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  1. Construction
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There is ‘no firm better when it comes to non-contentious work’ than Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. The ‘very able’ group handles instructions on large-scale domestic projects for clients including Qatari Diar and the Olympic Delivery Authority. Nazir Dewji advised Land Securities on an equity-led joint venture with Canary Wharf Group regarding the development of 20 Fenchurch Street (The ‘Walkie Talkie’). An uptick in international contentious mandates saw Bob Maynard and Terry de Souza handle arbitrations across the EMEA region. Marc Hanson joined from Ashurst in 2011, and Catherine Gelder was promoted to partner in May 2012.

Pinsent Masons LLP remains the ‘doyen of contractor litigation’, and has the critical mass to handle a high volume of PPP and PFI related contentious matters. Richard Laudy advised a Balfour Beatty and Carillion joint venture on the East London Overground Line, and represented a contractor in a highway dispute at the High Court. The ‘excellent’ Mark Roe handles infrastructure arbitration, acting in disputes involving issues ranging from airport development contracts to oil pipelines in the Middle East. The ‘top-notch’ group of ‘true subject matter experts’ is also building its transactional practice, and relocated three partners from Bristol to London. The ‘tremendously supportive’ Martin Harman has ‘a lifetime’s experience of the industry’, and Sarah Thomas is ‘superb’.

Ashurst’s ‘top-rate commercial group’ provides ‘invaluable’ advice to some of the City’s largest developers of infrastructure projects, commercial property and mixed-use developments. Despite Marc Hanson’s departure to Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP in November 2011, the practice is ‘still strong’. Ann Minogue is ‘an authority in her field’, and advised British Land on the redevelopment at 122 Leadenhall Street and on UBS’ new headquarters. The arts and energy sectors are strengths of the practice, and it recently advised Chelsfield Partners on redevelopment of the Kensington’s Commonwealth Institute. Tim Reid handles wind and energy-from-waste disputes. Alex Cunliffe left the firm in 2011 to take up an in-house role.

Clifford Chance’s ‘extremely capable’ group shows an ‘impressive ability to work through difficult problems constructively’. Its ‘excellent lawyers’ advise funders and developers in areas including including international renewable and nuclear energy. Tracy London and Daniel Edwards advised MGT Power Limited on the design and construction of a £550m biomass power plant in Teeside; Alex Panayides represented a large contractor regarding the DIFC Arbitration Centre; and Marianne Toghill advised Corinthia Hotels and Shangri-La Hotels on respective London developments. Tim Steadman is ‘deal conscious’, and David Metzger ‘combines intellect and commercial pragmatism to an optimal degree’.

‘Class act’ Fenwick Elliott LLP understands the construction business ‘inside out’, and has ‘incredible expertise’. It provides value-for-money advice based on ‘a high level of commercial understanding’, and regularly represents contractors in domestic energy disputes. Simon Tolson acted for Punj Lloyd in litigation with SABIC UK Petrochemicals Ltd, and Ted Lowery advised the state concern of a Caspian region country in a gas dispute. Tony Francis is an ‘incredibly talented individual’; Karen Gidwani is ‘extremely good at uncovering complicated chain of events’; and Nicholas Gould is also recommended.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has a ‘highly professional’ team. The ‘efficient’ Tim Jones and ‘enormously experienced’ Sally Roe were appointed by The Supreme Committee for Qatar to advise on procurement issues relating to the 2022 FIFA World Cup; and team head Jane Jenkins advised a consortium of banks (including RBS) on the construction of a new Center Parcs site. Counsel Jane Davies Evans’ background in accountancy is ‘invaluable for forensic work on claims’. Other notable clients include Almacanter, DEFRA, and Land Securities, which the group is advising on the redevelopment of Victoria, London. The team’s experience includes energy projects, particularly nuclear power.

Herbert Smith LLP’s ‘top-quality’ team has a wide-ranging projects and litigation practice, with particular expertise in Middle Eastern rail and energy. Nicholas Downing acted for EDF on nuclear new-builds in the UK. BP is also a client. The non-contentious practice was strengthened by the arrival of James Bremen and two senior associates from King & Spalding International LLP in 2011. Tony Dymond is ‘excellent at the overall strategy of a dispute’, and Mark Lloyd-Williams is ‘as good as it gets in the field’; they are ‘particularly adept’ at large, complex cases. The ‘reliable’ Ann Levin represented a university hospital trust in a PFI construction dispute.

