
- Tel:
- Work 01245 453800
- Fax:
- Fax 01245 453801
- DX:
- 3394 CHELMSFORD
- Email:
Peter Allen
- Tel:
- Work 01245 453813
- Email:
Work Department
Commercial Litigation and Construction
Position
Partner and Head of Commercial Department
Member
Technology and Construction Solicitors Association (TeCSA)
South East: Dispute resolution
Commercial litigation: Essex
Within: Commercial litigation: Essex
The five-partner commercial litigation department of Birkett Long LLP covers court cases, as well as arbitration, adjudication and mediation proceedings. Key areas include real estate, engineering, financial services, agriculture, intellectual property and general company, shareholder and director disputes. In a major highlight, the team defended four family members against a £45m breach-of-warranty claim from a company that they sold shares from their own business to. Another matter related to the representation of an events company in a planning dispute with a London borough council, which refused to give planning permission for redevelopment after the client had entered into a long-term lease and invested £10m. Valeo Group of Companies, Flakt Woods and BEW Electrical Distributors form part of the active client roster. Chelmsford-based partners Peter Allen and Keith Songhurst, as well as Kevin Sullivan in Colchester, are the main practitioners. Marc Thurlow rejoined the team in June 2017 from London firm Bolt Burdon, where he had worked since 2012.
South East: Real estate
Construction
Within: Construction
Birkett Long LLP acts for contractors, sub-contractors, surveyors, engineers, architects and developers on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, from drafting bespoke construction contracts, handling  consultants' appointments and collateral warranties, and advising on development agreements and options to purchase land, to adjudications, mediations, arbitration and litigation. Recent highlights include acting for Orchard Barns Kindergarten and its pension fund on the conversion of its barn into a day nursery. On the disputes front the practice acted for C&W Industrial Roofing Services in an adjudication relating to an unpaid valuation. It also acted for a bank on the financing for the conversion of a former petrol station site to a residential development. Peter Allen heads the practice and has wide-ranging expertise in construction contracts. Keith Songhurst regularly acts for local authorities, property developers, and construction and engineering companies on construction disputes. David Rayner, Justin Stock and Martin Hopkins are also recommended.