Set Profile > Atkin Chambers > London, England

Atkin Chambers Offices

Atkin Chambers
1, Atkin Building, Gray's Inn
LONDON
WC1R 5AT
England
Visit website 020 7404 0102 020 7405 7456

Profiles

Atkin Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings

Construction Tier 1

Specialist construction set Atkin Chambers is 'one of the leading chambers for construction disputes.' Its long-standing expertise serves both UK and international clients. Manus McMullan QC acted as lead counsel, working alongside Christopher Lewis QC, on the Panama Canal case on its Third Set of Locks Project dispute. A series of arbitrations are ongoing with further cases continuing until 2021. On the fire safety and cladding side, Nicholas Baatz QC is leading Marc Lixenberg in Stonewater Ltd v BAM Construction Ltd & Ors a cladding dispute, wherein the scope of a builder’s responsibility for compliance with Building Regulations has been in question. At the junior end, the set's rising stars are Mathias Cheung, Lauren Adams, Dr Nicholas Maciolek, and Christopher Reid.

Rising stars

Lauren Adams - Atkin Chambers ‘Lauren is the best junior I have ever worked with. She combines the insight of a wise head on young shoulders with incredible productivity.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Mathias Cheung - Atkin Chambers ‘A real star. Head and shoulders one of the best juniors at the Bar. Cerebral, clients love his work ethic.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Dr Nicholas Maciolek - Atkin Chambers ‘A very bright junior, he has a very good manner when being challenged - listens and reflects, but also has firm resolve.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Christopher Reid - Atkin Chambers ‘Definitely a junior to watch at the construction Bar.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Stephanie Barwise QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Stephanie really is an exceptional silk. Genuinely special and dazzling to watch. I've not seen a better construction silk out there.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Simon Lofthouse QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is an imposing advocate and ferocious cross-examiner. He will skewer the ill-prepared or over-partial expert witness.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Manus McMullan QC - Atkin Chambers ‘First class, extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and fantastic with clients. Great strategist.’
Ranked: Tier 1
David Streatfeild-James QC - Atkin Chambers ‘David is one of the finest advocates in the construction Bar. He is perhaps unmatched on a good day.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew White QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Andrew is a superb tactician and uses his immense experience and uncanny ability to read tribunals and opponents to plot clear and effective campaign strategies from the outset.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Nicholas Baatz QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Very approachable and is an excellent team player who communicates well at all levels.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Stephen Dennison QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He has a superb legal brain and is extremely good, thorough, amazingly patient and a joy to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Nicholas Dennys QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is authoritative and extremely hard-working.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Chantal-Aimee Doerries QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Chantal is my leading counsel of choice for construction disputes. Her responsiveness, attention to detail and excellent client facing skills make her an absolute star in my opinion.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Martin Bowdery QC - Atkin Chambers ‘One of the most imaginative barristers I've come across - sees things from angles other people don't and which other people have missed.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Jonathan Acton Davis QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Jonathan is as smooth as silk and backs it up with perfect manners covering a steel core.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Goddard QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A very experienced construction barrister. His opinions are thorough and easy to understand. His advocacy is extremely modern and effective.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Fiona Parkin QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Always into the detail and really knows her stuff. Excellent on her feet with very impressive cross-examination skills. A joy to work with. She is also a real fighter and good tactician.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Steven Walker QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Very thorough, dedicated, has an excellent manner with clients and is an absolute pleasure to work with. He has a cross-examination style which is highly effective.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Dominique Rawley QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Fantastic ability to get on top of the detail and very client friendly.’
Ranked: Tier 4
James Howells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘James has excellent analytical skills and is a compelling advocate. We would have no hesitation in recommending him for any complex construction cases.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Riaz Hussain QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Very down to earth. Hard working. An absolute joy to work with. He becomes your friend more than your professional advisor, which is a worthy accolade when you are in the trenches fighting.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Serena Cheng QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A stellar advocate. Very user friendly. Gets into the detail of complex matters with impressive speed and leaves no stone unturned.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Christopher Lewis QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Immaculate on his feet, extremely well thought of.’
Ranked: Tier 5

2021 Silks

Mark Chennells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Very astute, thorough, incisive and experienced. His preparation is impeccable and he zeroes in on the key issues.’

Leading Juniors

Patrick Clarke - Atkin Chambers ‘Friendly, adaptable and he gives clear and practical advice that is readily understood by the client.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Rupert Choat - Atkin Chambers ‘Rupert is highly astute and has an extremely thorough knowledge of all aspects of construction law.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Robert Clay - Atkin Chambers ‘Robert has the ability to quickly evaluate the key issues from all the facts and set these out in a clear and logical form.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Nicholas Collings - Atkin Chambers ‘Pragmatic, easy to work with, convincing and compelling advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Samar Abbas Kazmi - Atkin Chambers ‘Samar is a superb advocate, commercially minded and prodigiously hard-working. He brings commercial insight to any case and is a pleasure to work with.’

