleet Nabarro LLP
- Stephen Haller DLA Piper UK LLP
- Marc Hanson Ashurst LLP
- Andrew Hibbert Pinsent Masons LLP
- Bob Maynard Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
- Ann Minogue Ashurst LLP
- Tim Raper Speechly Bircham LLP
- Michael Regan Mayer Brown International LLP
- Martin Roberts Pinsent Masons LLP
- Sally Roe Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
- Tim Steadman Clifford Chance
- Simon Tolson Fenwick Elliott LLP
Ashurst LLP’s ‘very capable’ team acts on some of the UK’s highest-profile construction projects. In 2010, it continued to advise Westfield on the £4bn Stratford City retail development, British Land on its Cheesegrater tower development (122 Leadenhall Street), and TfL on procurement for the £16bn Crossrail project. The team’s contentious experience includes energy and PFI projects. Ann Minogue has ‘gravitas’ and ‘superior knowledge as to how the construction industry actually operates’, and practice head Marc Hanson is also highly rated.
Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s ‘very comprehensive service’ is ‘excellent’, and the group recently expanded its international experience with several projects in Russia. Domestically, it continues to advise Thames Water on a £635m sewage tunnel project, and National Grid in a construction dispute. Bob Maynard heads the contentious practice and John Hughes-D’Aeth heads the non-contentious side; both are recommended along with Terry de Souza, who ‘can speak directly to engineers and understand the complicated technical issues’.
Richard Foley heads Pinsent Masons LLP’s 18-partner team, which is known for its expertise acting for contractors on infrastructure projects and in international arbitrations. Highlights for 2010 included advising Willbros in a $275m claim relating to onshore construction aspects of the West African Gas Pipeline project, and representing Thames Water on a £6bn asset management programme.
Clifford Chance’s team is ‘first class’, ‘pragmatic and commercial’. The practice mainly represents developers and funders in major construction and engineering projects, and is particularly strong in the upstream oil and gas and renewables sectors. Recent highlights include advising the joint venture between RWE npower and E.ON UK on the proposed development of a new generation of UK nuclear power facilities, and acting on a major office-building scheme. Tim Steadman is the key contact for non-contentious work, while Alex Panayides is notable for contentious matters. David Metzger is ‘excellent’, and Marianne Toghill is ‘calm and astute’.
Boutique construction firm Fenwick Elliott LLP is ‘excellent’; it has ‘expansive knowledge in this sector and decorum is a hallmark of its practice’. Recent highlights include advising Chinese contractor Yuanda on the construction of a luxury London hotel. Nicholas Gould is ‘extremely knowledgeable and listens carefully to his clients’, and Richard Smellie, Julian Critchlow and practice head Simon Tolson are also recommended.
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s ‘capacity for work is quite breathtaking’, and is ‘superb’. The team is developing its energy sector and international arbitration expertise, and continued to advise the Department of Energy and Climate Change on a carbon capture and storage plant development. Sally Roe ‘drives to conclude deals, and has brilliant insight into the issues that affect businesses’.
Herbert Smith LLP is ‘particularly strong in the latter stages of projects’, and provides ‘advice and service that is very well pitched commercially’. The group recently advised EDF Energy on procurement elements of its new nuclear power stations at Hinkley and Sizewell, and advised Land Securities on its £650m Trinity Quarter shopping centre in Leeds. Nicholas Downing is the main contact for non-contentious work, while Mark Lloyd-Williams leads on contentious matters. Construction litigator Tony Dymond is ‘incisive, rigorous and determined’. Associate Emelita Robbins ‘works well with clients’.
Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘pragmatic and responsive’ team recently advised the King’s Cross partnership on a sustainable space heating service in the King’s Cross development. It has also been kept busy with projects in overseas markets such as Latin America and Abu Dhabi. Practice head John Gerszt is recommended along with the energetic and ‘ever-practical’ Adrian Walker, and Mike Matheou for his ‘commercial understanding and drafting ability’.
