Construction in West Midlands

Gowling WLG

Fielding a sizeable construction team, Gowling WLG is well regarded in the market for its experience across both the public and private sectors and is singled out for its PFI handback expertise and city regeneration procurement. The firm’s contentious and non-contentious teams are led by Michael O’Shea and Richard Green respectively, both advising an impressive roster of developers and contractors. Veteran contentious practitioner Ashley Pigott is noted for his experience across a number of high-value construction disputes. Sarah Dyer regularly advises on major construction and infrastructure disputes, with a focus on the transport and energy sectors, and has been engaged in early Building Safety Act litigation. On the non-contentious side, Ruth Griffin focuses her practice on the public sector, corporate occupiers, supply chain and new asset classes such as data centres and senior living, and is supported by Gemma Whittaker, who made partner in May 2023.

Practice head(s):

Michael O’Shea; Richard Green


Other key lawyers:

Ruth Griffin; Ashley Pigott; Sarah Dyer; Gemma Whittaker


Testimonials

‘Always responds quickly to requests for advice and provides quality advice on a wide range of commercial issues.’

Key clients

Trinity House


The Organising Committee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games


Lincoln Property Company


MGT Investment Management


Rockwell Properties Limited


Surrey County Council


Conygar Nottingham Limited


National Highways


Castlepoint LP


Aver Property fund


Universities Superannuation Scheme


Work highlights


  • Advised the Organising Committee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on numerous contracts vital to the facilitation of the Games.
  • Advising Surrey County Council in relation to its claims in arbitration against Suez Limited arising out of a PFI contract to build and operate a waste to energy plant in Teddington.
  • Advising National Highways in relation to the £1.9bn upgrade of the single carriageway section of the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down, near the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP stands out for its impressive roster of high-profile clients and is highlighted as ‘excellent in identifying strategy’. The firm acts for a range of contractors, universities, developers and government agencies on both contentious and transactional construction-related issues and frequently collaborates on a cross-office basis, including with its recently opened Oxford office. Stuart Pemble leads the team’s transactional practice, with expertise in facilities and project management and experience in the public, healthcare, education and hospitality sectors. Leading the firm’s construction and energy disputes practice is veteran lawyer Martino Giaquinto, who is supported by associate Jastinder Samra, specialising in construction and engineering disputes.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Pemble; Martino Giaquinto


Other key lawyers:

Jastinder Samra; Patrick Wisheu


Testimonials

‘They were incredibly knowledgeable and their assistance was invaluable.’

‘The important aspects for me were their expertise in the required fields and availability/feedback when required, both of which were exhibited expertly by Martino Giaquinto and Patrick Wisheu.’

‘A wide breadth of clients and sectors within the construction field. The practice benefits from having a broader client base than some others. The firm really understands what its clients want and what represents a good settlement of a case.’

‘Martino Giaquinto: Very tenacious. Someone you want to have on your side in a dispute. Particular expertise in energy-related matters including renewables. Patrick Wisheu: He really grasps the details of the cases I have seen him in.’

‘The M&R construction claims team have provided highly professional, on-point and highly effective support to my business in relation to a construction dispute.’

‘M&R proved highly competent on establishing the correct dispute resolution strategy and its delivery and were able to predict situations and outcomes before the event, which proved crucial to a successful outcome for myself as the client.’

‘Martino Giaquinto and his team are highly professional and extremely knowledgeable, and importantly grounded and able to communicate legal matters effectively with non-legal stakeholders.’

‘Mills & Reeve have proven to be excellent in identifying strategy and being knowledgeable of the detail.’

Key clients

Ministry of Defence


APML Estate Limited


Cordia Blackswan Limited


Henley Investment Management


Twycross Zoo – National Science and Convention Centre


Browne Jacobson LLP

With Zoe Stollard at the helm, Browne Jacobson LLP’s construction practice has gone from strength to strength in the energy industry, particularly in nuclear and renewable energy facilities, consolidating the firm’s broad expertise, which includes engagement with large data centre projects, PFI schemes and healthcare developments. The practice is well versed in both contentious and non-contentious advice for public and private sector clients, and Scott Mounfield is noted for his extensive experience advising developers, contractors and local authorities on a range of construction issues. Emma Wake left the team in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

Zoe Stollard


Other key lawyers:

Scott Mounfield; Judith Stone


Testimonials

‘Excellent, commercially aware lawyers with a real understanding and interest in how clients operate and how to achieve best results. Safe hands.’

