James Driver > Clarke Willmott LLP > Manchester, England > Lawyer Profile

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.

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s North West social housing practice is known for its experience in housing management and construction related work, and demonstrates a strong record in conditions claims and possession claims resulting from antisocial behaviour. Practice head Lindsay Felstead regularly advises on cases where the Housing Ombudsman has become involved. Also integral are construction disputes specialist James Driver and Matthew Wilson, who has expertise in asset management and disrepair claims and is recommended for his ‘depth of knowledge‘ in this area. The latter joined the firm from Weightmans LLP and took up partnership in September 2022.

Specialist in both English and Spanish construction and engineering-related dispute resolution, James Driver, is at the helm of Clarke Willmott LLP‘s Manchester practice. Senior associate in the team Mark Christie also handles disputes as well as transactional matters, with cross-jurisdictional reach.

Property developers, higher education providers and funders are among the clients which turn to Clarke Willmott LLP’s construction team. Maria Greener, who specialises in construction and engineering law, helms the non-contentious side of the Bristol-based practice. Jessica Wearing Evans is particularly experienced in commercial development and development finance matters, while Tom Plow – a member of the contentious construction team headed by James Driver in Manchester – focuses his practice exclusively on construction disputes.