Nabarro LLP’s team has a ‘good instinct for identifying the key commercial issues that matter’. It advises suppliers and developers, and is particularly strong on domestic projects. Recent highlights include advising Great Portland Estates on its £400m development at 100 Bishopsgate. Practice head Terry Fleet is recommended, as are Steven Williams (‘thoughtful and highly effective’), Jonathan Douglas (‘a great litigator’), and Penny Moore, whose ‘quality of drafting is impressive’.
Allen & Overy LLP focuses on international power and energy projects, and continues to advise on Saudi Arabia’s Jubail refinery project. It is also advising on several nuclear power projects such as Slovakia’s Belene NPP and Bulgaria’s Mochovce NPP. Nigel Pritchard is ‘excellent on contract formulation’.
Highlights for Baker & McKenzie LLP in 2010 included advising water treatment specialists Degrémont in disputes relating to a major desalination plant in Oman. The ‘calm and measured’ Mike Webster is the key contact, and Jeremy Winter is ‘quick, sharp, amiable and diplomatic’.
CMS Cameron McKenna LLP’s ‘easygoing’ lawyers ‘work collectively, and their market knowledge is second to none’. The practice is strong on both the purchaser and supplier side. Recent highlights include advising Taylor Wimpey on a £145m regeneration project in Portsmouth, and Lloyds TSB on its redevelopment loan for Wakefield’s Trinity Walk shopping centre. The ‘highly approachable and technically outstanding’ Victoria Peckett now heads the practice, following Caroline Cummins’ retirement.
Clyde & Co LLP’s team is ‘generally excellent’ and displays ‘good attention to detail’. In 2010, the practice saw an increase in developer-led work and international mandates, including advising African Minerals on a power station project in Sierra Leone. John Morris leads the 11-partner London team, and ‘gets a clear grasp of situations within a short time’.
Stephen Haller heads DLA Piper UK LLP’s team, which continues to advise in relation to Hatfield Power Station, one of the first power stations to use carbon-capture technology. ‘The firm’s ability to work with the client on a collegial basis is refreshing and comforting.’
K&L Gates recently advised a bid consortium on a £180m social housing project in Leeds. Other clients include Halliburton and London Underground. Kevin Greene is the main contact, and James Hudson is ‘good at pressing home key points’.
Construction is a specialist area for Maxwell Winward LLP, which is particularly experienced in heavy engineering claims. The practice continues to advise Hochtief on various large projects. It ‘understands the technical aspects of a project’, and ‘deploys its senior partners from the very beginning of an assignment’. Max Wieliczko is ‘astute and experienced’, Michael Sergeant is ‘outstanding, personable and well informed’, and Lisa Calderwood has ‘a common-sense approach with a calm, understanding manner’.
Mayer Brown International LLP provides ‘rapid, competent and robust responses’, and receives instructions in the energy sector and across a broad range of international arbitrations. Michael Regan heads the group. Nick Henchie left for Vinson & Elkins RLLP.
Norton Rose LLP ‘provides the right lawyers with the right expertise at the right level’. The practice is particularly strong on the contentious side, but also advises on international energy and rail projects. The ‘very practical’ Donald Warnock is particularly good for rail disputes, and practice head Christopher Hill is also recommended.
Reed Smith ‘has excellent knowledge in the construction sector’ and ‘pulls out all the stops’ for clients. The team has been busy advising on wind power projects, and also recently advised contractor Cameron International in arbitration proceedings relating to contracts to design and supply equipment to an Indian oil refinery. Peter Cassidy ‘quickly exposes weaknesses in an opponent’s case’, and Lynne Freeman is also recommended.
Providing ‘technically superb service’, Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘well-organised and strategic team’ is developing its profile in London and has a solid developer client base. It receives a steady stream of instructions from Access Self Storage, and in 2010 continued to advise the UKCMRI on a £500m medical research facility in King’s Cross. The ‘very astute’ Robert Hogarth heads the contentious practice head, and Kevin Forsyth is ‘very sharp and grasps problems quickly’.
