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A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland has attracted a bevy of cases, particularly since the excellent Brendan Fox joined from Cleaver Fulton Rankin. It is representing Stothers (M&E) regarding a contract claim and counter-claim against Leeway Stothers; and defending Hamilton Architects against breach of contract and negligence claims arising from the refurbishment of Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane. Other clients include McCue Interior Fit Out Solutions; Mascott Construction; and several councils.

Arthur Cox handles some contentious mandates – such as advising Russell Simpson Construction Co Ltd on disputes over unpaid invoices – but is primarily known for non-contentious matters; it is ‘particularly knowledgeable’ for projects and energy construction procurement. It is advising SwaMP2008 on waste treatment construction procurement. Other clients include Laing O’Rourke, NIE plc, Runwood Homes; banks as lenders; and government departments. O’Hare & McGovern Ltd and Lagan Group are new clients. Team head Ross Davidson and Alastair Todd are recommended.

Carson McDowell provides ‘an excellent level of service’; it represents many housing associations on construction procurement, notably via instructions from Apex Procurement and Maintenance Partnership Group, and is representing Tesco in disputes concerning new stores. University of Ulster is a major client, including for advice on its ongoing £250m Belfast development and for defect claims. Practice head Stuart Murphy ‘brings good clarity to complex legal issues; he has great business acumen’.

Cleaver Fulton Rankin represents developers and contractors on major projects. It advised Titanic Quarter Ltd on the construction contract for the £17m Public Records Office; Harcourt Construction on the £90m Titanic Signature Project; and Ivywood Colleges Ltd on the £44m Belfast Metropolitan College PPP. Practice head Patrick Fleming provides ‘excellent advice on construction matters’. The ‘excellent’ Jonathan Forrester specialises in construction disputes, and advised North West Regional College regarding a £500,000 building defects claim.

McGrigors Belfast LLP provides ‘prompt, accurate and tailored advice’. It advised Queen’s University Belfast on a joint venture to build the Northern Ireland Advanced Composites Engineering Centre; acted for Tyrone Energy on procurement for a biomass plant in Strabane; and represented North Down Borough Council on procurement for a £30m leisure centre and Olympic swimming pool. Sam Beckett co-heads the practice with Andrea McIlroy-Rose, who ‘tells you how it is, and provides sound advice’.

Nigel Brown at McIldowies Solicitors is ‘very good’ for plaintiff-side construction litigation.

Tughans provides ‘first-class service’. It advised Ilex URC on the Parade Ground redevelopment in Londonderry; is acting for Tesco to build new stores; and representing Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Red Sky, and Diageo in disputes. Litigator Michael McCord displays ‘deep knowledge and an ability to cut through the legalese’, while Phyllis Agnew is recommended for non-contentious matters.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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