Ranked: Tier 3
Omar Eljadi - Atkin Chambers ‘Omar has great expertise and depth of knowledge regarding construction disputes. His work is organised, clear and concise.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Fenn - Atkin Chambers ‘Andrew integrates into and leads a large team in complex disputes superbly; his written work is detailed but focused; and has a sharp strategic instinct to advise on tactics.’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Johnson - Atkin Chambers ‘He is tenacious, highly intelligent, and drafts with fine style. He is culturally adept, grasps concepts quickly, gets across vast swathes of material with skill, speed, and stamina.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sebastian Pigott - Atkin Chambers ‘Sebastian is an intelligent and considered thinker. I have found him to be very user-friendly and pro-active. Hard-working, sensible, common sense but with good and bright ideas - also sticks to his guns in all respects.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Lucie Briggs - Atkin Chambers ‘I would characterise her as a smart, charming assassin. No nonsense. Superb preparation. Excellent advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Simon Crawshaw - Atkin Chambers ‘Extremely responsive, practical and precise, with a considered professionalism.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Felicity Dynes - Atkin Chambers ‘She is quietly assertive and doesn't take any nonsense - from the lay client or the other side. She has excellent attention to detail and is prepared to plead difficult arguments.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ronan Hanna - Atkin Chambers ‘An able junior, technically very strong.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Jennifer Jones - Atkin Chambers ‘Commercially minded with the legal ability to deliver. Strong and clear written and verbal advice. Also a very able advocate on her feet in court.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Zulfikar Khayum - Atkin Chambers ‘Zulf is an excellent junior. He is hardworking, and has a keen eye for detail. His submissions and cross-examination is first rate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Marc Lixenberg - Atkin Chambers ‘Very intelligent. Works well as part of team. Friendly, hard-working and accessible. Good experience in domestic and international construction disputes.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Edmund Neuberger - Atkin Chambers ‘Edmund is a quality option. He works hard and is very responsive, and he is always on hand to talk through difficult issues. He effortlessly works with a broader team and gets on with the job. He is a strong choice.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Katie Powell - Atkin Chambers ‘A very sharp barrister and great to work with. Adapts perfectly to challenging circumstances.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Camille Slow - Atkin Chambers ‘Camille is intelligent, thoughtful and analytical. Her ability to dissect a problem and analyse the possible outcomes is invaluable.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Mischa Balen - Atkin Chambers ‘Understands the finer points beautifully. He is invaluable. Very resilient.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Energy Tier 2

Atkin Chambers is 'the unrivalled top-end construction set in the UK' and has 'an impressive range of skills and experience for construction, energy, and infrastructure'. Its members frequently act for many of the world’s energy majors in matters relating to large-scale energy projects and involving complex technical issues. Clients praise standout performers including head of chambers Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Nicholas Dennys QC, and Andrew White QC, whose work includes disputes arising from gas-related power plant and extraction projects in Africa. Rupert Choat, who handled a TCC litigation between client Equitix and its O&M contractor concerning a biomass plant in Sheffield, and Mark Chennells are among the set's outstanding juniors both in court and in international arbitration. 'The clerks are accessible and a pleasure to deal with, going above and beyond in providing patient help and assistance in complicated cases', remarks one client.

Leading Silks

David Streatfeild-James QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A true specialist, his advocacy reflects his style of analysis: precise, efficient, incredibly structured and effective.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew White QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A real star for construction work he is exceptionally talented, astute and strategically on the button.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Stephen Dennison QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He brings a very sharp intellect to the often complex challenges posed by this type of work.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Manus McMullan QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Smart, confident, open minded and a good listener, he has an extensive technical knowledge about construction disputes.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Nicholas Dennys QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is a very bright lawyer who sees the pattern of things with the benefit of many years of intense experience and does not follow the herd.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She shows clarity and creativity and her competence pervades everything that she does.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Nicholas Baatz QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He can master extremely complex issues easily and is a capable advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Serena Cheng QC - Atkin Chambers ‘An impressive strategist with brilliant drafting and advisory skills, she is quick to impress.’
Ranked: Tier 4
James Howells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is incredibly hardworking, very bright and exceptionally approachable with a strong eye for detail.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Christopher Lewis QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A brilliant new silk for construction cases, he has a superb intellect.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Simon Lofthouse QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Everything good counsel should be - clever, responsive, tactical, hardworking, ethical and passionate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Fiona Parkin QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She is highly insightful and her technical expertise unquestionable, so she is right up there with the best of them.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Dominique Rawley QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She has a fantastic ability to get on top of the detail and is very client-friendly.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Steven Walker QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is technically brilliant and a great strategist, very sharp and always calm under pressure.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Mark Chennells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He gets to the heart of the issues very quickly and never hesitates to plummet into the details of a case.’

Leading Juniors

Rupert Choat - Atkin Chambers ‘He is very good at seeing the tactical as well as the technical issues and he gets stuck into the detail without getting bogged down in it.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Crawshaw - Atkin Chambers ‘An experienced junior with a great eye for detail.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Patrick Clarke - Atkin Chambers ‘A highly capable and very experienced senior junior who is very willing to roll up his sleeves and get intensely involved in the detail.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Samar Abbas Kazmi - Atkin Chambers ‘He is very thorough, extremely efficient and very reliable in construction, energy and arbitration matters.’

