Known for their exceptional work both domestically and abroad, the barristers at Atkin Chambers have continued to lead the construction legal market. Stephanie Barwise QC and Omar Eljadi have been acting on behalf of the largest group of victims in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and in addition, barristers who have a significant practice handling PFI disputes have been instructed on fire safety defect-related cases, including Serena Cheng QC, Dominique Rawley QC and Steven Walker QC. In the TCC, Stephen Dennison QC led Mathias Cheung and Felicity Dynes in Energy Works (Hull) Ltd v MW High Tech Projects UK Ltd & Others, a dispute relating to the termination of construction work on a waste to energy plant. Away from the London courts, members continue to be instructed in arbitrations concerning the UK’s and world’s key infrastructure projects.
Construction in
London BarAtkin Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘A very strong set for construction work. Would not use any other. The depth of knowledge, even for younger members of the set is impressive.’
‘A top set of chambers for construction law, good choice of excellent barristers.’
‘Atkins are an excellent set of construction specialist counsel with a good range of junior to senior counsel. They are a go-to chambers for construction sector advice. They are pragmatic and approachable for clients; willing to provide a commercial view as well as excellent advice.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are great. Always helpful and swift to respond – even during the Covid issues. I have found all clerks who I have dealt with similarly professional and helpful. They all know to manage the fee estimate aspects and this is a great relief.’
‘Excellent clerking – the best in this area. Justin Wilson and David Barnes are peerless.’
‘Clerks always helpful and efficient. Particularly Andy Burrows whose understanding of your needs and matching them to the specialisms of the barristers is always spot on.’
‘The immaculate and quite brilliant David Barnes understands the legal process second to none. Always there to help.’
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers is known as ‘one of the go-to sets’ within the construction industry, its barristers acting on a number of the industry’s largest cases. Court of appeal cases include David Thomas QC and Matthew Finn acting on Walter Lilly v Clin, which may set major precedent for planning and construction law relating to building demolition, and new head of chambers Alexander Nissen QC facing Simon Hargreaves QC in C Spencer Ltd v MW High Tech Projects Ltd, relating to payment notice provisions in hybrid contacts as they relate to the Housing Grants Act. On the arbitration side, its barristers have advised both contractors and public authorities on rail disputes, and advised on key energy project disputes worldwide. Silks and juniors in chambers have continued their involvement in phase two of the Grenfell inquiry.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating Chambers is one of the go-to sets for construction/arbitration barristers. They have an in-depth knowledge of construction and have a wide range of available barristers at different levels of seniority. Keating Chambers hold regular seminars on various construction issues.’
‘Keating Chambers are active in the construction space and often arrange for their barristers to give lectures on topical issues facing the industry.’
‘Construction focused, consistently high performing chambers packed with talent.’
‘They have an excellent selection of dual-qualified barristers, mediators and a very good clerking and administrative team who I have always found very accommodating and easy to deal with. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending their use when it is needed.’
Clerks
‘The clerking team at Chambers are responsive and pragmatic – they are fully appreciative of the ebbs and flows of matters and the logistical/administrative challenges this can sometimes involve.’
‘The Keating clerks are the best in the sector. They are friendly, approachable and commercial. They have a real understanding of their barristers’ sectors and practices and that allows them to provide a better service. They are actively involved in organising and attending BD events which allows us to build relationships with them which is important. The stability and low turnover of clerks is also important and this is indicative of the general positive culture that comes across from the clerks at Keating.’
‘Declan Redmond is an excellent advocate for Keating.’
‘The clerks at Keating Chambers are second to none. They are friendly, professional, responsive, and always deliver what is needed. In particular, Sarah Walker epitomizes all these qualities. She is a pleasure to deal with, and a real asset to clerking team at Keating.’
‘Will Shrubsall is the go-to person for juniors. He is always easy to get hold of, effortlessly efficient and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Jade Clark and Amy Barrie are the clerks I deal with the most. I am always pleased with the service they provide and how willing they are to assist us.’
‘Holly Gavaghan is a particular star. Always informative, understands the market and makes things happen.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers offers ‘great strength in depth,’ with experience and top quality services across the silk and junior level. At the highest level, Paul Darling QC has been involved with the PTT vs Triplepoint Supreme Court case, concerning an employer is entitled to liquidated damages if the employer terminates the contract before completion, and “negligence” in a limitation of liability clause carries the same meaning as in tort or not. Across chambers, 25 barristers have been involved with phase two of the Grenfell inquiry, with Kate Grange QC in of particular visibility as part of the counsel to the inquiry team. Its barristers also work internationally, with arbitration matters worldwide and the set having a strong presence in Asia, including offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Testimonials
Set
’39 Essex Chambers is an excellent, all-round commercial set. I have worked with a number of their barristers, primarily in relation to construction, adjudication, and international arbitration. I have also had some dealings with them in relation to commercial matters. I think they offer a great service in all of these areas.’
