Gatehouse Chambers covers a range of work relating to construction disputes, including niche areas such as construction all risks insurance, insolvency in the industry and property damage and professional negligence claims. Paul Reed KC and David Pliener KCacted on The Lancasters case on behalf of over 70 leaseholders on a multi-million pound claim relating to defective redevelopment works which resulted in an important decision on the scope of the Defective Premises Act. Juniors at the set are often involved in high-profile disputes, including Michael Wheater who is acting for the architects, Carter Jonas LLP, in Standard Life v Gleeds, a matter which relates to alleged negligence concerning large mixed-use development. Catherine Piercy KCis acting for JE Hall as defendants in the Morrisons v Lorien and JE Hall case, which concerns defects in Morrisons’ abattoir and is likely to be significant in relation to scope of duty and the test for determining foreseeable losses.
Construction in
London BarGatehouse Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘Very impressive set. The training programmes are excellent and there are generally no difficulties in obtaining counsel requested.’
‘For construction insurance, Gatehouse Chambers has real strength in depth.’
‘Good set with consistent quality.’
‘Gatehouse is a very solid set not just in construction and professional negligence, but also in property, insurance, insolvency and commercial areas too. They have great strength in depth and are always able to offer a range of counsel.’
‘Gatehouse Chambers is very strong, particularly at the junior end – it has some excellent senior juniors.’
Clerking
‘James Duncan Hartill is a great clerk and works hard to promote the set.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court offers a ‘breadth of expertise’ in construction and engineering disputes, with its barristers acting on a wide range of significant construction litigation matters both domestically and internationally. Fiona Sinclair KC is leading for Rydon Construction Ltd in London Borough of Camden v Rydon, the largest civil case to follow the Grenfell Fire regarding a dispute about cladding on five London tower blocks, acting on the design and build contractor, which also worked on the Grenfell Tower project, as defendants. Across chambers, members are also involved in other high-profile cladding claims, with five silks acting for various core participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Rachel Ansell KC is involved in Prudential and Pets at Home v Halcrow Group Limited, defending the monitoring engineer, Halcrow, concerning settlement of a warehouse floor. Sean Brannigan KC is leading on Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust v Balfour Beatty, acting for the claimant in the PFI dispute concerning defects at the hospital, as well as having a notable international practice. Duncan McCall KC has retired.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court are a solid set for complex construction matters.’
‘4 Pump Court have always impressed with the calibre of counsel and expertise provided.’
‘4 Pump Court are a great set and always find suitable counsel, even on very tight deadlines. They are considerate of what matters are being instructed and what counsel will suit the role.’
‘A high quality of counsel from a well-managed and commercially minded set. A valuable resource when looking for a safe pair of hands.’
‘Outstanding strength and depth of experience backed up by first-class clerking.’
Clerking
‘Very experienced and user-friendly clerks. Stewart Gibbs is one of the best clerks of the construction-focused sets.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is an established set that offers top quality expertise across the silk and junior level, covering a range of construction and engineering work both domestically and internationally. Marion Smith KC is acting for a defendant in in Standard Life v Gleeds, a matter concerning claims made against members of the construction professional team engaged in the development and design of a large mixed-use development. Across chambers, 25 members are heavily involved in all aspects of the Grenfell tragedy, with Kate Grange KC leading on all construction related and public law issues on the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. Members of the set are active internationally, with Karim Ghaly KC‘s practice in the Middle East notable; the chambers also has offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, strengthening its presence in Asia.
Testimonials
Set
‘A premier set for large complex construction engineering infrastructure disputes, both for counsel and arbitrators.’
‘The ability and competence from 39 Essex Chambers has consistently been high. Moreover, their growing presence in Asia is well-received by firms and lawyers in the region, alleviating the inconvenience of working in different time zones.’
‘Broad range of counsel in terms of expertise and experience, with depth at both KC and junior level.’
‘Excellent Chambers with strength in depth.’
‘Good range of excellent KCs and juniors covering a range of expertise. They are responsive and great to work with. They provide bespoke training to firms as well as a good range of open training sessions, and keep at the forefront of legal developments.’
Clerking
‘Mark Winrow is an excellent clerk who responds with speed at all times. He is a true attribute to the success of 39 Essex.’