Ranked: Tier 4
Nicholas Collings - Atkin Chambers ‘A strong junior who is good on technical detail and is client-friendly.’
Ranked: Tier 4

International arbitration: counsel Tier 2

Atkin Chambers is praised for its 'excellent bench strength amongst the silks and an impressive crop of senior juniors'. Clients also appreciate the 'very thorough and business-like style across the board without the need to grandstand or add undue flair to their delivery'. Construction, energy and infrastructure-related arbitrations dominate the workload, and the set's members and clerks have established excellent connections to the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern markets. Manus McMullan QC and Christopher Lewis QC are among those with lead roles on disputes arising from the Panama Canal Third Set of Locks project. Nicholas Dennys QC and Sebastian Pigott are acting together on a major rail infrastructure dispute in Asia.

Rising stars

Lauren Adams - Atkin Chambers ‘Great attention to detail and excellent working with expert witnesses in highly technical disciplines.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Manus McMullan QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is brilliant, knowledgeable, experienced, calm, and very precise and accurate on which points to impress on the tribunal - he is a huge asset to any team.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew White QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A superb tactician and uses his immense experience and uncanny ability to read tribunals and opponents to plot clear and effective campaign strategies from the outset.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Stephen Dennison QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Brings a very sharp intellect to the often complex challenges posed by this type of work.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC  - Atkin Chambers ‘Able and willing to get into the details of the case, rolls up her sleeves and mucks in with the team, and has an excellent rapport with the arbitrators.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Lofthouse QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Powerful and devastating cross-examination; in an international arbitration setting Simon is the equivalent of bringing in the heavy artillery.’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Streatfeild-James QC - Atkin Chambers ‘An extraordinary ability to reduce the complex (factual and legal) issues to a simple expression of the main point, I am yet to find a factual matrix that he couldn't master - as an instructing solicitor, he is very accessible and a delight to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Nicholas Dennys QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Brings a useful fresh angle to some tricky problems.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Goddard QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A persuasive and seasoned advocate particularly at cross-examination, he is capable of delivering submissions with complicated arguments in a way that is convincing yet easy to understand.’
Ranked: Tier 3
James Howells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Incredibly hardworking and very bright.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Riaz Hussain QC - Atkin Chambers ‘A go-to QC for complex commercial dispute resolution with a construction focus; he brings longstanding experience and a forensic mind to construction disputes, combined with outstanding advocacy and unparalleled cross-examination skills.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Christopher Lewis QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Super bright and very good at complex cases.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Mark Chennells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Sharp, yet has a straightforward approach with the ability to make the most complex contractual issue simple to understand.’

Leading Juniors

Andrew Fenn - Atkin Chambers ‘Demonstrated an immense capacity to get across the detail of the whole of the case and to focus on points of precision that unlocked key issues for our case; he collaborated brilliantly with the team of instructing solicitors and engendered great confidence amongst the client team.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rupert Choat - Atkin Chambers ‘Extremely talented, very pragmatic, straight-forward and open-minded - one of the best in the construction sector.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Samar Abbas Kazmi - Atkin Chambers ‘Unbelievably hardworking and thorough, he leaves no stone unturned in finding solutions to complex issues and is exceptionally well prepared for hearings.’

Ranked: Tier 3
Zulfikar Khayum - Atkin Chambers ‘Super work ethic, very clever with an excellent memory and an attention to detail far beyond mere mortals; the best senior junior in construction we have ever instructed.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sebastian Pigott - Atkin Chambers ‘His star continues to rise. One of the best senior juniors at the Bar, I cannot think of a single weakness.’
Ranked: Tier 3

International arbitration: arbitrators

Doug Jones - Atkin Chambers ‘An experienced and super-efficient arbitrator.’

Professional negligence Tier 2

Noted for its 'very capable practitioners' and 'great strength in depth', Atkin Chambers draws on its position as 'one of the leading construction sets in the UK' to handle a wide range of construction, infrastructure and engineering-related professional negligence claims. Stephanie Barwise QC, Omar Eljadi and Jennifer Jones continue to be involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and members are acting on a number of other significant claims involving fire safety issues, including Nicholas Baatz QC and Marc Lixenberg representing the claimant housing association in Stonewater v BAM Construction, a cladding dispute which concerns builders' and architects' liability. International arbitrations relating to construction projects are also an area of expertise.