‘Zoe Stollard is credit to Browne Jacobson and excels at forming new relationships through her specialist new nuclear sector knowledge.’

‘Excellent contentious advice from Judith Stone – really supportive and knowledgeable.’

‘Very proactive advice with a commercial edge whilst still appreciating the local authority context. We engaged Browne Jacobson on a project which required expertise from across a number of teams and there was a really joined up approach between the construction team and the other teams.’

‘Scott Mounfield was always willing to go above and beyond – attending meetings at short notice. He was very proactive and helpful – working under pressure to tight deadlines, nothing was too much trouble. Scott gave really clear advice and instilled confidence in our internal clients – his commercial knowledge and expertise were invaluable. He did a really fantastic job!’

‘Their investment in understanding and delivering valuable and critical legal advice to companies who are starting to pick up work in the new nuclear energy section.’

Key clients

BAM Construction Limited


Blackpool Borough Council


Wolverhampton City Council


Bowmer & Kirkland Limited


Birmingham Hippodrome


Clegg Construction Limited


Clegg Food Limited


University of Hertfordshire


Elevate property group


Mace Limited


F3 Group


Thurrock Council


J Coffey Construction Limited


J Tomlinson Limited


Hope Learning Trust


Lindum Group Limited


London Borough of Enfield


Wintech Limited


B:Music Limited (Birmingham Symphony Hall)


United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust


Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust


Keltbray Limited


Willmott Dixon Construction Limited


Willmott Dixon Interiors Limited


Cardiff Council


EE Smith Contracts Limited


J McCann & Co Limited


United Learning Trust


Ingersoll Rand


Osprey Shipping Limited


Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP leverages its national and international reach to offer support across a range of transactional matters. The firm advises both public and private sector clients and has developed a strong practice advising on large infrastructure projects, real estate developments and manufacturing facilities for bio-technology clients, as well as portfolio redevelopment for several investment funds. ‘Superb’ practice head Nigel Blundell has also handled significant mandates in the rail and infrastructure industries, advocating innovative contracting mechanisms. Senior associate Jonathan Vickers spearheads the firm’s build-to-rent development expertise. Didar Dhillon departed the firm to take up an in-house role.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Blundell


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Vickers


Testimonials

‘Our experience with PM is that there is always a high level of partner engagement and they are consistently excellent communicators.’

‘Nigel Blundell is very down-to-earth and a clear communicator, providing us with concise and practical advice. He easily takes contractual issues that are bespoke to the construction industry and presented them in an easily digestible format for our senior management team. The internal project management team have been overwhelmingly positive of the value added from Nigel and the wider PM team.’

‘What makes the practice unique is its depth of legal knowledge and clarity of advice.’

Key clients

Host 2 Limited


Northumberland County Council


204 GPS Limited


Sandwell Borough Councill


Story Contracting Limited


Volkerrail Limited


Balfour Beatty Group Limited


Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure


Clarion Housing Group Limited


Court Collaboration Limited


The Silvertown Partnership LLP


Grainger PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Credit Suisse on the redevelopment of its offices at Pilgrim Street in London.
  • Advising Northumberland County Council on the redevelopment of six stations in connection with the reopening of the Northumberland Line.
  • Assisting Court Collaboration (acting for its subsidiary Court One Eastside) on the company’s largest build-to-rent tower scheme of 667 units in Birmingham.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP has a particular focus on construction development, particularly in relation to building agreements, commercial construction projects, and the infrastructure and energy sectors. In addition, the firm advises major developers and contractors on contentious construction matters, with specialist construction disputes associate Michael Bennett at the helm. Meanwhile, Patrick Garner, who focuses on development, particularly in relation to brownfield regeneration and the living sector, co-leads the transactional practice alongside Andrew Outram, who is also closely connected to the firm’s development and regeneration work. Outram has also been involved in the construction elements of lease, development and funding agreements.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Garner; Andrew Outram