The ‘outstanding’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘first choice’ for public procurement disputes, and is highly regarded for its experience in energy and transport projects. Gillian Thomas advised King’s Cross Central LP on its £2bn mixed-use development. Rupert Sydenham led a team assisting ALSTOM Transport in its challenge to Eurostar’s decision to award a €600m contact to Siemens plc. Working alongside the finance practice, Roberta Downey provides contractors with ‘cohesive’ and ‘succinct’ advice on project management and supply agreements for offshore wind farm developments. Practice head John Gerszt is ‘a leading light’.

Nabarro LLP has ‘a collective instinct for client collaboration’, and is ‘consistently reliable’. It has seen a rise in renewable energy mandates, and Matthew Jones advised Global Renewable Environmental Energy on the construction of a 300MW energy-from-waste development in Egypt. Gerlando Butera and celebrated ‘statesman’ Terry Fleet advised Todini Costruzioni Generali in a dispute arising from a road reconstruction. Jonathan Douglas has the ability to ‘quickly get his head around complicated technical issues’.

Allen & Overy LLP’s ‘top-notch’ group provides ‘invaluable support’ to clients involved in oil and gas developments in the Middle East, and energy-from-waste schemes in the UK, and provides ‘accurate assessment’ of legal issues coupled with ‘credibility and reliability for all parties involved’. The ‘impressive’ Nigel Pritchard has a ‘comprehensive understanding’ of EPC contracts. Mark Levy and Beverley Vara oversee contentious matters, and recently represented an energy firm in a $650m UNCITRAL arbitration. Balfour Beatty is also a client.

Baker & McKenzie LLP’s expertise includes international arbitration arising from energy and resources projects. Mike Webster leads the global energy, mining and infrastructure group, and advises Ma’aden on billion-dollar mining developments. Jeremy Winter handled two separate ICC arbitrations for contractors involved in joint ventures. Marc Fèvre joined the group from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in September 2011.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP is praised for its ‘top expertise’ in EPC contracts and energy. Team head Victoria Peckett stays ‘very much involved in projects’, and recently advised National Grid Carbon Limited on the construction of a carbon capture storage site. The team includes Rupert Choat, who provides ‘sound’, ‘sagacious’ and ‘good-value advice’; Karen Clarke, who specialises in facilities management matters; and Henry Sherman and Caroline Cummins, who are also recommended.

Clyde & Co LLP’s construction practice saw its contentious capabilities boosted by the firm’s merger with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP. The ‘extremely able’ commercial and professional disputes team includes the ‘astute’ Patrick Perry and ‘influential figure’ Neil Jamieson. Praised for its ‘good grasp of commercial reality’, the group advises insurers, developers and purchasers. John Morris oversees the practice, which recently advised African Minerals on the development of a £3bn iron ore power station in Sierra Leone.

Eversheds LLP strengthened its national practice by hiring McGrigors LLP’s construction team in 2012, as well as recruiting Nigel Proctor from Addleshaw Goddard LLP. The group has particular expertise in domestic rail projects, and also benefits from the firm’s energy strengths. Jonathan Bowley is ‘very good’ on complex funding issues, and Richard Ward provides contentious and non-contentious advice. Practice head Simon Oats acts for Microsoft, among other clients.

K&L Gates LLP advises on NEC contracts and PFI developments for residential, transport and hospital projects. Cathy Harris and practice head Kevin Greene handle non-contentious advice, ranging from bidding process guidance through to contractual matters in infrastructure upgrades. James Hudson represented a developer in a dispute concerning a high-end residential development, and consultant Linda Kent handled claims relating to the construction of a hotel and a mixed-use development. Clients include TfL and Laing O’Rourke Group.

The ‘experienced’ Max Wieliczko heads Maxwell Winward LLP’s team, which demonstrates ‘superb business acumen’, and links ‘highly sophisticated engineering facts to the respective legal framework, at lightening speed’. Highlights included advising a construction group on two infrastructure projects in the Middle East, and acting for several domestic contractors in disputes concerning UK wind farms. The ‘hands-on’ Michael Sergeant is recommended, as is Robert Blundell, who joined from Nabarro LLP in 2011.

Michael Regan leads Mayer Brown International LLP’s ‘technically competent’ practice, which is well regarded for contentious matters. Its international practice continues to expand, with the team recently advising foreign governments and resources companies on projects in emerging markets. Jonathan Hosie and ‘effective negotiator’ Chris Fellowes are advising on a major oil exploration project in the Middle East. Sally Davis and Tom Duncan defended a subcontractor and its insurer in a rail-related construction and professional negligence claim. Clients also include Zurich and Swiss Re.