Leading Silks

David Streatfeild-James QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is effortlessly brilliant.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She has a very strong reputation and a clear analytical mind.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Lofthouse QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is completely hands-on and a really smooth operator.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Dominique Rawley QC - Atkin Chambers ‘An outstanding professional who is very experienced and dedicated.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew White QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is exceptionally talented and a real details person.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Nicholas Baatz QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Exceptional lawyer, easy to work with and an advocate who is prepared to fight a client's corner. He will stand by his pre-trial advice and doesn't, unlike many, shy away from difficult arguments.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Stephanie Barwise QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She is able to inhale papers and not only recall but assimilate the information. Has a commercial nose and sense of what is wrong. In an entirely different class to her contemporaries. Clearly a leading silk at the pinnacle of her career.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Martin Bowdery QC - Atkin Chambers ‘Tenacious and inventive.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Nicholas Dennys QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is in high demand for his work as an advocate in construction-related cases.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Manus McMullan QC - Atkin Chambers ‘First class. Extremely hard-working, knowledgeable and fantastic with clients. Great strategist.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Serena Cheng QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She is tactically great and gets to grips with complex issues quickly.’
Ranked: Tier 4
James Howells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is experienced in energy, engineering and technology disputes.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Riaz Hussain QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is very approachable; really rolls his sleeves up and gets stuck in.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Fiona Parkin QC - Atkin Chambers ‘She is excellent on her feet, with very impressive cross-examination skills.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Steven Walker QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He has the ability to provide clear and succinct advice, no matter how technically complex the matter is.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Camille Slow - Atkin Chambers ‘She's incredibly smart and is happy to get her hands dirty and discuss issues with the broader team.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rónán Hanna - Atkin Chambers ‘An absolute work horse and technically excellent.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Katie Powell - Atkin Chambers ‘She has a fantastic understanding of the law and the issues in play. Superb attention to detail and excellent drafting. Very clear and thorough advice, but easy to follow and practical.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Nicholas Collings - Atkin Chambers ‘He is a great advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Omar Eljadi - Atkin Chambers ‘He is incredibly logical and clear headed. He can sift out and distil things with an attractive brevity.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Jennifer Jones - Atkin Chambers ‘Clear advice. Highly responsive and experienced.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Mischa Balen - Atkin Chambers ‘He is concise, identifies and grasps the key points quickly, and punches above his weight.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Lucie Briggs - Atkin Chambers ‘Lucie provides excellent advice on very technical matters, often with little preparation time. Her advice is clear, concise and to the point. She is also very friendly and approachable.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Marc Lixenberg - Atkin Chambers ‘He is brilliant on strategy and great with clients.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Edmund Neuberger - Atkin Chambers ‘He grapples with the detail well.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Rupert Choat - Atkin Chambers ‘He is thorough, concise and very detailed in his analysis.’
Ranked: Tier 6
Patrick Clarke - Atkin Chambers ‘He is clearly very intelligent and knowledgeable on construction matters.’
Ranked: Tier 6

Mediators Tier 4

Michael Shane - Atkin Chambers  Michael Shane at Atkin Chambers is a former trial lawyer and arbitration advocate, who has acted as mediator in more than  1,700 disputes. His mediations have involved a range of commercial disputes, particularly insurance, finance, energy, IP, and construction and engineering.

IT and telecoms

With substantial experience in IT infrastructure cases, Atkin Chambers is also a key name for contractual disputes. James Howells QC remains active for the defendant in Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Limited, which will be heard in the Supreme Court; the case evaluates liquidated damages and limitation clauses relating to the termination of a contract for the design and implementation of a trading and management IT system across Asia and Gulf businesses. Nicholas Baatz QC and David Streatfeild-James QC are also key silks to note.

IT and telecoms (excluding regulatory) - Leading Silks

Nicholas Baatz QC - Atkin Chambers ‘My go-to QC when facing awkwardly drafted contracts or a factually complex dispute. I would always be concerned if he is acting for my opponent. Nick has a superb ability to grasp the technical and legal complexities of a case. His advocacy is second to none; it comes with great ease and out of many years of experience.’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Streatfeild-James QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is a very good advocate with great skills in cross-examination.’
Ranked: Tier 2
James Howells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He is first-class. His style and approach is a great fit as a supplier to our business. James has the ability to spot issues previously unidentified. He is our "go-to" barrister for issues critical to the business. His advice is thorough and well communicated.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Mark Chennells QC - Atkin Chambers ‘He offers considered analysis and instils confidence into his clients.’

IT and telecoms (excluding regulatory) - Leading Juniors

Patrick Clarke - Atkin Chambers ‘He is user-friendly and commands absolute confidence in the quality of work. He stepped into the breach on a case, picked it up very quickly and was highly attentive throughout.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Set overviews: England and Wales

Atkin Chambers is a premier construction set, with expertise across the energy, arbitration, and professional negligence sectors. Chambers has been strengthened following the arrival of Shourav Lahiri from Reed Smith, where he was a partner in the firm’s energy and natural resources practice.

Clerks:

David Barnes (Chief Executive and Director of Clerking); Justin Wilson (Senior Clerk); Andrew Burrows and Rob Bryant (Senior Practice Managers); Daniel Jones (ADR Clerk); Rick Bulaitis and Matthew Ashman (Practice Managers)

Testimonials

Clerks:

A great leader in David Barnes. All clerks know their barristers and practices well and are able to recommend relevant barristers as needed.

All swift with their responses and fee estimates and keeping fees within the estimates. Meeting rooms very good and well located.

Andrew Burrows is a first-class, top rate clerk. He is affable, available and always willing to accommodate. We trust his opinion on which barrister to use because he has an acute understanding of who would be best suited for a particular piece of work. He also has a sense of humour, which is rare in the legal world of construction.

Atkin is just about spot on – really liked their light touch, get it sorted approach. Andrew Burrows and Justin Wilson are market-leading clerks.

What David Barnes doesn’t know about the market isn’t worth knowing, brilliant with people and a real pleasure to work with. I couldn’t speak more highly of him.

Brilliant. Always a premium service. A great team from David and Justin down.

Unfailingly helpful and accommodating. You always feel that you are receiving an absolutely premium service.

Clerks are particularly responsive and work with you to get the job done. I have been specifically impressed with Andy Burrows.