Work highlights
4 New Square
4 New Square provides representation on a range of construction-related matters, and coupled with its professional negligence expertise, it offers particular strength in defending claims for contractors. Four members of chambers have been instructed on different aspects of UBB Waste v Essex County Council, a high-value dispute over a 25-year PFI contract for the construction and operation of a waste treatment, including Roger Stewart KC, Richard Liddell KC, George McDonald and Lucy Colter. Thomas Ogden is acting on Frames Process Systems v Vulcanic UK, a multi-million euro claim relating to defective equipment on offshore vessels. Members of chambers are also instructed on a number of delay and disruption construction claims, as well as claims involving issues of insurance. Internationally, it is involved in a range of construction arbitration matters, with Cyril Chern acting on a number of arbitrations relating to major engineering and construction projects.
Testimonials
Set
‘This set has strengths in all areas and its depth of legal scholars and advocates is excellent.’
‘4 New Square has a number of excellent barristers. Where certain counsel is not available, their strength-in-depth means that the standard of advice and service received is not compromised by replacements put forward by 4 New Square.’
‘Excellent array of stars in both Construction and Professional Indemnity.’
‘4 New Square are go-to chambers because they are technically excellent and approachable.’
‘They are always willing to go the extra distance to accommodate clients and have great strength and depth in the entire civil marketplace.’
Clerking
‘Always available and responsive. Particularly impressed by Jack Crowhurst.’
Work highlights
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers has a sterling reputation as a specialist set for construction disputes, covering a range of work in the UK and abroad. In domestic courts, Dominique Rawley KC and Jennifer Jones are instructed to act for the defendants Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and Balfour Beatty Group on Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease, a matter concerning a hospital built in 2015 alleged to have wide-ranging structural defects to the extent a temporary replacement needed to be built. Meanwhile, Simon Lofthouse KC and Omar Eljadi are acting for MPB Structures in defence of defects claims in a related case, Lendlease Construction v MPB Structures, regarding flooring and drainage work at the same hospital. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC is acting for Morrisons supermarkets in a large multi-party dispute regarding the extension of an abattoir. Stephanie Barwise KC continues to act on behalf of the largest group of bereaved, survivors and residents in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. In addition, members of the set have seen increased instructions on fire safety defect cases and PFI-related disputes. International highlights include Manus McMullan KC and Christopher Lewis KC continuing to act for the Panama Canal Authority in a series of high-value claims arising from the Third Set of Locks Project, one of the largest engineering projects in the world at the time. Stuart Catchpole KC has joined from 39 Essex Chambers, and Rupert Choat KC took silk in March 2022. Nicholas Baatz and Sebastian Pigott retired in February 2022 and May 2022 respectively.
Testimonials
Set
‘Atkin Chambers has a wealth of knowledge and experience which is second-to-none. They are the first port of call for all construction matters.’
‘Atkin Chambers provide a first-rate service with considerable strength and depth across all areas of construction law.’
‘Atkin remain the premier set for construction disputes work and their roster of advocates is second-to-none. Their continued efforts in training are also much appreciated and valuable.’
‘The team’s strengths at Atkin Chambers include its vast expertise in this area and excellent quality of legal services that are tailored towards the client’s needs.’
‘Atkin Chambers is a real construction law powerhouse acting domestically and internationally. They have real strength in depth with many leading KCs.’
Clerking
‘David Barnes is still the gold standard.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers offers a strong set of construction barristers, and handles a number of major construction and engineering disputes as well as associated professional negligence and insurance claims. Crispin Winser KC is involved in Morrisons v Lorien and JE Hall, acting on behalf of John Sisk & Sons, a major UK contractor, in the dispute which concerns defects in Morrisons’ abattoir, which allegedly led to a loss of profits and a license to export to Korea. Andrew Rigney KC and Dermot Woolgar appeared for the successful respondent in Mears v Costplan Services et al., which had significant impact on the construction law industry as the Court of Appeal reconsidered the meaning of practical completion for the first time in half a century.
Testimonials
Set
‘Good spread of capable people, particularly for claims with an insurance angle.’
‘Crown Office Chambers has excellent strength in depth on the construction front, and they work hard to ensure their barristers are not only available to take instructions but also to provide suitable alternatives.’