Other key lawyers:

Michael Bennett


Key clients

St Modwen Properties Limited


St Modwen Homes Limited


McKay Securities PLC (now part of Workspace Group Plc)


Newlands Developments


PM Group


Tilia Homes Limited


Harworth Group Plc


I.M. Properties Plc


Nurton Developments Limited


Pitsford Street Limited


Walgreens Boots Alliance Group


Molson Coors Beverage Company


Staticus (UK) Limited


Linnaeus Vetinary


Work highlights


  • Advising on the site-wide infrastructure and housing plots and care home plots disposal of St Modwen’s Kingsgrove development in Oxfordshire.
  • Advising Equities Newlands (Hoyland) on the construction aspects of the first two phases of a major development site near Barnsley.
  • Advising Harworth Estates Investment on both its largest development site to date near Bardon and the redevelopment of its site at the former Ironbridge Power Station site.

Squire Patton Boggs

Squire Patton Boggs is praised for its ‘ability to tailor both guidance and support’ for its roster of corporate owner, investor and contractor clients in their energy, infrastructure, industrial plant and commercial real estate developments. The team, led by Graeme Bradley, Robert Norris and the ‘exceptionalRay O’Connor, has also been appointed to numerous panels and, working closely with the firm’s network of national offices, is regularly engaged on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Senior associate Matt Bromilow is also recommended by clients for his contentious construction experience across building and engineering.

Practice head(s):

Graeme Bradley; Robert Norris; Ray O’Connor


Other key lawyers:

Matt Bromilow


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Able to dissect complex issues and provide valuable advice and support. Able to adapt to different scenarios over a wide range of diverse issues.’

‘Always available for advice and able to manage situations which arise without notice. Knowledgeable individuals with a wide range of experience across multi disciplines.’

‘Robert Norris is skilled in conflict resolution.’

‘Within the group there is the opportunity to access all specialisations and the individuals are very high calibre. Very responsive at all hours. Engagement and proactive approach better than other firms I have encountered, particularly impressed by follow up after issue is resolved. As they have a wide and varied client base they are able to engineer connections and promote collaborations.’

‘Ray O’Connor is exceptional as a principle contact – insightful, intelligent and able to understand context quickly. It always feels that they are working hard on your behalf and have a genuine interest in facilitating a speedy, positive outcome.’

‘SPB have an ability to tailor both their guidance and support to the needs and financial resources of their clients. It is unfair for a party to be disadvantaged by their finances when defending a contractual right and SPB actively recognise this and adapt their support to ensure that such injustice is prevented.’

‘We have worked with Ray O’Connor and Matt Bromillow and have valued their input and guidance on a number of complex issues. They have both a skill in quickly understanding the key aspects of a dispute and then formulating a strategy to resolution that provides not only a positive result but one that ensures fees do not exceed the benefits available.’

Key clients

ABB Limited


Aggregate Industries


Aggregate Industries UK Limited


Arena Events Group plc


Ashcourt Contractors Limited


Association of Decentralised Energy


Atlantic Projects Company Limited


AVK / SEG


Baglan Operations Limited


Blackpool Borough Council


Calon Energy Limited / Macquarie


Campus Living Villages (UK) Limited


Capital & Centric


Ceva Logistics Limited


Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Limited


Cheyne Capital


Circular Resources (UK) Limited


Clarison Group/Elaghmore


Cummins


Dalata Hotels


Department of Health


Envirogen Group


Esken Renewables Limited


Fincher Utilities Limited


Fluence Energy LLC


HBV Villages


Imperial College


Johnson & Johnson


Jury’s Hotels


Kentucky Fried Chicken


Klarent Hospitality


Levantine


Meggitt Aerospace


Mercia Power


Morrisons


Natural History Museum


Pannonia Ethanol ZRT


R N Wooler


RTS Technology Solutions Limited (t/a Vanti)


Saltholme Power Limited North & South


Selfridges Retail Limited


Taylor Lane


The University of Law


Triton Energy


Veolia


Wyre Borough Council


Work highlights


  • Advising Morrisons on multi-party litigation regarding the defective design and construction of its three species food processing plant extension in Northern England.
  • Advising AVK-SEG in relation to a £170m construction, operation and maintenance project of a multi-fuel power generation facility to support a new data centre development.
  • Advising Eastbrook Studios on the construction of the £174m Eastbrook Studios development in Dagenham.