Clerks are very friendly and approachable. Andy Burrows and Justin Wilson especially are always looking to help where possible and easily contactable.

David Barnes is a fantastic clerk to work with, very accessible and reasonable to deal with. He also manages to promote the set without ever having to engage in the “hard sell”.

David Barnes is a highly experienced and knowledgeable clerk, and his return to Atkin is very welcome.

David Barnes is still the gold standard. Amazing energy and continues to work hard building long-lasting relationships with firms.

Excellent clerks’ room – David Barnes, Justin Wilson and Andy Burrows in particular.

Its clerking service is top quality especially David Barnes and Justin Wilson. They are very nice, friendly and helpful, especially on Hong Kong issues like visas, tax, time difference and all the practical considerations.

Excellent, they give you five-star service – easy to deal with and proactive with no fuss.

Atkin Chambers > Set Profile

Atkin Chambers is a set of leading commercial barristers with an international reputation for providing advocacy and specialist advice on cases concerning construction and engineering, energy, technology and major infrastructure projects. Disputes are extremely varied and include transport, oil and gas, renewables, water/sanitation, IT and telecommunications, and social infrastructure projects. Wider commercial and professional negligence work is frequently related to such disputes.

The members of Atkin Chambers offer a huge breadth and depth of experience in disputes which are often complex both in terms of the law and the technical nature of the underlying dispute.  They are recognised as being leaders in their field. In the UK members regularly appear as advocates before the Appellate Courts and High Court as well as in commercial arbitrations.  The disputes are varied and often high-profile, and have included landmark cases such as disputes relating to The Shard, Wembley Stadium, the Olympic Village, the Channel Tunnel, The British Library, The Rolls Building, Heathrow T5, the M25 and London Un­derground, as well as major oil and gas, and on and offshore renewable energy projects

International work frequently involves complex cross-border disputes, involving parties from several jurisdic­tions. Disputes are often commercially and/or politically sensitive.

Members practise in many of the world’s leading arbitration centres and are highly-experienced in handling disputes conducted under the auspices of the major arbitral institutions such as the ICC, LCIA, DIAC, HKIAC, SIAC and numerous others. Members and door tenants are also called upon to act as arbitrators, adjudicators, mediators, members of international dispute boards, and chairs of public inquiries.

A number of authoritative and influential texts are authored and edited in Chambers including the Building Law Reports and the International Construction Law Review. The seminal work on the law relating to building and engineering contracts – Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts – has been edited by Chambers since 1959 and is cited in many common law jurisdictions.

Types of work undertaken:

Construction: members provide representation and advice on a wide range of legal issues in a domestic and international context. Projects in relation to which members’ services are sought include roadbuilding, dams, power plants, tunnels, bridges, house construction, airports, telecommunication projects, submarines, railway construction and rolling stock disputes, and shipbuilding and ship repair projects. Clients also seek advice and representation on matters such as PFI, PPP and public procurement.

Energy: members act in connection with national and international projects relating to energy matters, including oil and gas, power generation from traditional technologies and newer technologies like solar and wind, and waste-to-energy.  Members are regularly instructed on the related commercial disputes such as shareholder, supply/sales, power purchase, offtake and farm-in agreements, and issues around feed-in tariffs.

IT and telecommunications:  disputes including those concerning hardware and software development, procurement and maintenance, systems integration, distribution, licensing and outsourcing agreements, and more general litigation involving smartcards, robotics and network infrastructures. Members have expertise in telecoms, including specification and performance, as well as regulation.

Professional indemnity: members often provide advice and representation to professionals covering such aspects as negligence, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud. Such professionals include architects, engineers, surveyors, project managers, valuers, solicitors and those who provide IT services.