‘Crown Office has a great scope of counsel and a good mix of product liability counsel who are knowledgeable in their areas.’
‘They have a great breadth and depth of specialist construction barristers at all levels, and they can advise on smaller matters as well as the large complex disputes.’
‘Crown Office are a large set with a large construction following. They are a go-to Chambers for this type of work.’
Clerking
‘Rob Cowup is very commercially minded and runs his team very well.’
Work highlights
Keating Chambers
Known as a ‘go-to set for construction disputes’, Keating Chambers regularly act on complex disputes both domestically and internationally. Piers Stansfield KC and Rachael O’Hagan are representing Cundall on Standard Life v Gleeds, a matter relating to a multi-million pound professional negligence claim against the architects and engineers a large mixed-use development. Numerous members of chambers are instructed in Martlet v Mulalley, which will be the first post-Grenfell cladding case to reach trial and relates to whether the requirements of the building regulations have changed, including Simon Hughes KC and James Frampton for the defendants, and Jonathan Selby KC and Tom Coulson for the claimants. David Thomas KC and Matthew Finn are acting on Walter Lilly v Clin, representing the claimant on a case which has industry-wide implications for the construction and planning sectors in relation to building demolition. Vincent Moran KC leads a number of members from the set on Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease, a large multi-party dispute concerning widespread defects in relation to the construction of a new specialist emergency hospital, acting for Lendlease as the defendant. Keating also continue to be involved in Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2, with Adrian Williamson KC, Abdul Jinadu and Emma Healiss all acting for the bereaved, survivors and former residents as construction counsel. Calum Lamont KC took silk in February 2022, and Alexandra Bodnar has recently joined from 39 Essex Chambers. Adam Constable KC, as was, was appointed to the High Court bench in March 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating is rightly renowned as a leading construction set. Their counsel are always straightforward and easy to work with.’
‘Top class specialist set for construction and engineering disputes. It covers a wide range of highly specialist and technical work, and everyone encountered there is professional, welcoming, and friendly.’
‘Keating is one of the premier construction sets. It has excellent bench strength across the spectrum of seniority.’
‘Keating is market-leading in construction, with strong options at all levels of seniority.’
‘Keating Chambers is unrivalled at the construction bar. They have an array of world class silks and up and coming juniors who are leading experts. You know they will always exceed high expectations. Keating Chambers is what all sets should be like.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Keating are superb. Robert Garvan is responsive and sensible. Jade Clark is superb, she knows her barristers, their cases, their instructing solicitors and shows a dedication that is inspiring.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘Very impressive set. The training programmes are excellent and there are generally no difficulties in obtaining counsel requested.’
‘For construction insurance, Gatehouse Chambers has real strength in depth.’
‘Good set with consistent quality.’
‘Gatehouse is a very solid set not just in construction and professional negligence, but also in property, insurance, insolvency and commercial areas too. They have great strength in depth and are always able to offer a range of counsel.’
‘Gatehouse Chambers is very strong, particularly at the junior end – it has some excellent senior juniors.’
Clerking
‘James Duncan Hartill is a great clerk and works hard to promote the set.’
Work highlights
4 Pump Court
4 Pump Court offers a ‘breadth of expertise’ in construction and engineering disputes, with its barristers acting on a wide range of significant construction litigation matters both domestically and internationally. Fiona Sinclair KC is leading for Rydon Construction Ltd in London Borough of Camden v Rydon, the largest civil case to follow the Grenfell Fire regarding a dispute about cladding on five London tower blocks, acting on the design and build contractor, which also worked on the Grenfell Tower project, as defendants. Across chambers, members are also involved in other high-profile cladding claims, with five silks acting for various core participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Rachel Ansell KC is involved in Prudential and Pets at Home v Halcrow Group Limited, defending the monitoring engineer, Halcrow, concerning settlement of a warehouse floor. Sean Brannigan KC is leading on Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust v Balfour Beatty, acting for the claimant in the PFI dispute concerning defects at the hospital, as well as having a notable international practice. Duncan McCall KC has retired.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court are a solid set for complex construction matters.’
‘4 Pump Court have always impressed with the calibre of counsel and expertise provided.’
‘4 Pump Court are a great set and always find suitable counsel, even on very tight deadlines. They are considerate of what matters are being instructed and what counsel will suit the role.’