Norton Rose LLP’s ‘exemplary’, ‘technically gifted’ team ‘excels in its level of customer service’. Practice head Chris Hill provides ‘constructive advice on complex legal issues’, and recently assisted an Asian contractor on contentious aspects of a rail project in the Middle East. Steve Abraham represents leading energy, resources and utilities companies in international and domestic disputes; and Donald Warnock is ‘hands-on’ and ‘extremely professional’. Clients include Ferrovial and Tube Lines.

Reed Smith’s ‘commercially experienced’ group provides ‘high-quality advice’ to international contractors (including NUKEM Technologies) and suppliers. ‘Proactive’ team head Peter Cassidy is ‘charming and effective’ in disputes, and ‘brilliant in anticipating counter actions’. Lynne Freeman has a ‘ready grasp of what is required’, and recently advised APM Terminals on the construction of a port terminal in Costa Rica. The team also advised Vestas on the £500m development of a factory in Sheerness.

SNR Denton provides ‘value-for-money advice’ on concession agreements in international transport projects. Practice head Robert Turner is supported by a number of ‘bright’, ‘hardworking’ and ‘knowledgeable’ lawyers. ‘Academic’ partner John Woolley gives ‘thoughtful guidance’ on African projects. The addition of Alastair Young and Andrew Jones from Gateley in 2011 bolstered the team’s contentious expertise.

Speechly Bircham LLP is ‘a safe pair of hands’ for social housing PFI developments and regeneration projects. Appreciated for its ‘pragmatic’ and ‘unstuffy advice’, the group recently acted in an ICC arbitration concerning a drilling concession agreement in Africa. The ‘wise’ and ‘urbane’ Tim Raper and team head Steven Carey ‘complement each other well’, and Jonathan Rosshandler has ‘an acute understanding of case economics’. The contractor-focused Meriel Bennett and Kevin Forsyth joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP and RPC respectively.

The ‘extremely successful’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP is ‘great to have on your side in difficult negotiations’. Practice head Helen Garthwaite is ‘an amazingly gifted, technical lawyer’, and manages a team of ‘well-trained’ and ‘loyal’ solicitors. Laurence Cobb advised a foreign state entity regarding disputes arising from a nuclear decommissioning project in Eastern Europe, and David Quinlan advised Kier Regional Limited on the design and construction of three schools and four fire stations in the UK.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s ‘strong’ procurement team provides ‘thoughtful’ and ‘well-considered’ advice to clients including the Ministry of Justice and Vinci, as well as social housing clients such as London Borough of Greenwich. The ‘astute’ Anthony Yates is ‘a leader in his field’, and David Mosey is recommended for non-contentious matters.

White & Case LLP’s ‘remarkable’ group is ‘fantastic’ for international construction projects. Team head Ellis Baker, who ‘sets the standard for a construction practitioner’, advised Nord Stream AG on the delivery of the Nord Stream pipeline. Phillip Capper acts on complex NEC contract matters, and recently handled a significant ICC arbitration related to the rail and energy sectors. ‘Senior strategy-maker’ Mark Goodrich relocated to London from Tokyo.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s ‘proactive’ and ‘pragmatic’ practice handles social infrastructure developments in the healthcare and education sectors. It recently assisted University Partnerships Programme in three student accommodation development projects, and was appointed as sole construction adviser to Volkswagen Group (UK). Andrew McVeigh heads the ‘dynamic and result-driven’ group, which includes non-contentious specialist Simon Palmer.

Boodle Hatfield LLP advises in relation to London retail and leisure properties, handling non-contentious development work and disputes, and provides investors, hoteliers and commercial developers with a level of service that is ‘excellent in all respects’. It recently acted for Grosvenor on the development of a hotel in Mayfair. Practice head David Johnson imparts ‘clear, appropriate and easily understandable’ advice.

Burges Salmon LLP’s robust team provides ‘well-judged’ advice and the ‘right level of back-up’. Marcus Harling, who leads the non-contentious practice, recently advised London Development Agency on procurement issues concerning the regeneration of Royal Albert Dock, and William Gard handled several domestic disputes in the energy and environment sectors; both are ‘well tuned to their clients’. The firm is well known for its work for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Construction is ‘a great area of success’ for Corbett & Co International Construction Lawyers Ltd, which represents engineers and contractors in international arbitration and road-building projects. Name partner Edward Corbett is a leading adviser on FDIC, and consultant Dominic Helps is also recommended. Martin Bridgewater joined the firm from Herbert Smith LLP in 2011.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s ‘tenacious’ team provides ‘excellent’ advice on professional indemnity cases, and also advises contractors and health authorities. International arbitration is an area of specialism for Danny Gowan and team head Rowan Planterose, and Chris Doran specialises in defective design claims. Michael Blackburne displays ‘depth of knowledge’ and ‘breadth of experience’. Lloyd’s of London is a client.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s team is ‘personable’ and ‘extremely good at organising complex procedures’. Stephen Haller defended a large employer in an extension of time and extra costs claim brought by a contractor, and Cecily Davis provided non-contentious advice on international energy and resources projects. Alstom Power is a new client. Graeme Bradley’s move to Squire Sanders LLP in February 2012 was a blow to the contentious practice.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP provides procurement advice to investors, public bodies and multinationals, and has made a concerted effort in recent years to increase its foothold in renewable energy projects. Team head Alan Woolston was appointed by The Highways Agency to advise on its category management procurement framework.