General commercial: members have expertise in a wide range of commercial matters, both as an adjunct to construction, energy and IT matters, but also independently of them. Services are provided in conjunction with banking, performance bonds and guarantees, insurance, PFI matters and the financing and structuring of large, multi-party commercial projects.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Principal contact for counsel appointments Justin Wilson
Principal contact for arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator appointments Daniel Jones
Chief Executive & Director of Clerking David Barnes
Members of Chambers DOERRIES QC, Chantal-Aimée (1992)
Members of Chambers DENNYS QC, Nicholas (1975)
Members of Chambers ACTON DAVIS QC, Jonathan (1977)
Members of Chambers WHITE QC, Andrew (1980)
Members of Chambers BAATZ QC, Nicholas (1978)
Members of Chambers BOWDERY QC, Martin (1980)
Members of Chambers DENNISON QC, Stephen (1985)
Members of Chambers STREATFEILD-JAMES QC, David (1986)
Members of Chambers GODDARD QC, Andrew (1985)
Members of Chambers BARWISE QC, Stephanie (1988)
Members of Chambers LOFTHOUSE QC, Simon (1988)
Members of Chambers McMULLAN QC, Manus (1994)
Members of Chambers PARKIN QC, Fiona (1993)
Members of Chambers RAWLEY QC, Dominique (1991)
Members of Chambers WALKER QC, Steven (1993)
Members of Chambers HOWELLS QC, James (1995)
Members of Chambers HUSSAIN QC, Riaz (2001)
Members of Chambers LEWIS QC, Christopher (1998)
Members of Chambers CHENG QC, Serena (2000)
Members of Chambers ROYCE, Darryl (1976)
Members of Chambers CLAY, Robert (1989)
Members of Chambers COLLINGS, Nicholas (1997)
Members of Chambers CLARKE, Patrick (1997)
Members of Chambers CHOAT, Rupert (1998)
Members of Chambers SLOW, Camille (2002)
Members of Chambers CHENNELLS, Mark (2002)
Members of Chambers LAHIRI, Shourav (2002)
Members of Chambers JONES, Jennifer (2003)
Members of Chambers BRIGGS, Lucie (2004)
Members of Chambers PIGOTT, Sebastian (1994)
Members of Chambers CRAWSHAW, Simon (2005)
Members of Chambers LIXENBERG, Marc (2005)
Members of Chambers POWELL, Katie (2005)
Members of Chambers HANNA, Rónán (2006)
Members of Chambers FENN, Andrew (2007)
Members of Chambers KHAYUM, Zulfikar (2006)
Members of Chambers LAND, Peter (2007)
Members of Chambers NEUBERGER, Edmund (2008)
Members of Chambers ELJADI, Omar (2009)
Members of Chambers JOHNSON, David (2010)
Members of Chambers DYNES, Felicity (2010)
Members of Chambers BALEN, Mischa (2011)
Members of Chambers KAZMI, Samar Abbas (2011)
Members of Chambers ADAMS, Lauren (2013)
Members of Chambers REID, Christopher (2013)
Members of Chambers MACIOLEK, Nicholas (2013)
Members of Chambers CHEUNG, Mathias (2015)
Members of Chambers HALE, Dalton (2015)
Members of Chambers HUSSEY, Laura (2016)
Members of Chambers GRAHAM-DIXON, Arthur (2017)
Members of Chambers GREENFIELD, Caroline (2017)
Members of Chambers TWIVY, Max (2018)
Members of Chambers AKENHEAD, Sir Robert *
Members of Chambers BLACKBURN QC, John (1969)*
Members of Chambers FORBES, Sir Thayne *
Members of Chambers JONES, Professor Doug (Australia)*
Members of Chambers KIRKHAM CBE, Her Honour Frances *
Members of Chambers LLOYD QC, His Honour Humphrey (1979)*
Members of Chambers SHANE, Michael (USA)*