‘Large and wide-ranging chambers but for construction an excellent place for QC and junior support.’
‘The Chambers has some very experienced counsel in the field of construction. Their training programmes are topical and very well delivered.’
Clerks
‘The clerks’ room at 39 is the best at the construction and engineering bar. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow care about you, they care about the work and the clients and go above and beyond to ensure everything is running smoothly on matters. Superb.’
‘Very responsive, friendly and accommodating staff.’
‘The clerks are helpful and friendly. They are able to direct you to the appropriate counsel and give adequate advice on the same. They are generally responsive and easy to work with.’
‘A strong clerks room. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow are particular stars.’
4 Pump Court
The construction barristers at 4 Pump Court offer 'serious quality both at the silk level and senior junior level.' Top-flight silk Fiona Sinclair QC led on Bresco v Lonsdale in front of the Supreme Court, which could affect adjudication's effects on insolvency in the future. International arbitration has continued as well, with Benjamin Pilling QC leading on a number of matters in the Middle East. On cladding, numerous barristers including Sean Brannigan QC and Jeremy Nicholson QC have been involved in Premier Inn Hotels Ltd v. McAleer & Rushe Ltd & Others, concerning the removing of flammable ACM cladding from the Premier Inn near Gatwick Airport's North Terminal, one of the largest pieces of post-Grenfell civil litigation concerning cladding.
Testimonials
Set
‘The quality of barristers is impressive and they really do understand construction. 4 Pump Court are go-to chambers for anything of a complex nature.’
‘4 Pump Court is my go-to Ccambers. Great barristers, amazing clerks, brilliant service and an ability to think outside the box to provide services that are tailored to the solicitor or client needs.’
‘Excellent chambers with a well deserved leading reputation in dealing with construction disputes and other areas. They are always able to match someone with relevant expertise and the right level of seniority to particularly complex disputes.’
‘4 Pump Court are up there when it comes to construction. They have serious quality both at the silk level and senior junior level.’
Clerks
‘Stewart Gibbs and Carl Wall, the joint Senior Clerks, are excellent. Having worked with them for many years, they are very tuned in to my practice, my working style and what I am looking for in a barrister.’
‘The clerks at 4 Pump Court always go above and beyond to assist instructing solicitors, offering the right fit of barrister to the issue in question, ensuring that their barristers deliver on time and to a high quality.’
‘I really like working with 4 Pump Court. The clerks are excellent and both Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are very personable and available. They also have a flexible approach and demonstrate a sound understanding of sector and market pressures.’
‘4PC stands out for its excellent clerking, always ensuring that matters are dealt with by someone with the right experience and level of seniority in a cost-effective manner.’
4 New Square
Offering 'great strength and depth in construction and construction-related matters,' 4 New Square is particularly known for its representation of contractors, and its crossover with professional negligence expertise. Roger Stewart QC acted in UBB Waste Limited v Essex County Council on behalf of UBB Waste, a termination dispute concerning a PFI-funded waste to energy plant. In other domestic matters, various members are instructed in litigation on flammable cladding issues. Chambers also offers representation in international construction arbitrations, with junior Cyril Chern appearing in numerous high-value disputes.
Testimonials
Set
‘For many years 4 New Square has been generally perceived as a leading commercial set that has many outstanding barristers.’
‘A good knowledgeable set with strength and depth in key areas especially in arbitration, construction and insurance.’
‘The chambers is becoming a “go-to chambers” for construction disputes work because they are extremely easy to work with and very pragmatic.’
‘4 New Square have great strength and depth in construction and construction-related matters. They are very good at suggesting alternative Counsel when the requested Counsel is unavailable. They run interesting and thought-provoking seminars on matters relevant to my specialism.’
Clerks
‘I am most impressed by the clerks. Alex Dolby is responsible and will fight the corner for the barristers.’
‘Good service, and I was impressed with the virtual hearing facilities they set up to deal with part-remote hearings during COVID.’
‘First-class service from clerks room. Alex Dolby is very responsive and impressive. Lizzy Stewart understands client needs and makes the effort to go to key markets for the set.’
‘Very supportive, keen to assist with an excellent service ethic. Always pleasant to work with.’
