Boasting in-depth expertise in the full gamut of construction and engineering matters, 4 Pump Court remains at the forefront of airport, hospital, and university developments. Rachel Ansell KC is often instructed on significant energy and engineering disputes, Sean Brannigan KC is reputed for his strength in infrastructure arbitration, and Alexander Hickey KC is a key port of call for energy and natural resources matters across the Gulf. Claire Packman KC’s expertise includes cases with professional negligence elements, while Thomas Crangle has experience of work concerning railways. Simon Hale is noted for his international energy arbitration capabilities, while Laurence Page is also a key member of the set.
Construction in Middle East: The English Bar
4 Pump Court
Testimonials
‘The clerks room is efficient and forward thinking with Carl Wall and Niki Merison being the standout clerks.’
‘4 Pump Court remains one of the premier go-to sets for construction infrastructure disputes. All members of chambers I have instructed or seen as opposing counsel are of a consistently high calibre.’
‘As well as counsel, there are also a number of leading arbitrator individuals from 4 Pump Court who we would recommend and look to when nominating an arbitrator.’
‘A fantastic set – they know how to work seamlessly with solicitors. A delight to work with.’
‘They are incredibly well-run and now have some of the best silks in the market: as a result the chambers is now the go-to chambers for many serious players.’
Work highlights
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers is renowned for its proficiency in construction, energy, and infrastructure disputes, notably mixed-use, transportation, and power developments. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC often handles disputes arising from the development of sizeable infrastructure and industrial facility projects. Andrew White KC, Fiona Parkin KC, and Simon Lofthouse KC act as counsel in arbitrations across the Gulf while David Streatfeild-James KC is experienced in renewable energy and mixed-use construction projects. James Howells KC specialises in contentious power mandates, and Riaz Hussain KC is often instructed by sizeable contractors and developers. Zulfikar Khayum is principally focused on international arbitration, and Samar Abbas’ recent caseload includes transport and water infrastructure projects. Christopher Reid is also a key member of the set.
Testimonials
‘David Barnes is very proactive and a good first point of contact.’
‘Atkin Chambers is superbly run by the charismatic David Barnes and the friendly Justin Wilson.’
‘The clerks were outstanding, the chambers is home to top professionals.’
‘The clerk’s room is responsive and sensible; they are an enjoyable set to work with.’
‘Strength in construction and engineering. The barristers and clerks are very proactive.’
The Atkin Chambers clerks are great to work with. They will always provide a variety of options suitable for a matter.’
‘Their number one reputation is well-deserved. A first class set with huge strength in depth.’
‘We work a lot with Atkin Chambers and appreciate the service. They are always available and happy to assist.’
Work highlights
Keating Chambers
Experienced in DIAC, ICC, and LCIA arbitration, Keating Chambers is well-informed in heavyweight construction disputes arising from airport, road, and rail development projects. David Thomas KC enjoys a regional footprint and his broad construction experience encompasses Saudi Arabian mixed commercial developments. Simon Hughes KC and Justin Mort KC specialise in disputes arising from energy projects, while Calum Lamont KC is often engaged in international marine construction arbitration. James Thompson is knowledgeable of disputes arising from commercial and educational facility developments, while Paul Buckingham KC and William Webb KC took silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always available and are very responsive. James Luxmoore in particular is my key contact and is very helpful and willing to have difficult conversations.’
‘James Luxmoore heads the clerking team brilliantly. He will always find resources for us at the highest calibre when needed.’
‘The clerks are personable, and it is easy to pick up the phone and call them if there are ever any questions.’
‘Undoubtedly the best set of chambers for construction claims in the UK.’
‘Keating Chambers remains, rightly, as one of the leading specialist construction sets. All counsel we have encountered, whether as arbitrators, senior or junior counsel, are of a consistently high calibre.’
‘Keating Chambers are unmatched in their depth of experience and expertise in construction law. They are always able to offer us counsel of the very highest standard.’
‘Keating Chambers are outstanding – my ‘go to’ set for international construction arbitration.’
‘Keating Chambers is a well-regarded specialist construction set. They are high calibre, with leading construction barristers.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Boasting a strong track record in international disputes, Crown Office Chambers’ key strengths lie in construction and engineering arbitration across the Middle East. Key members of the set include Andrew Rigney KC, full-time arbitrator Roger Ter Haar KC, and Crispin Winser KC, the latter pair enjoy a strong reputation in energy and infrastructure arbitration. Anna Laney’s broad caseload encompasses airport, residential, and stadium developments.
Testimonials
‘The clerks that I worked with: Andy Flanagan and Rob Cowup were always completely professional and helpful. Their organizational skills were very good.’
‘The clerks at Crown Office Chambers are personable, approachable, and a pleasure to work with. Andy Flanagan is seemingly unflappable and is always at the end of the phone if you have an urgent matter.’
‘The chambers, clerks, and barristers are well-organised, respond quickly, and are totally professional at all times.’
‘Crown Office is a strong chambers, both in respect of their barrister offering, but also in respect of arbitrators with a solid construction background.’
‘We were totally satisfied with the service.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
With a broad construction offering spanning Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, 39 Essex Chambers is adept in contentious infrastructure as well as energy and natural resources matters. David Brynmor Thomas KC is well-versed in disputes concerning public transport projects and renewable power scheme developments. Marion Smith KC is an established arbitrator and counsel, while Karim Ghaly KC is experienced in airport, hotel, skyscraper, and sports stadia construction disputes. Alexander Burrell enjoys a strong reputation in the energy sector.
Testimonials
‘Darcey Bourne is doing an excellent job.’
‘Darcey Bourne is a bright and very capable individual with a very clear understanding of the tasks at hand. She is very personable and a great character.’
‘The clerks are always responsive.’
’39 Essex Chambers have very efficient and capable counsels with excellent communication and response times.’
‘39 Essex Chambers are an excellent set and provide high quality advocates to deal with matters in the construction and engineering sectors.’
Work highlights
4 New Square Chambers
Often instructed by major contractors, 4 New Square Chambers is well-regarded for its construction dispute capabilities, notably claims involving delay and disruption. Roger Stewart KC’s broad caseload encompasses international arbitration, and he is particularly proficient in oil and gas facility disputes. Tim Chelmick is primarily engaged in sizeable infrastructure projects, including airports, oil refineries, and power stations.
Testimonials
‘Dennis Peck is excellent, if he can’t make something happen, it cannot be done.’
‘The clerks are easy to work with and are very responsive to queries.’
‘Good service from clerks.’
‘All set members were very helpful and proactive.’
‘A very good set all around, with some excellent heavy-weights and promising juniors. Good availability.’
‘4 New Square Chambers has excellent availability; the barristers are very approachable and pleasant to work with.’