Barrister Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Mr Samar Abbas Kazmi photo Mr Samar Abbas Kazmi Samar accepts instructions in all areas of chambers’ work, with a particular… View Profile
Mr Jonathan Acton Davis QC photo Mr Jonathan Acton Davis QC Jonathan Acton Davis QC specialises in domestic and international litigation and arbitration… View Profile
Miss Lauren Adams photo Miss Lauren Adams Lauren specialises in all aspects of Atkin Chambers’ work including in the… View Profile
Sir Robert Akenhead photo Sir Robert Akenhead Sir Robert Akenhead was in full-time international practice as junior, from 1972… View Profile
Mr Nicholas Baatz QC photo Mr Nicholas Baatz QC Specialist in domestic litigation and domestic and international arbitration in the construction,… View Profile
Mr Mischa Balen photo Mr Mischa Balen Mischa specialises primarily in international commercial disputes with an emphasis on construction… View Profile
Mr Stephanie Barwise QC photo Mr Stephanie Barwise QC Stephanie’s practice includes all aspects of the law relating to the construction… View Profile
Mr John Blackburn photo Mr John Blackburn From 1984 until 2006, John was in full-time practice as leading counsel… View Profile
Mr Martin Bowdery QC photo Mr Martin Bowdery QC Martin Bowdery QC practises as an advocate, arbitrator, mediator and adjudicator in… View Profile
Miss Lucie Briggs photo Miss Lucie Briggs Lucie specialises in construction and engineering, energy, information technology and professional negligence… View Profile
Miss Serena Cheng QC photo Miss Serena Cheng QC Serena Cheng QC is a commercial litigation and arbitration specialist whose practice… View Profile
Mr Mark Chennells photo Mr Mark Chennells Mark has broad experience of acting both as sole counsel retained in… View Profile
Mr Mathias Cheung photo Mr Mathias Cheung Mathias’ practice covers all areas of Chambers’ work, including construction, engineering and… View Profile
Mr Rupert Choat photo Mr Rupert Choat Since 1997 has specialised in construction, engineering, PFI/PPP, energy and similar disputes.… View Profile
Mr Patrick Clarke photo Mr Patrick Clarke Patrick specialises in construction, energy, information technology, professional negligence and disputes with… View Profile
Mr Robert Clay photo Mr Robert Clay Robert specialises in litigation and arbitration, domestic and international, in the construction,… View Profile
Mr Nicholas Collings photo Mr Nicholas Collings Nicholas specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration with particular emphasis on professional… View Profile
Mr Simon Crawshaw photo Mr Simon Crawshaw Simon has wide ranging experience in domestic courts, mediations and adjudications as… View Profile
Mr Stephen Dennison QC photo Mr Stephen Dennison QC Barrister specialising in spectrum of engineering and construction including professional negligence and… View Profile
Mr Nicholas Dennys QC photo Mr Nicholas Dennys QC Leading specialist in construction disputes and related disciplines, including information technology, professional… View Profile
Miss Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC photo Miss Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC Barrister specialising in energy, natural resources and utilities, construction and engineering, international… View Profile
Miss Felicity Dynes photo Miss Felicity Dynes Felicity Dynes specialises in all aspects of chambers work, including in the… View Profile
Mr Omar Eljadi photo Mr Omar Eljadi Omar specialises in contractual and professional negligence disputes within the construction, engineering,… View Profile
Mr Andrew Fenn photo Mr Andrew Fenn Andrew specialises in domestic and international civil engineering, building, energy, shipbuilding, professional… View Profile
Sir Thayne Forbes photo Sir Thayne Forbes Sir Thayne Forbes is an arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator and chair of… View Profile
Mr Andrew Goddard QC photo Mr Andrew Goddard QC Andrew Goddard QC specialises in international commercial arbitration, concentrating on complex construction,… View Profile
Mr Arthur Graham-Dixon photo Mr Arthur Graham-Dixon Arthur Graham-Dixon is developing a broad practice and continues to gain experience… View Profile
Ms Caroline Greenfield photo Ms Caroline Greenfield Caroline Greenfield joined Atkin Chambers as a tenant in September 2019 following… View Profile
Mr Dalton Hale photo Mr Dalton Hale Dalton has a broad practice covering all areas of Chambers’ work, including… View Profile
Mr Rónán Hanna photo Mr Rónán Hanna Rónán specialises in disputes in construction, engineering, energy and natural resources, and… View Profile
Mr James Howells QC photo Mr James Howells QC James specialises in construction, engineering and IT disputes, both domestic and international.… View Profile
Mr Riaz Hussain QC photo Mr Riaz Hussain QC Riaz acts in high-value, complex disputes and advises clients on difficult legal… View Profile
Ms Laura Hussey photo Ms Laura Hussey Laura Hussey joined Atkin Chambers in 2018. Laura is developing a broad… View Profile
Mr David Johnson photo Mr David Johnson David specialises in domestic and international construction, infrastructure, energy, information technology, PFI,… View Profile
Miss Jennifer Jones photo Miss Jennifer Jones Jennifer has a wide-ranging practice with experience in domestic courts (in particular… View Profile
Prof Doug Jones photo Prof Doug Jones Doug Jones AO is a leading independent international commercial and investor/state arbitrator… View Profile
Mr Zulfikar Khayum photo Mr Zulfikar Khayum Zulfikar practices across all areas of the construction, engineering, IT and energy… View Profile
Her Honour Frances Kirkham CBE photo Her Honour Frances Kirkham CBE Frances Kirkham graduated in modern languages and initially worked in banking. She… View Profile
His Honour Humphrey LLoyd photo His Honour Humphrey LLoyd His Honour Humphrey LLoyd QC is an arbitrator and mediator. From 1963… View Profile
Mr Shourav Lahiri photo Mr Shourav Lahiri Shourav is a specialist construction and international arbitration lawyer with over 20… View Profile
Mr Peter Land photo Mr Peter Land Peter practices across all areas of construction, engineering, infrastructure, information technology and… View Profile
Mr Christopher Lewis QC photo Mr Christopher Lewis QC Barrister specialising in construction, engineering, energy, technology and related matters. View Profile
Mr Marc Lixenberg photo Mr Marc Lixenberg Marc specialises in the fields of construction, engineering, infrastructure, energy, information technology,… View Profile
Mr Simon Lofthouse QC photo Mr Simon Lofthouse QC Simon’s UK and international practice spans arbitration and litigation under numerous legal… View Profile
Dr Nicholas Maciolek photo Dr Nicholas Maciolek Nicholas’ practice covers all areas of Atkin Chambers’ work, including construction, engineering… View Profile
Mr Manus McMullan QC photo Mr Manus McMullan QC Manus specialises in commercial disputes with an emphasis on energy, natural resources… View Profile
Mr Edmund Neuberger photo Mr Edmund Neuberger Edmund specialises in international and domestic commercial disputes with particular emphasis on… View Profile
Miss Fiona Parkin QC photo Miss Fiona Parkin QC Fiona Parkin QC advises and represents multinational companies, public bodies and professional… View Profile
Mr Sebastian Pigott photo Mr Sebastian Pigott Sebastian Pigott has broad-ranging experience of litigation, arbitration, adjudication, ADR and non-contentious… View Profile
Miss Katie Powell photo Miss Katie Powell Commercial practitioner with particular expertise in construction, infrastructure and professional liability disputes.… View Profile
Miss Dominique Rawley QC photo Miss Dominique Rawley QC Dominique specialises in large-scale, high-value commercial disputes located within the UK or… View Profile
Mr Christopher Reid photo Mr Christopher Reid Christopher is developing a broad practice in all aspects of Chambers’ work,… View Profile
Mr Darryl Royce photo Mr Darryl Royce Darryl Royce specialises in work in the construction, engineering and infrastructure, energy,… View Profile
Mr Michael Shane photo Mr Michael Shane Michael Shane is a highly-regarded international mediator and arbitrator. His career has… View Profile
Miss Camille Slow photo Miss Camille Slow Camille’s practice covers a broad range of commercial disputes with a particular… View Profile
Mr David Streatfeild-James QC photo Mr David Streatfeild-James QC David Streatfeild-James is an advocate, advisor and arbitrator of high value cases… View Profile
Mr Max Twivy photo Mr Max Twivy Max Twivy joined Atkin Chambers in 2019 following the successful completion of… View Profile
Mr Steven Walker QC photo Mr Steven Walker QC Steven specialises in disputes arising in connection with construction and engineering projects… View Profile
Mr Andrew White QC photo Mr Andrew White QC Andrew enjoys an international reputation as a commercial silk. He regularly appears… View Profile

Languages

Cantonese
French
German
Italian
Mandarin
Punjabi
Spanish
Urdu

Atkin Chambers > Set Profile

Atkin Chambers is a leading set of barristers with an international reputation for providing advocacy and advice on commercial disputes relating to construction and engineering, technology, energy and infrastructure projects.