Steven Carey heads Speechly Bircham LLP’s ‘always friendly’ team, which ‘provides consistent advice that is easy to understand’. The group continued to advise Northacre on its new residential development in Lancaster Gate, and advised a Gulf investor on trophy properties in London. Duncan Salmon has ‘excellent client-facing skills, is non-confrontational and provides clarity’. Tim Raper is also thoroughly recommended.
Taylor Wessing LLP is strong in contentious work, and in 2010 advised Gas Services International in disputes relating to procurement of gas pipeline equipment. The team also continued to advise Deutsche Postbank on the construction and financing of a £255m development in Bristol. Practice head Helen Garthwaite is ‘very, very clever and always in demand’, and David Quinlan ‘sets the standard for service’.
Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s lawyers ‘understand clients ’ business needs’, ‘do not waste time on minor issues and give regular updates on costs’. The practice has a strong public sector client base, and is particularly expert in procurement and projects. This large team recently advised Amey Ventures on sub-contract issues on a waste-to-energy PFI project in Yorkshire. Litigator Anthony Yates is ‘calm, thorough and particularly good on client service’, and David Mosey is recommended for non-contentious matters.
Highlights for White & Case LLP in 2010 included advising Saudi Aramco on the construction of a petrochemical plant in Saudi Arabia. The team is particularly well known for its expertise in power, metals, mining and infrastructure projects. Ellis Baker and Phillip Capper are recommended.
Addleshaw Goddard LLP advised The University of Oxford on the £20m development of the Said Phase 2 building for executive education, and also advised new client Hyundai Engineering Co Ltd in LCIA arbitration proceedings concerning a power station in Nigeria. On the contentious side, Mark Hilton is ‘a true marketer and first-class lawyer to boot’, Simon Palmer has ‘great charm’, and Jonathan Tattersall is a ‘good all-rounder’. Andrew McVeigh leads on non-contentious matters.
Beachcroft works primarily for public sector and insurer clients. It represented a confectionery manufacturer and its insurer in defending a contractor’s claim following a fire. Chris Doran heads the team.
Bird & Bird recently advised an NHS trust in construction defects claims under a PFI contract. Renewables sector and non-contentious work increased. Colin Hall left for Winckworth Sherwood in May 2011.
David Johnson heads Boodle Hatfield’s team, which is strong on contentious work. The practice also advised new client PMB Holdings on several redevelopments in the South East.
Burges Salmon LLP’s ‘excellent’ Bristol-based group adopts a ‘constructive and pragmatic approach’. It advised the London Development Agency on a carbon-positive development to build over 600 homes in London’s Royal Docks. Marcus Harling and Will Gard are recommended.
Davies Arnold Cooper LLP’s ‘superb’ group has ‘good business acumen with a willingness to settle disputes, and in general is good value for money’. It recently advised Black & Veatch in several new UK and international disputes. Danny Gowan and Rowan Planterose are ‘very responsive’. Nicholas Taylor heads the non-contentious team, and ‘makes clients feel comfortable’.
Dundas & Wilson LLP’s team, led by Andrew Renton, recently advised a joint venture between Grosvenor House Group and Gravis Capital Partners on the development of new student accommodation in London’s Mile End. Lindy Patterson QC is recommended.
Eversheds LLP’s team is ‘first class’, ‘does not waste time, is willing to be flexible on fees and honours its quotes’. It recently advised The Chiltern Railway Company on the funding and procurement of a mainline upgrade, and the construction of a new section of railway near Bicester. Practice head Simon Oats is recommended along with Richard Ward, who has ‘great depth of knowledge on building contracts’; Robert McNabb, who attracts very high praise from clients; and the ‘pragmatic and client-focused’ Peter Scurlock.
