Mr Simon Lofthouse KC > Atkin Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile
Atkin Chambers Offices
1, Atkin Building, Gray's Inn
LONDON
WC1R 5AT
England
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Mr Simon Lofthouse KC
Position
Simon Lofthouse QC is widely-recognised as a leading domestic and international lawyer with particular expertise in construction, energy, natural resources and professional negligence.
His practice covers international and domestic litigation and arbitration acting for governments, corporations and professionals. The range of disputes frequently involves engineering or construction projects, transport, professional negligence, information technology or energy projects.
He is particularly experienced in the presentation and conduct of complex cases, especially those involving delay analysis, contractual interpretation, allegations of professional negligence issues including defective design, expert determinations and final accounts, or disputed technical issues (including fraud).
The range of disputes covered is extensive, examples include large commercial developments both domestically and internationally (new-build and refurbishment), complex infrastructure works, including track installation, repair and upgrading, IT systems and installations, powers station disputes (both as to construction and operation including waste-to-energy plants), waste and water treatment technology, oil and gas platforms, piling operations onshore and offshore, construction of roads and ships, PFI/PPP, pipe laying, tunnels, pumping stations, coastal defences and effluent, and airport terminals.
His experience spans the range of different forums including mediation, adjudication, expert determination, domestic and international arbitration, and commercial court litigation. Much of his work is international in nature and throughout his career he has advised on, and appeared as advocate in, disputes in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East (he is qualified to practice in the DIFC, Dubai), and across Asia. He has been appointed by the ICC and other domestic and international bodies both as arbitrator and as legal and dispute resolution expert.
Simon also accepts appointments either as a sole arbitrator or as part of a panel and is, of course, familiar with the established domestic and international rules.
Career
LLB (Hons) (Lond). Called to Bar of England and Wales in 1988. Recorder 2003, Silk 2006. Authorised to sit in the TCC Division of the High Court 2015. Advocacy teacher for Gray’s Inn. Chair of Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar 2011-2015; Member, Bar Standards Board 2011-2015.
Memberships
COMBAR, TECBAR, registered adjudicator. Qualified to appear in the DIFC, Dubai.
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Construction
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Simon Lofthouse KC – Atkin Chambers ‘Simon is very thorough and detailed in his preparation. You can be assured that he has read every document and considered every point. He is very good on even the most technical and specialist points. His cross-examination is always effective, no matter the witness.’
Retaining its firm standing as a ‘market-leading’ set for construction disputes, Atkin Chambers has continued handling high-stakes matters in the UK and internationally. As one example of the chambers’ prowess in construction-related international arbitrations, the set’s mainstay, the Third Set of Locks Project on the Panama Canal saw Manus McMullan KC and Christopher Lewis KC represent the Panama Canal Authority in a series of high-value claims. Domestically, Dominique Rawley KC and Jennifer Jones defended Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and Balfour Beatty Group in Northumbria Healthcare NHS v Lendlease Construction, a case concerning alleged structural defects at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, while Simon Lofthouse KC and Omar Eljadi represented one of Lendlease’s subcontractors in the related Lendlease Construction v MPB Structures counterclaims. In an expansive multi-party dispute, among others Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC and David Streatfeild-James KC acted for Morrisons against Lorien Engineering Solutions regarding alleged defects in the refrigeration systems of its pork abattoir in Colne. Stephanie Barwise KC has been advising on cladding issues and the Building Safety Act, and has made clarification submissions on Grenfell – a number of other members of chambers have been involved in litigation surrounding related issues of cladding and fire safety. Notable internal changes include Stuart Catchpole KC joining from 39 Essex Chambers and Rupert Choat KC taking silk in March 2022.
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2Simon Lofthouse KC –Atkin Chambers ‘Simon is a devastating cross-examiner and has a formidable work ethic. He outperforms the other side in hearings and has the ear of the tribunal.’
London Bar > Energy
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3Simon Lofthouse KC –Atkin Chambers ‘Simon is absolutely world-class in hearings, and his cross-examination, which is the result of very hard work, is really effective.’
London Bar > Professional negligence
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Construction, energy and infrastructure
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3Simon Lofthouse KC – Atkin Chambers ‘Simon is sharp and precise on his feet with his excellent advocacy and analytical skills.’
Middle East: The English Bar > Construction
(Leading silks)Ranked: Tier 1Simon Lofthouse KC – Atkin Chambers ‘Simon is an excellent barrister with extraordinary ability, and he is constantly asking the right questions. His attention to detail is mind blowing.’
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.