The members of Atkin Chambers have worked across Asia-Pacific over several decades during which time members and the clerking team have built long-standing relationships with many of the leading law firms and individual lawyers in the region. As a consequence they have acquired a detailed understanding of the commercial landscape within which disputes arise throughout Asia-Pacific

As specialist and practised advocates, members’ expertise in building and presenting a case to international arbitral tribunals makes them in high demand They possess genuine expertise in cases which are legally, factually and technically complex.

Members’ experience with commercial disputes in the region is broad but frequently concerned with infrastructure projects across transport (highways, streets, roads, and bridges; mass transit; airports and airways), energy and power generation (including but not limited to nuclear, oil and gas and renewables), water (supply and wastewater management), waste (management and treatment), and telecommunications. Members also have significant offshore marine and submarine experience from ports to pipe-laying, as well as shipbuilding and conversion/repairs.

Disputes and claims upon which members are instructed relate to commercial obligations and/or tortious issues, and may lead to litigation, arbitration, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation.

Members have also acquired significant experience of presenting cases conducted under the auspices of the leading arbitral institutions including but not limited to the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC),  Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre  (HKIAC),  International Chamber of Commerce (ICC),  Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB),  London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA).

Members of Atkin Chambers are authors of authoritative and influential legal texts including The Building Law Reports and The International Construction Law Review. The members of Atkin Chambers have edited ‘Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts’, the seminal textbook on construction law since 1959.  Hudson has always had a strong international element, comparing and commenting on legal developments in numerous Commonwealth and other jurisdictions, including those of Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)

Diversity/Community


Corporate Social Responsibility

Equal opportunities

Atkin Chambers is a modern, forward-looking set with an international outlook.

Chambers is committed to respecting and understanding the cultural needs of its diverse and global client base, and is committed to equality and diversity in both recruitment and the provision of services. Please see Chambers’ website for further information on equality and diversity.

Diversity at the Bar

Chambers understands the importance of the legal profession, including the Bar and the Judiciary, reflecting the make-up of society.

Chambers welcomes members, pupils and staff of all ages, genders, socio-economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations/gender reassignment, and those with disabilities. Chambers aims to follow best practice with regards to disability and reasonable adjustments.

Chambers is proud that members have a diverse range of ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. Languages spoken include Mandarin, Cantonese, Urdu, French, German and Italian.

Chambers welcomes the opportunity to work with other groups to foster equality and diversity at the Bar. A number of members are founding members of the TECBAR BAME Network and Chambers supports FreeBar, a forum focused on LGBT+ people and their allies working at and for the Bar. Recent examples of events aimed at fostering equality and diversity can be found on Chambers’ website under “news and events” and include events with the Bar Lesbian and Gay Group (BLAGG), and events aimed at students with BPP and King’s College London.

Wellness at the Bar

Recognising the importance of work-life balance and providing support to all who work at Atkin Chambers, Chambers has implemented an assistance programme with Health Assured for all members, door tenants and

staff at Atkin Chambers. The programme provides top-up support to that provided under Chambers’ private medical health insurance scheme, and that accessible through LawCare.

Atkin Chambers commends the efforts by the Bar Council of England and Wales, the Inns of Court and the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks in its development of the Wellbeing at the Bar portal which provides support and best practice to barristers, clerks and chambers on wellbeing and mental health issues.

Pro Bono Atkin Chambers and the vast majority of its members have, for many years, actively supported Advocate (the Bar Pro Bono Unit), including by being members of the panel of available barristers and through financial donations.

Atkin Chambers is pleased to support the work of Advocate as a Pro Bono Patron for 2020. Members and staff of Atkin Chambers also support the London Legal Walk raising money for the London Legal Support Trust, the Free Representation Unit and the Bar Pro Bono Unit.

Active in the community

Many members of Atkin Chambers are, in a private capacity, engaged with a range of community organisations and networks, and are also active in the legal community. For example: · Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC was, during 2016, Chairman of the Bar of England and Wales. · Martin Bowdery QC is the recent outgoing chair of the Technology & Construction Bar Association (TECBAR). Sebastian Pigott is on the committee and Steven Walker QC and Riaz Hussain QC are co-opted committee members. Christopher Reid is editor of the Tecbar Newsletter. · The Society of Construction Law, when founded in 1983, had three members of Chambers as founder members. Lauren Adams is a current council member. · Serena Cheng QC and Jennifer Jones are both advocacy tutors for Lincoln’s Inn. Simon Lofthouse QC has been an advocacy trainer for Gray’s Inn since 2004.

Living Wage employer Atkin Chambers is an accredited Living Wage employer.

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