‘A high quality of counsel from a well-managed and commercially minded set. A valuable resource when looking for a safe pair of hands.’
‘Outstanding strength and depth of experience backed up by first-class clerking.’
Clerking
‘Very experienced and user-friendly clerks. Stewart Gibbs is one of the best clerks of the construction-focused sets.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is an established set that offers top quality expertise across the silk and junior level, covering a range of construction and engineering work both domestically and internationally. Marion Smith KC is acting for a defendant in in Standard Life v Gleeds, a matter concerning claims made against members of the construction professional team engaged in the development and design of a large mixed-use development. Across chambers, 25 members are heavily involved in all aspects of the Grenfell tragedy, with Kate Grange KC leading on all construction related and public law issues on the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. Members of the set are active internationally, with Karim Ghaly KC‘s practice in the Middle East notable; the chambers also has offices in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, strengthening its presence in Asia.
Testimonials
Set
‘A premier set for large complex construction engineering infrastructure disputes, both for counsel and arbitrators.’
‘The ability and competence from 39 Essex Chambers has consistently been high. Moreover, their growing presence in Asia is well-received by firms and lawyers in the region, alleviating the inconvenience of working in different time zones.’
‘Broad range of counsel in terms of expertise and experience, with depth at both KC and junior level.’
‘Excellent Chambers with strength in depth.’
‘Good range of excellent KCs and juniors covering a range of expertise. They are responsive and great to work with. They provide bespoke training to firms as well as a good range of open training sessions, and keep at the forefront of legal developments.’
Clerking
‘Mark Winrow is an excellent clerk who responds with speed at all times. He is a true attribute to the success of 39 Essex.’
Work highlights
4 New Square
4 New Square provides representation on a range of construction-related matters, and coupled with its professional negligence expertise, it offers particular strength in defending claims for contractors. Four members of chambers have been instructed on different aspects of UBB Waste v Essex County Council, a high-value dispute over a 25-year PFI contract for the construction and operation of a waste treatment, including Roger Stewart KC, Richard Liddell KC, George McDonald and Lucy Colter. Thomas Ogden is acting on Frames Process Systems v Vulcanic UK, a multi-million euro claim relating to defective equipment on offshore vessels. Members of chambers are also instructed on a number of delay and disruption construction claims, as well as claims involving issues of insurance. Internationally, it is involved in a range of construction arbitration matters, with Cyril Chern acting on a number of arbitrations relating to major engineering and construction projects.
Testimonials
Set
‘This set has strengths in all areas and its depth of legal scholars and advocates is excellent.’
‘4 New Square has a number of excellent barristers. Where certain counsel is not available, their strength-in-depth means that the standard of advice and service received is not compromised by replacements put forward by 4 New Square.’
‘Excellent array of stars in both Construction and Professional Indemnity.’
‘4 New Square are go-to chambers because they are technically excellent and approachable.’
‘They are always willing to go the extra distance to accommodate clients and have great strength and depth in the entire civil marketplace.’
Clerking
‘Always available and responsive. Particularly impressed by Jack Crowhurst.’
Work highlights
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers has a sterling reputation as a specialist set for construction disputes, covering a range of work in the UK and abroad. In domestic courts, Dominique Rawley KC and Jennifer Jones are instructed to act for the defendants Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and Balfour Beatty Group on Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease, a matter concerning a hospital built in 2015 alleged to have wide-ranging structural defects to the extent a temporary replacement needed to be built. Meanwhile, Simon Lofthouse KC and Omar Eljadi are acting for MPB Structures in defence of defects claims in a related case, Lendlease Construction v MPB Structures, regarding flooring and drainage work at the same hospital. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC is acting for Morrisons supermarkets in a large multi-party dispute regarding the extension of an abattoir. Stephanie Barwise KC continues to act on behalf of the largest group of bereaved, survivors and residents in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry. In addition, members of the set have seen increased instructions on fire safety defect cases and PFI-related disputes. International highlights include Manus McMullan KC and Christopher Lewis KC continuing to act for the Panama Canal Authority in a series of high-value claims arising from the Third Set of Locks Project, one of the largest engineering projects in the world at the time. Stuart Catchpole KC has joined from 39 Essex Chambers, and Rupert Choat KC took silk in March 2022. Nicholas Baatz and Sebastian Pigott retired in February 2022 and May 2022 respectively.