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP provides ‘excellent access to partners, and clear, concise, pragmatic advice’. The team recently advised a UK developer on the construction of the Portland Gas underground storage project. Practice head Paul Houston is recommended, and newly promoted partner Alan Woolston ‘has a cool head to deal with complex issues’.
Jones Day’s team ‘communicates effectively and provides succinct legal advice that can be put to commercial use’. It advised Qatar’s Barwa Real Estate in a £500m construction dispute over the Barwa City project. Hamish Lal heads the practice.
Kennedys is particularly strong in contentious matters, and recently advised a joint venture of Amec and Carillion in a £13m claim against WS Atkins relating to the defective design of the second runway at Manchester Airport. Clients appreciate practice head Geoff Lord’s strategic awareness, and the group’s collegial approach.
Macfarlanes LLP recently advised European Land in negotiating the next phase of the Merchants Square development, which includes a 42-storey residential tower in Westminster. Simon Nurney is recommended for litigation, and Doug Wass for non-contentious work.
Lawrence Graham LLP provides ‘practical and cost-effective advice’. It recently acted for J Sainsbury on a £70m partnership development scheme in Bicester. The firm also has a strong institutional and funds client base, including AXA Sun Life and Legal & General, and has seen an increase in projects with forward funding structures. Philip Baker is the main contact.
Lewis Silkin LLP is known for its expertise in education and social housing projects. It recently advised Notting Hill Housing Trust on a £17m acquisition in King’s Cross. Clare Reddy heads the team.
Linklaters LLP recently advised Qatari real estate company Barwa on the £500m acquisition and development of Park House on Oxford Street.
Manches LLP provides ‘an excellent general level of service with rapid responses and good guidance’. The firm advises John McAslan & Partners on various matters, including post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Haiti. Joanne Kelly and Joe Griffiths are recommended.
Highlights for Olswang in 2010 included advising INTO University Partnership on £35m of new student accommodation at the University of Newcastle. Practice head David Weare and the ‘clever and diligent’ Nick Lane are recommended.
Julia Court heads the team at SJ Berwin LLP, which works closely with the firm’s top-notch real estate department on complex development, urban regeneration, hotel and leisure projects. The team is geared towards non-contentious work, and in 2010 advised AXA Sun Life on developing a 215,000sq ft building at 60 Holborn Viaduct.
SNR Denton ‘keeps the client well informed and provides a personal service’. The team recently advised the Isle of Wight Council on a PFI project to maintain motorways on the island. Practice head Robert Turner is ‘outstanding’.
Slaughter and May ‘really gets to know its clients, and has high integrity’. The team continues to advise Arsenal FC on its Highbury redevelopment, including a sports hall and 729 residential units. Steven Edwards is recommended.
Stephenson Harwood acts for developer clients across the further education, energy and renewables sectors. Recent contentious highlights include advising the London Development Agency on the termination of a development agreement relating to Silvertown Quays. Highlights for the non-contentious team included acting for TSG on the construction of an equestrian platform for the 2012 Olympics. Steven Wait and Paul Thwaite are recommended.
Wragge & Co LLP has many contractor clients, and continues to advise St. Modwen Developments on a 20-year scheme to regenerate the former Llandarcy Refinery near Neath, North Wales, into a £1.2bn urban community.
Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP is ‘excellent for resolving disputes’ and ‘understands how to reach a settlement’. It acts for most of the major UK insurers in the construction sector. Practice head Patrick Perry is ‘responsive and astute’.
Beale and Company Solicitors LLP is a construction boutique, where Antony Smith is recommended for disputes, and Rachel Barnes and Simon Delves for non-contentious work.
Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP is highly rated for its experience in professional indemnity matters. The team represented Central Bedfordshire Council in a £3m claim alleging that highway works caused a neighbouring quarry to collapse. Michael Salau and Keith Lonsdale are recommended.
Bevan Brittan LLP’s lawyers ‘do what they say they are going to do and within the agreed timescales’. The team, which is particularly strong in the education, housing and local authority sectors, also recently advised Elekta on the construction of cancer treatment facilities at several hospitals. Duncan Weir and Andrew Tobin are recommended.