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP

Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is recognised for its procurement and contracting expertise, with particular expertise in the public, social housing and care sectors. Andrew Lancaster leads the team and specialises in disputes relating to procurement and construction. Andrew Millross and Richard Brooks are key members of the team focusing on non-contentious procurement and construction matters in relation to housing, while Emma Riley concentrates on disputes in social housing and the public sector more widely. Helen Thompson focuses her practice on best-practice construction procurement and supply chain management.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Lancaster


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Millross; Richard Brooks; Emma Riley; Helen Thompson


Testimonials

‘The ACS team’s knowledge of tendering and contract structuring is extensive, and they are able to offer support, guidance and advice on all procurement related matters. Above all, their ability to collaborate, engage with, and transfer knowledge through all levels of seniority prevails.’

‘Andrew Millross comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and doesn’t offer a ‘quick fix’ solution, but works with the client to develop robust long-term strategies in procurement and contract management.’

Key clients

National Housing Maintenance Fund (National Procurement Club) Ltd


The Barnet Group


Rooftop Housing Group Limited


Clarion Housing Group Limited


Shropshire Council


Work highlights


  • Drafted the procurement and contract documentation for a range of framework agreements set up by a new central purchasing body – NHMF NPC.
  • Prepared procurement and contract documentation based on JCT ICD 16 for the refurbishment of two occupied residential care homes owned by Barnet LBC and managed by The Barnet Group.
  • Advised Rooftop on the extension of a VAT cost sharing group with Platform Housing Group to include Stonewater Housing Group.

Bevan Brittan LLP

Under Helen Andrews‘ leadership, Bevan Brittan LLP’s Birmingham outfit works closely with its national offices to advise a broad roster of public sector clients relating to a selection of housing, education, waste and hospital projects. The firm also has specific expertise in the built environment, energy and infrastructure sectors and has developed its private sector clients with the inclusion of several large contractors. Associate Charles Harrison supports both the firm’s transactional and contentious practice.

Practice head(s):

Helen Andrews


Other key lawyers:

Charles Harrison


Testimonials

‘Great team and very well respected.’

‘Helen Andrews is just excellent. Intelligent, experienced, very user-friendly and great to work with.’

‘Helen Andrews – highly approachable and flexible. Good engagement throughout the process.’

‘Approachable and agreed set of fees for quality service.’


Key clients

GMI Construction


Intex Projects Limited


Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council


Birmingham City Council


The County Council of the City and County of Cardiff


Dematic Limited


Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council


Fenland Futures Limited


Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council


Westcore Europe


Turbocharging UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised GMI Construction Group on the negotiation of a construction contract and ancillary documents with University College Birmingham in connection with the renovation of the former James Cond print works building.
  • Advised Intex Projects on its fit-out contract with x+why, providers of flexible workspace on floors 1, 2, 3, and 18 at 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, which opened in October 2022.
  • Appointed as sole UK legal providers to advise Turbocharging UK, the UK arm of Accelleron Industries, on all UK contracts for the development, production and servicing of turbochargers.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper focuses its attention on large-scale development projects, advising corporates, major regional developers, and national players on a multitude of matters, including residential and commercial developments. Stephen Malley leads the practice and is a global leader for construction at the firm. Malley is recognised for his focus on non-contentious matters, principally advising developers in the residential, hotels and leisure, and logistics sectors. Victoria Ball recently departed the firm.









Practice head(s):

Stephen Malley


Other key lawyers:

Jaskiran Bansal


Testimonials

‘The team has a full and clear understanding of the client’s requirements and provides robust and professional advice across the range of services provided. They are reponsive and proactive in ensuring that projects are progressed in accordance with the agreed timescales.’