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers handles a number of major disputes arising out of construction projects, often through its broader experiences in areas including insurance and professional negligence, including handling a number of international construction disputes concerning megaprojects. Crispin Winser QC, who recently took silk, acted in the complex Morrisons abattoir matter which alleged a loss of products, profits and a license to export to Korea due to alleged construction defects.
Testimonials
Set
‘This is becoming a very strong construction set with good people at the junior level and very senior level.’
‘Great range of barristers with an excellent clerks room. Every barrister used has hit the ground running and are willing to work with instructing solicitors and clients as a single team.’
‘I have never been disappointed with Counsel from Crown Office Chambers, from availability of Counsel to their quality – they are always approachable and extremely knowledgeable.’
‘Crown Office Chambers has a depth of high quality counsel at various levels who all specalise in construction and engineering law. They truly understand the law in area and more importantly the industry and how it works in practice. There is no case too small or too large.’
Clerks
‘Efficient, helpful and quick to respond to messages and offer alternatives if availability issues.’
‘Very good clerks especially Rob Cowup. Knows his business and a very good hire.’
‘They are user-friendly, flexible, and always eager to assist. I enjoy the positive energy and enthusiasm that they display consistently.’
‘I have always found the clerks to be of a very high standard, they are able to allocate a case to the correct person within chambers and at the right level. They provide accurate and sensible fee estimates which are always achieved or bettered.’
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers (previously known as Hardwicke Chambers) offers a strong set of construction barristers across levels of call, many of whom are instructed by top tier construction firms. Many of its juniors have been involved in high profile cases, with Catherine Piercy acting for the cladding subcontractor in the Premier Inn Gatwick cladding case, and for JE Hall in the a case concerning the refurbishment of an abattoir alongside David Pliener. Sarah McCann is involved in a number of high-value fire safety-related arbitrations. Furthermore, rising star George Eyre is involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Paul Reed QC acted on behalf of the leaseholders of The Lancasters in a construction damages and defects case concerning the high-value development near Hyde Park.
Testimonials
Set
‘Good strength-in-depth for construction matters. Offer a wide range of training suitable for various levels of experience in the field.’
‘I have found Gatehouse to be impressive. They are genuinely available and willing to help. I have confidence in whoever is available to provide the requisite advice effectively.’
‘They have a good offering of construction disputes barristers and helpful, free training aimed at junior solicitors.’
‘We have found Hardwicke Chambers to be up there in the top drawer of other leading sets in the area of construction law.’
Clerks
‘Gatehouse has a first-class Clerks Room that is second to none.’
‘We have found the clerks and admin generally to be excellent in the support to both the barristers and our own needs.’
‘The Clerks generally are very friendly, down to each and very easy to build a relationship with.’
‘Richard Surmano is a pleasure to deal with. You feel like your business is valued, no matter what the size of the instruction.’
Atkin Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘A very strong set for construction work. Would not use any other. The depth of knowledge, even for younger members of the set is impressive.’
‘A top set of chambers for construction law, good choice of excellent barristers.’
‘Atkins are an excellent set of construction specialist counsel with a good range of junior to senior counsel. They are a go-to chambers for construction sector advice. They are pragmatic and approachable for clients; willing to provide a commercial view as well as excellent advice.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are great. Always helpful and swift to respond – even during the Covid issues. I have found all clerks who I have dealt with similarly professional and helpful. They all know to manage the fee estimate aspects and this is a great relief.’
‘Excellent clerking – the best in this area. Justin Wilson and David Barnes are peerless.’
‘Clerks always helpful and efficient. Particularly Andy Burrows whose understanding of your needs and matching them to the specialisms of the barristers is always spot on.’
‘The immaculate and quite brilliant David Barnes understands the legal process second to none. Always there to help.’
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers is known as ‘one of the go-to sets’ within the construction industry, its barristers acting on a number of the industry’s largest cases. Court of appeal cases include David Thomas QC and Matthew Finn acting on Walter Lilly v Clin, which may set major precedent for planning and construction law relating to building demolition, and new head of chambers Alexander Nissen QC facing Simon Hargreaves QC in C Spencer Ltd v MW High Tech Projects Ltd, relating to payment notice provisions in hybrid contacts as they relate to the Housing Grants Act. On the arbitration side, its barristers have advised both contractors and public authorities on rail disputes, and advised on key energy project disputes worldwide. Silks and juniors in chambers have continued their involvement in phase two of the Grenfell inquiry.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating Chambers is one of the go-to sets for construction/arbitration barristers. They have an in-depth knowledge of construction and have a wide range of available barristers at different levels of seniority. Keating Chambers hold regular seminars on various construction issues.’
‘Keating Chambers are active in the construction space and often arrange for their barristers to give lectures on topical issues facing the industry.’