Testimonials
Set
‘Atkin Chambers has a wealth of knowledge and experience which is second-to-none. They are the first port of call for all construction matters.’
‘Atkin Chambers provide a first-rate service with considerable strength and depth across all areas of construction law.’
‘Atkin remain the premier set for construction disputes work and their roster of advocates is second-to-none. Their continued efforts in training are also much appreciated and valuable.’
‘The team’s strengths at Atkin Chambers include its vast expertise in this area and excellent quality of legal services that are tailored towards the client’s needs.’
‘Atkin Chambers is a real construction law powerhouse acting domestically and internationally. They have real strength in depth with many leading KCs.’
Clerking
‘David Barnes is still the gold standard.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers offers a strong set of construction barristers, and handles a number of major construction and engineering disputes as well as associated professional negligence and insurance claims. Crispin Winser KC is involved in Morrisons v Lorien and JE Hall, acting on behalf of John Sisk & Sons, a major UK contractor, in the dispute which concerns defects in Morrisons’ abattoir, which allegedly led to a loss of profits and a license to export to Korea. Andrew Rigney KC and Dermot Woolgar appeared for the successful respondent in Mears v Costplan Services et al., which had significant impact on the construction law industry as the Court of Appeal reconsidered the meaning of practical completion for the first time in half a century.
Testimonials
Set
‘Good spread of capable people, particularly for claims with an insurance angle.’
‘Crown Office Chambers has excellent strength in depth on the construction front, and they work hard to ensure their barristers are not only available to take instructions but also to provide suitable alternatives.’
‘Crown Office has a great scope of counsel and a good mix of product liability counsel who are knowledgeable in their areas.’
‘They have a great breadth and depth of specialist construction barristers at all levels, and they can advise on smaller matters as well as the large complex disputes.’
‘Crown Office are a large set with a large construction following. They are a go-to Chambers for this type of work.’
Clerking
‘Rob Cowup is very commercially minded and runs his team very well.’
Work highlights
Keating Chambers
Known as a ‘go-to set for construction disputes’, Keating Chambers regularly act on complex disputes both domestically and internationally. Piers Stansfield KC and Rachael O’Hagan are representing Cundall on Standard Life v Gleeds, a matter relating to a multi-million pound professional negligence claim against the architects and engineers a large mixed-use development. Numerous members of chambers are instructed in Martlet v Mulalley, which will be the first post-Grenfell cladding case to reach trial and relates to whether the requirements of the building regulations have changed, including Simon Hughes KC and James Frampton for the defendants, and Jonathan Selby KC and Tom Coulson for the claimants. David Thomas KC and Matthew Finn are acting on Walter Lilly v Clin, representing the claimant on a case which has industry-wide implications for the construction and planning sectors in relation to building demolition. Vincent Moran KC leads a number of members from the set on Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease, a large multi-party dispute concerning widespread defects in relation to the construction of a new specialist emergency hospital, acting for Lendlease as the defendant. Keating also continue to be involved in Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2, with Adrian Williamson KC, Abdul Jinadu and Emma Healiss all acting for the bereaved, survivors and former residents as construction counsel. Calum Lamont KC took silk in February 2022, and Alexandra Bodnar has recently joined from 39 Essex Chambers. Adam Constable KC, as was, was appointed to the High Court bench in March 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating is rightly renowned as a leading construction set. Their counsel are always straightforward and easy to work with.’
‘Top class specialist set for construction and engineering disputes. It covers a wide range of highly specialist and technical work, and everyone encountered there is professional, welcoming, and friendly.’
‘Keating is one of the premier construction sets. It has excellent bench strength across the spectrum of seniority.’
‘Keating is market-leading in construction, with strong options at all levels of seniority.’
‘Keating Chambers is unrivalled at the construction bar. They have an array of world class silks and up and coming juniors who are leading experts. You know they will always exceed high expectations. Keating Chambers is what all sets should be like.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Keating are superb. Robert Garvan is responsive and sensible. Jade Clark is superb, she knows her barristers, their cases, their instructing solicitors and shows a dedication that is inspiring.’