Bircham Dyson Bell LLP primarily acts for public sector clients in non-contentious matters. Nigel Brown heads the team, which recently advised Gosport Borough Council on the tender and building contract to replace the existing Gosport Ferry Terminal.
Collyer Bristow LLP recently advised Utopia Leisure in a professional negligence claim against an architect regarding a hotel extension. Jane Hughes is the main contact.
Edward Corbett’s team at Corbett & Co International Construction Lawyers Ltd advises contractors, employers, funders and consultants.
The team at Fasken Martineau LLP leverages off the firm’s strong reputation in the oil and gas and LNG sectors to win work on major international projects. It has also been busy with several student housing projects. Lawrence Bruce leads the team.
Fladgate LLP has been advising on several mature PFI projects in the healthcare and education sectors. Recent highlights include advising a US medical equipment company on a PPP-type project to upgrade and run oncology facilities at a central London hospital. Gillian Birkby is the main contact.
Forsters LLP mainly acts on non-contentious matters. It recently advised Warner Brothers Studios on its £60m building and studio refurbishment programme at Leavesden. LK Harley, owner of the LK Bennett chain, is a new client. Sarah Cook heads the practice.
Glovers Solicitors LLP is ‘easy to deal with and good value for money’. Philip Eyre has good technical experience from his background as a chartered quantity surveyor. In 2010, the team acted for Investec Bank plc regarding a potential professional negligence action relating to a surveyor.
Irwin Mitchell LLP’s new construction practice is headed by David Parton. The team advised Delancey on the new Rolls Building in London.
Maples Teesdale LLP is ‘knowledgeable and highly focused on property’, and ‘very responsive’. The practice, which focuses on non-contentious work, recently advised the UK Commercial Property Trust on the construction aspects of sale and purchase transactions for three shopping centres in Shrewsbury. Paul Matcham is ‘unbelievably efficient’, and ‘terrier-like in chasing up matters’.
McGrigors LLP’s team combines ‘pragmatic advice and business acumen’, and is ‘always attentive and realistic’. The team recently advised Scottish Power regarding participation in the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s competition for a demonstration carbon capture and storage project.
Simmons & Simmons demonstrates ‘wide and deep knowledge of construction’, and has ‘surprisingly reasonable hourly rates’. The practice recently advised the Ministry of Defence on a £12bn PFI project for armed forces training facilities. Group head Richard Dyton is recommended along with James Pollock, who ‘goes the extra mile and is very client focused’.
Squire Sanders Hammonds recently advised Quintain on the phased development of the landmark 82-acre site around Wembley Stadium. The practice also acts for other major developers such as the Manhattan Loft Corporation. Olivia Bateman leads on non-contentious matters.
The ‘very thorough’ team at Steptoe & Johnson recently advised longstanding client Rokeby Developments on contracts for three retail parks. Jonathan Raynes has ‘robust academic knowledge and an unassuming manner’.
Travers Smith LLP advised Patron Capital on the construction of two hotels at the Westfield site adjacent to the Olympic Park. Other clients include McAleer & Rushe and Arcelor Mittal. Practice head Kofi Atta is noted for his commercial awareness.
Nick Henchie leads Vinson & Elkins RLLP’s new construction practice, which advised on the $5.25bn Panama Canal Expansion Program, and also acted in the Socotherm arbitration regarding the Dolphin Project.
Watson Burton LLP’s ‘approachable team is always prepared to assist’, and recently advised Bellway Homes on a substantial new residential development in east London. Mark Lawton is recommended for contentious work.
Wedlake Bell LLP represents several subsidiaries of Bupa, and advised new client KIRKBI Real Estate Investments on the demolition and refurbishment of a 12-storey office block in central London. Suzanne Reeves ‘provides sound advice whatever the value or complexity of the issue’.