Jones Day acts in arbitrations and adjudications concerning energy and resources projects, and real estate disputes in the Middle East. The team acted for Barwa Real Estate Company in an ICC arbitration against a contractor, concerning FDIC contract law. China State Construction and Engineering Corp is also a client. Hamish Lal leads the group.

Known for its strength on the contentious side, Kennedys’ practice saw an uptick in professional indemnity claims and instructions from European joint ventures. Nick Thomas advises contractors in the UK and abroad; Mark Tiggeman handles disputes in Romania and Turkey; and James Shaw advises contractors and consultancy firms on non-contentious matters. Geoff Lord heads the team.

Lawrence Graham LLP has some longstanding investor and institutional developer clients, which it advises on commercial and retail developments across the UK. Philip Baker and his team recently advised Prime Knightsbridge Developments on the construction of a luxury hotel in Knightsbridge. J Sainsbury and Schindler UK are also clients.

Lewis Silkin LLP is a sturdy presence in the domestic construction market. Practice head Clare Reddy is the key figure for non-contentious issues, and acts on regeneration projects, new academy builds and office developments.

Macfarlanes LLP represents the full range of construction players, with an emphasis on end users and developers. Doug Wass represented B&Q plc and Weston Homes plc in multimillion-pound defective design and construction claims. Simon Nurney handles procurement, D&C contracts and general construction disputes. Associated British Ports is also a client.

Olswang’s ‘extremely competent’ team is fast becoming ‘a force to be reckoned with’ in delay and disruption disputes. ‘No-nonsense’ practice head Nick Lane is ‘intellectually and analytically strong’, and ‘excellent’ for mediation strategy. The firm also advises on urban regeneration projects and has attracted new instructions from institutional developers. Andrew Aglionby has been key to increasing the group’s international practice.

RPC is ‘experienced in understanding the commercial imperatives that drive the resolution of disputes’, particularly for insurers. It has grown its developer and contractor client base, attracting instructions from Carillion, although Kevin Forsyth’s move to Speechly Bircham LLP in March 2012 may shake the group’s foothold in this area. Alexandra Anderson and the ‘intellectually gifted’ Robert Hogarth handle construction defect claims. Stephen Malley recently advised Hadley Mace on a regeneration project.

SJ Berwin LLP advises on commercial property developments. Stuart Jordan recently advised Nabucco on cross-border construction issues concerning its international gas pipeline. ‘Respected’ team head Julia Court is well versed in drafting rail contracts, and advised Lagos state government on a light rail PPP. The firm also acted for Ocado in a £1.3m High Court dispute.

Steven Edwards oversees Slaughter and May’s team, which is notable for its project finance and procurement expertise. It recently advised Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi on engineering and construction issues concerning a hydro-cracker and coking facility development in Egypt.

With notable international reach post merger, Squire Sanders LLP added additional weight to its UK team by hiring Graeme Bradley from DLA Piper UK LLP in February 2012. Olivia Bateman advises developers such as Quintain Estates and Manhattan Loft Corporation on mixed-use redevelopments.

Stephenson Harwood provides ‘calm’, ‘considered’ and ‘coherent’ guidance on PFI projects. Team head Steven Wait is acting for a Russian company on the development of a 4,000-bed facility in Sochi, ahead of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Paul Thwaite ‘understands the nuances of a dispute and the dynamics between the players’.

Wragge & Co LLP has a ‘commercial’ and ‘responsive’ group, providing ‘practical’ and ‘appropriate’ advice on building contracts and disputes with contractors. Simon Baylis heads the team, which includes the ‘invaluable’ Richard Green. Anthony Wilson joined the firm as head of the international practice, and is based in London.