‘Construction focused, consistently high performing chambers packed with talent.’
‘They have an excellent selection of dual-qualified barristers, mediators and a very good clerking and administrative team who I have always found very accommodating and easy to deal with. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending their use when it is needed.’
Clerks
‘The clerking team at Chambers are responsive and pragmatic – they are fully appreciative of the ebbs and flows of matters and the logistical/administrative challenges this can sometimes involve.’
‘The Keating clerks are the best in the sector. They are friendly, approachable and commercial. They have a real understanding of their barristers’ sectors and practices and that allows them to provide a better service. They are actively involved in organising and attending BD events which allows us to build relationships with them which is important. The stability and low turnover of clerks is also important and this is indicative of the general positive culture that comes across from the clerks at Keating.’
‘Declan Redmond is an excellent advocate for Keating.’
‘The clerks at Keating Chambers are second to none. They are friendly, professional, responsive, and always deliver what is needed. In particular, Sarah Walker epitomizes all these qualities. She is a pleasure to deal with, and a real asset to clerking team at Keating.’
‘Will Shrubsall is the go-to person for juniors. He is always easy to get hold of, effortlessly efficient and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘Jade Clark and Amy Barrie are the clerks I deal with the most. I am always pleased with the service they provide and how willing they are to assist us.’
‘Holly Gavaghan is a particular star. Always informative, understands the market and makes things happen.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers offers ‘great strength in depth,’ with experience and top quality services across the silk and junior level. At the highest level, Paul Darling QC has been involved with the PTT vs Triplepoint Supreme Court case, concerning an employer is entitled to liquidated damages if the employer terminates the contract before completion, and “negligence” in a limitation of liability clause carries the same meaning as in tort or not. Across chambers, 25 barristers have been involved with phase two of the Grenfell inquiry, with Kate Grange QC in of particular visibility as part of the counsel to the inquiry team. Its barristers also work internationally, with arbitration matters worldwide and the set having a strong presence in Asia, including offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Testimonials
Set
’39 Essex Chambers is an excellent, all-round commercial set. I have worked with a number of their barristers, primarily in relation to construction, adjudication, and international arbitration. I have also had some dealings with them in relation to commercial matters. I think they offer a great service in all of these areas.’
‘Large and wide-ranging chambers but for construction an excellent place for QC and junior support.’
‘The Chambers has some very experienced counsel in the field of construction. Their training programmes are topical and very well delivered.’
Clerks
‘The clerks’ room at 39 is the best at the construction and engineering bar. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow care about you, they care about the work and the clients and go above and beyond to ensure everything is running smoothly on matters. Superb.’
‘Very responsive, friendly and accommodating staff.’
‘The clerks are helpful and friendly. They are able to direct you to the appropriate counsel and give adequate advice on the same. They are generally responsive and easy to work with.’
‘A strong clerks room. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow are particular stars.’
4 Pump Court
The construction barristers at 4 Pump Court offer 'serious quality both at the silk level and senior junior level.' Top-flight silk Fiona Sinclair QC led on Bresco v Lonsdale in front of the Supreme Court, which could affect adjudication's effects on insolvency in the future. International arbitration has continued as well, with Benjamin Pilling QC leading on a number of matters in the Middle East. On cladding, numerous barristers including Sean Brannigan QC and Jeremy Nicholson QC have been involved in Premier Inn Hotels Ltd v. McAleer & Rushe Ltd & Others, concerning the removing of flammable ACM cladding from the Premier Inn near Gatwick Airport's North Terminal, one of the largest pieces of post-Grenfell civil litigation concerning cladding.
Testimonials
Set
‘The quality of barristers is impressive and they really do understand construction. 4 Pump Court are go-to chambers for anything of a complex nature.’
‘4 Pump Court is my go-to Ccambers. Great barristers, amazing clerks, brilliant service and an ability to think outside the box to provide services that are tailored to the solicitor or client needs.’
‘Excellent chambers with a well deserved leading reputation in dealing with construction disputes and other areas. They are always able to match someone with relevant expertise and the right level of seniority to particularly complex disputes.’
‘4 Pump Court are up there when it comes to construction. They have serious quality both at the silk level and senior junior level.’
Clerks
‘Stewart Gibbs and Carl Wall, the joint Senior Clerks, are excellent. Having worked with them for many years, they are very tuned in to my practice, my working style and what I am looking for in a barrister.’
‘The clerks at 4 Pump Court always go above and beyond to assist instructing solicitors, offering the right fit of barrister to the issue in question, ensuring that their barristers deliver on time and to a high quality.’