‘Stephen Malley is a highly experieneced and commercially aware lawyer who is accessible, reponsive and very ‘user friendly.’ He is accessible and approachable, providing clear advice and guidance on the best approcach to be adopted on a project by project basis.’

‘Jaskiran Bansal is very professional and efficient, provides a highly reponsive service, in a friendly and competent manner.’

Key clients

Far East Consortium


UPS Limited


Edyn Group (Brookfield)


Summix Capital


Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport


Hadley Property Group


This is Gravity


Belgrove House Properties Limited (Precis Holdings)


MBU Capital


Seven Capital


Ecoworld / Ballymore JV


Intercontinental Hotels Group


Shure


Maslow Capital


Regal London


Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council


USF Nominees Limited


St James’s Place Unit Trust


St James’s Place UK PLC


Ballymore / Hammerson JV


Cheyne


InterContinental Hotels Group


95 QVS S.A.R.L


Oval Real Estate


Gamesys Limtied


Nuveen


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Ballymore/Hammerson JV on the construction aspects of the £900m Bishopsgate Goodsyard project, a 4.5 hectare site in central London.
  • Advising Belgrove House Properties on the £1bn redevelopment of its Kings Cross site, Belgrove House as a specialised office and laboratory building for the life sciences sector.
  • Advising Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council on a new £75m, 1,200-seat events complex with state-of-the-art technical facilities including water and light shows.

Freeths LLP

With an established practice handling procurement and dispute resolution, Freeths LLP advises clients across a range of sectors, including energy, oil and gas, and engineering. Perveen Akhter leads the practice, focusing on non-contentious matters in both the private and public sectors, with clients such as local authorities, contractors, consultants, banks and education institutions. Akhter also focuses her practice on renewable energy. Alex Johnson leads the team’s contentious offering, assisting in a variety of construction and engineering disputes, often with an international component.

Practice head(s):

Perveen Akhter


Other key lawyers:

Alex Johnson


Testimonials

‘Very experienced construction lawyers working in small teams who have a pragmatic approach to achieving resolution of disputes in the most effective way for their clients.’

‘Alex Johnson: what stands out for me is his approach to the challenges, keeping an open mind to and exploring possible options before deciding on a course of action and not sticking to a “cookie-cutter” methodology.’

Key clients

Aldi


Tarmac


Gleeds


Landmark Power Holdings


PCE Limited


Lloyds Bank Plc


Clydesdale Bank Limited


Hive Energy (UK)


Hull Esteem Consortium LEP Limited


London Luton Airport


Porcelanosa (South East) Limited


Catalyst Capital


Cambridge Power


Work highlights


  • Advising Landmark Power Holdings on its second project for the design and construction of a flex power plus and carbon capture utilisation and storage plant.
  • Counselling Hive Energy on the design, installation, testing and commissioning of a 13.1 MWp ground-mounted solar PV plant.
  • Acting for the project company funded by Catalyst Capital in relation to the EPC turnkey contract for a large-scale 100MW battery storage project in Yorkshire.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

The construction and engineering team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys combines construction practitioners with chartered quantity surveyors, such as Keith Blizzard, who is a chartered surveyor and construction manager, and who leads the team alongside Cambridge-based partner Colin Jones. The firm advises a broad client base, including local authorities, contractors and developers across a number of sectors such as infrastructure, education and health. Paul Johnston and Andrew James, based in Worcester, are key names to note for their respective expertise in construction projects and disputes.


Practice head(s):

Keith Blizzard; Colin Jones


Other key lawyers:

Andrew James; Paul Johnston


Testimonials

‘The team are flexible, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They are always local and available. The team have a breadth of knowledge that is willingly shared.’

‘The individuals are all helpful, polite, engaging and professional in their field. Their ability to be available, supportive and quickly share their knowledge and advice is a huge benefit. The individuals and the team as a whole are diverse, with a professional approach.’

‘High level of skill and knowledge within their particular area of expertise’

‘A full-service practice but at regional prices. Good use of technology and a complete legal service.’

‘Andrew James is very responsive and helpful.’