Beale and Company Solicitors LLP’s ‘practical’ team defends consultants and contractors in professional indemnity cases. Team head Tom Pemberton has ‘a good appreciation’ of international business, and Sheena Sood is ‘imaginative’ and shows sound judgement.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP has notable experience in professional indemnity claims involving construction firms. Joint practice heads Michael Salau and Keith Lonsdale saw an uptick in fee disputes, and continue to represent clients including Aviva and Griffiths & Armour.

Bevan Brittan LLP specialises in PFI construction, and is increasingly focusing on procurement matters. Practice head Duncan Weir, on the contentious side, represented Cofely in 26 simultaneous adjudications concerning LIFT contracts.

Disputes specialist Jonathan Pawlowski now heads the practice at Collyer Bristow LLP having joined from DAC Beachcroft LLP, with Jane Hughes having left private practice. The firm has a roster of supplier clients.

With Andrew Renton having moved to Bird & Bird, the ‘incredibly pragmatic’ Siobhan McCloskey-Oudahar now heads the group at Dundas & Wilson LLP, which is well regarded for its commercial property expertise and has ‘excellent’ knowledge of building contracts.

Farrer & Co has strong drafting expertise and a strong roster of charity and lender clients. Clive Lovatt advised Highbridge Properties plc on the construction of a large data centre. The ‘pragmatic’ and ‘practical’ Edward Banyard Smith was promoted to partner in July 2011.

The team at Fasken Martineau LLP maintains strong ties with its counterparts in Paris, and saw an increase in international non-contentious mandates, such as advising African Development Bank on tender documentation and procurement relating to an infrastructure development in Rwanda. Lawrence Bruce leads the team.

Renewable energy projects are Fladgate LLP’s forte. The group defended Hitachi Zosen Inova against a £1.8m claim by a contractor relating to an energy-from-waste plant. Gillian Birkby leads the practice, which was joined by David Weare from Davies Arnold Cooper LLP.

Forsters LLP provides ‘pragmatic’ non-contentious advice to clients of the firm’s wider real estate practice, and is particularly active on commercial refurbishment matters. The ‘first-class’ Sarah Cook is highlighted for her ‘creative problem-solving skills’, and advises McDonald’s, among other clients.

Glovers Solicitors LLP’s ‘cost-effective’ group represents Sir Robert McAlpine in construction disputes. Practice head Philip Eyre has ‘good technical expertise’.

With a focus on purchaser clients, David Parton at Irwin Mitchell recently advised Clore Duffield Foundation on the development of the Jewish Community Centre for London.

Linklaters LLP has gradually scaled down its practice in recent years, but Huw Baker continues to act on developments in the retail and leisure sectors.

Consultant Richard Cooke now heads the team at Manches LLP, which saw the move of Joanne Kelly to Taylor Wessing LLP and Joseph Griffiths to Edwin Coe LLP.

Maples Teesdale LLP provides ‘valuable assistance’ to asset managers and education sector clients. ‘Excellent’ team leader Paul Matcham is ‘very solid’ on construction documentation, and advises Legal & General.

Ron Plascow and Stuart Pemble are the key contacts at Mills & Reeve LLP, which advises local authorities on new developments and regeneration projects across the UK. Urban & Civic Limited is a client.

Osborne Clarke’s national construction team is now headed by London-based Philip Davies. It regularly acts on the construction of headquarters for blue-chip clients. Other recent work includes acting for Mercon Steel Structures in a £10m final account claim.

Simmons & Simmons LLP provides advice on domestic energy-from-waste projects, and has ‘a depth of experience’ in representing international clients in construction and engineering disputes. Richard Dyton acts for Beckton Dickinson.

Steptoe & Johnson’s Jonathan Raynes handles defective design and construction disputes for suppliers. The team continues to advise O’Keefe Construction on contentious and non-contentious matters.

Travers Smith LLP’s small team has experience in matters including the construction of large hotels in London. Kofi Atta ‘focuses on the key issues’, and provides ‘reliable advice’ to real estate funds.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP acts for a number of energy and resources companies in disputes with contractors, and recently assisted Panama Canal Authority in contentious matters concerning EPC contracts. Nick Henchie is ‘excellent’.

Watson Burton LLP has ‘deep industry and legal expertise’, and provides ‘value-for-money’ advice. David Jones has ‘a focused approach’, and Mark Lawton is ‘very commercial’.

Team head Suzanne Reeves at Wedlake Bell LLP acts for developers on drafting building contracts. The firm also advises healthcare providers (including BUPA and Spire) and contractors.

Winckworth Sherwood continues to grow its practice, and added Colin Hall from Bird & Bird in 2011. The team advises housing groups and local authorities, as well as King’s College Hospital NHS Trust.

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