‘I really like working with 4 Pump Court. The clerks are excellent and both Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are very personable and available. They also have a flexible approach and demonstrate a sound understanding of sector and market pressures.’
‘4PC stands out for its excellent clerking, always ensuring that matters are dealt with by someone with the right experience and level of seniority in a cost-effective manner.’
4 New Square
Offering 'great strength and depth in construction and construction-related matters,' 4 New Square is particularly known for its representation of contractors, and its crossover with professional negligence expertise. Roger Stewart QC acted in UBB Waste Limited v Essex County Council on behalf of UBB Waste, a termination dispute concerning a PFI-funded waste to energy plant. In other domestic matters, various members are instructed in litigation on flammable cladding issues. Chambers also offers representation in international construction arbitrations, with junior Cyril Chern appearing in numerous high-value disputes.
Testimonials
Set
‘For many years 4 New Square has been generally perceived as a leading commercial set that has many outstanding barristers.’
‘A good knowledgeable set with strength and depth in key areas especially in arbitration, construction and insurance.’
‘The chambers is becoming a “go-to chambers” for construction disputes work because they are extremely easy to work with and very pragmatic.’
‘4 New Square have great strength and depth in construction and construction-related matters. They are very good at suggesting alternative Counsel when the requested Counsel is unavailable. They run interesting and thought-provoking seminars on matters relevant to my specialism.’
Clerks
‘I am most impressed by the clerks. Alex Dolby is responsible and will fight the corner for the barristers.’
‘Good service, and I was impressed with the virtual hearing facilities they set up to deal with part-remote hearings during COVID.’
‘First-class service from clerks room. Alex Dolby is very responsive and impressive. Lizzy Stewart understands client needs and makes the effort to go to key markets for the set.’
‘Very supportive, keen to assist with an excellent service ethic. Always pleasant to work with.’
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers handles a number of major disputes arising out of construction projects, often through its broader experiences in areas including insurance and professional negligence, including handling a number of international construction disputes concerning megaprojects. Crispin Winser QC, who recently took silk, acted in the complex Morrisons abattoir matter which alleged a loss of products, profits and a license to export to Korea due to alleged construction defects.
Testimonials
Set
‘This is becoming a very strong construction set with good people at the junior level and very senior level.’
‘Great range of barristers with an excellent clerks room. Every barrister used has hit the ground running and are willing to work with instructing solicitors and clients as a single team.’
‘I have never been disappointed with Counsel from Crown Office Chambers, from availability of Counsel to their quality – they are always approachable and extremely knowledgeable.’
‘Crown Office Chambers has a depth of high quality counsel at various levels who all specalise in construction and engineering law. They truly understand the law in area and more importantly the industry and how it works in practice. There is no case too small or too large.’
Clerks
‘Efficient, helpful and quick to respond to messages and offer alternatives if availability issues.’
‘Very good clerks especially Rob Cowup. Knows his business and a very good hire.’
‘They are user-friendly, flexible, and always eager to assist. I enjoy the positive energy and enthusiasm that they display consistently.’
‘I have always found the clerks to be of a very high standard, they are able to allocate a case to the correct person within chambers and at the right level. They provide accurate and sensible fee estimates which are always achieved or bettered.’
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers (previously known as Hardwicke Chambers) offers a strong set of construction barristers across levels of call, many of whom are instructed by top tier construction firms. Many of its juniors have been involved in high profile cases, with Catherine Piercy acting for the cladding subcontractor in the Premier Inn Gatwick cladding case, and for JE Hall in the a case concerning the refurbishment of an abattoir alongside David Pliener. Sarah McCann is involved in a number of high-value fire safety-related arbitrations. Furthermore, rising star George Eyre is involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Paul Reed QC acted on behalf of the leaseholders of The Lancasters in a construction damages and defects case concerning the high-value development near Hyde Park.
Testimonials
Set
‘Good strength-in-depth for construction matters. Offer a wide range of training suitable for various levels of experience in the field.’
‘I have found Gatehouse to be impressive. They are genuinely available and willing to help. I have confidence in whoever is available to provide the requisite advice effectively.’
‘They have a good offering of construction disputes barristers and helpful, free training aimed at junior solicitors.’
‘We have found Hardwicke Chambers to be up there in the top drawer of other leading sets in the area of construction law.’
Clerks
‘Gatehouse has a first-class Clerks Room that is second to none.’
‘We have found the clerks and admin generally to be excellent in the support to both the barristers and our own needs.’
‘The Clerks generally are very friendly, down to each and very easy to build a relationship with.’
‘Richard Surmano is a pleasure to deal with. You feel like your business is valued, no matter what the size of the instruction.’