‘It is the level of diversity, all our legal issues can be dealt with through one practice.’

Key clients

Tarmac


Speller Metcalfe


Lloyds Bank


Barnwood Group


Hatchbury


Gloucestershire College


Shakespeare Martineau LLP

With deep industry experience, Shakespeare Martineau LLP has a roster of clients ranging from regional developers, educational institutions, contractors, and healthcare and infrastructure providers. The practice is led by Ruth Phillips, who is recognised for her broad construction expertise, and whose leadership has led to client growth, particularly in the water utilities and commercial development arenas. Kate Onions is another key contact in the team for her construction disputes capacity. Ian Griffiths, formerly spearheading the firm’s energy and utilities offering, left the firm to take up an in-house role.

Practice head(s):

Ruth Phillips


Other key lawyers:

Kate Onions; Adam Watson


Testimonials

‘An excellent construction team. Well resourced with knowledgeable people. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone involved in a construction dispute, of any size, not only in the West Midlands but nationally. They are proactive, effective and client focussed.’

‘Ruth Phillips leads an excellent team, ably supported by Adam Watson. We welcome the personable and proactive approach in dealing quickly and efficiently with contract negotiations and document preparation.’

‘The team has a wider view on the construction market than its competitors, in conveying the positions of employers, contractors and sub-contractors in agreeing contract documents.’

‘Adam Watson is an exceptional solicitor dealing with construction disputes. He gets to grips with cases quickly and effectively and will go the extra mile when dealing with matters. He is thorough and understands the key issues that need to be addressed in any construction dispute.’

Key clients

Bishop Grosseteste University


BDW


Citizen Housing Group Limited


Farmfoods Limited


Max Barney Developments Limited


Rainier Developments (Tenby Street) Limited


Lovell Partnerships Limited


Severn Trent


Isoca Water Limited


L&Q Estates


Derby University


Staffordshire University


Walsall Housing Group


Wilson Bowden


Winvic Construction Limited


Hull College


Midlands Land Portfolio Limited


The University of West London


Helen Taylor Thompson Foundation


Welford Healthcare Ltd


Alpha Construction Ltd


PSG Global Limited


Whitworth Bros Limited


Wagner Group Limited


Liverpool John Moores University


Habib Bank Zurich PLC


AC1 Construction


Platform Housing


Honeycomb


Cornovii


Punjab Bank


Al Rayan Bank PLC


Work highlights


  • Advising Lovell Partnerships in relation to its appointment by Nationwide Building Society as its main construction partner in respect of the development of an energy-efficient community of 239 homes.
  • Advising the University of Derby on the construction of a new business school.
  • Advising Wagner Group in relation to a bespoke framework agreement and contracts in relation to the construction of 15 new cold storage facilities.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a multidisciplinary practice, with expertise across development, procurement, asset management, adjudication and fire safety, acting for public sector clients as well as contractors, developers and housing associations. The practice is led by Paul Scott, advising on the contentious side, and Katie Saunders, based in Manchester, concentrating on the firm’s non-contentious offering. Former practice head Mark Robinson has departed the firm.

Practice head(s):

Paul Scott; Katie Saunders


Key clients

MCS Group Ltd


Berkeley Group


Countryside Properties


Vistry Group


The British Museum


The Black Country Living Museum Trust


Historic England


Brighter Places


Communities and Housing Investment Consortium


Birmingham City Council


City of Wolverhampton Council


Work highlights


  • Working with HS2, Dept for Transport, the Arden Cross landowner consortium and public funders to develop the land linked to the new HS2 interchange train station.
  • Advising CHIC, a procurement consortium of 150 housing associations and local authorities, on the procurement of their new build and modular housing framework for contractors, manufacturers and consultants.
  • Advising multiple residential management companies in connection with Building Safety Fund grant-funded recladding of high-rise residential apartment blocks in Birmingham.

Clarke Willmott LLP

With strong collaboration across its offices, Clarke Willmott LLP is noted for its expertise advising on a range of disputes and contractual matters, particularly those arising from the insolvency of contractors and suppliers. The firm also regularly advises contractors on payment mechanism disputes, losses and expenses, extension of time and defect claims. The team, led by James Driver in Manchester, is supported by key partners Mark Scotney and Peter McHugh in Birmingham, who both specialise in construction disputes and mediation.


Practice head(s):

James Driver


Other key lawyers:

Peter McHugh; Mark Scotney; Mark Christie


Testimonials

‘The team is incredibly efficient, manages our expectations very well and offers very sound guidance.’

‘Having a team of individuals available provides flexibility to ensure that requirements are met in short order. Their Construction Law knowledge has been invaluable not only in contentious cases but also in general advice providing the benefit of considered decision making. Billing is always undertaken to provide a feel of good value for the output.’

‘Mark Scotney and Mark Christie have always been on hand to answer queries with a very personable manner, making Clarke Willmott an approachable firm without the impression of bureaucracy.’

‘Mark and Georgina are so incredibly efficient, they have managed us through what could have been a very stressful process with such clear guidance at every step of the way. Always keeping us in the loop but not overwhelming us with unnecessary technicalities.’

Key clients

Abri


B Price Limited


Stonewater Limited


Lodders Solicitors LLP

Spearheaded by Heidi Brennan, the construction practice at Lodders Solicitors LLP frequently advises privately-owned developers, and focuses on non-contentious advice, particularly relating to procurement and construction in logistics, hospitality, retail and high-end residential schemes. The team works closely with the firm’s wider real estate group, and Brennan is regarded for her property development expertise for commercial and residential clients. Associate Kate Woodhall specialises in non-contentious construction matters and has a professional background in manufacturing engineering.

Practice head(s):

Heidi Brennan


Other key lawyers:

Kate Woodhall


Testimonials

‘The Practice punches well above its weight when it comes to construction and all matters pertaining to legal appointments, contracts and warranties. A small but dedicated team that is very client-focused and often quick in delivering the outcomes and challenges we set. There is never any fuss and they can be relied upon to get the work done without further follow-up.’

‘Heidi Brennan leads a responsive, practical team.’

‘Heidi Brennan is one of the most responsive lawyers I know. She is technically capable and always goes the extra mile for clients.’

Key clients

Stoford Properties Limited


Stoford Developments Limited


Opus Land Limited


Deeley Homes


Spitfire Bespoke Homes Limited


Keon Homes


IM Land


IM Properties


Chase Commercial Limited


Hinton Properties


Work highlights


  • Instructed by Stoford Properties to draft, negotiate and advise on all of the construction documentation required for the refurbishment of a nearly 100-year-old building.
  • Assisted Opus Land and Manse in achieving tight timescales and procured the execution of over 240 appointments, deeds of novation and collateral warranties in four days.
  • Reviewed and amended the pack of construction documents used on Phase 1 for Chase Commercial to ensure that it would be institutionally acceptable in the funding market and agreed the final forms with the contractor, consultants, sub-contractors and funder.

Wright Hassall LLP

Wright Hassall LLP covers the gamut of construction matters, including adjudication, arbitration and urban regeneration, covering the transport, infrastructure, education, leisure and housing sectors. The practice is led by Michael Hiscock, who is noted by clients as being ‘quick and efficient’. Philip Harris is a key name to note, particularly for his arbitration expertise, and associate Sandra Piaskowska has deep construction contract documentation experience. The team is based in Leamington Spa.

Practice head(s):

Michael Hiscock


Other key lawyers:

Phillip Harris; Sandra Piaskowska; David Slade


Testimonials

‘Michael Hiscock: Quick and efficient, knows our business well and feels like a colleague when supporting us.’

‘Working with the construction team was straightforward and they were able to facilitate the work involving contractors, professional appointments and funder review well.’

‘Mike Hiscock looked after the main scope of works for us, and worked well with David Slade on the Commercial Property team when drafting the development agreement which included construction works. Both Mike and David worked seamlessley to ensure the deadline was met.’

Key clients

University of Warwick


Orbit Homes


Aston Martin Lagonda


West Midland Safari Park


Keller


Swisslog


Lincoln Science Park


Kingerlee


Forkers


Socotec


Sherriff’s Gate Ltd