Mr Simon Whitfield > Exchange Chambers > Manchester, England > Barrister Profile
Exchange Chambers Offices
201 DEANSGATE
MANCHESTER
M3 3NW
England
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Mr Simon Whitfield
Work Department
Construction; Commercial; Professional Negligence; Insolvency
Position
Simon was called to the Bar in 2009 having previously been a partner at international law firm Squire Patton Boggs. His experience at a leading law firm gives him a unique insight into cases, and he adopts a practical, pragmatic, commercial approach.
His commercial practice includes contractual disputes, interpretation of contractual provisions, sale of goods, injunctive relief and enforcement of judgments.
Highly regarded for his construction practice, he advises on all aspects of the process from procurement through the whole project life-cycle. He has experience of the traditional standard forms of contract, bespoke agreements, PFI and PPP. He is a TECBAR accredited adjudicator.
Allied to his construction work, Simon frequently acts for and against professionals in professional negligence claims. He also undertakes insolvency work covering both corporate and personal insolvency.
Simon is a recognised expert on non-domestic (or business) rating law. He regularly appears in Magistrates’ Courts on contested liability order applications as well as in the High Court on appeals – either by way of case stated or judicial review.
A keen supporter of ADR, Simon has acted for clients in many mediations, expert determinations and early neutral evaluations. He also accepts appointments as a mediator.
Simon regularly lectures on up to date legal issues to clients and to students on the Bar Professional Training Course. He is also licensed to accept instructions on a direct access basis.
Career
Solicitor 1992; Called to the Bar 2009
Memberships
- The Northern Circuit
- The Northern Circuit Commercial Bar Association
- The Chancery Bar Association
- Technology and Construction Bar Association
- Technology and Construction Court Users Group Committee Member
Education
- BA (Law), Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, 1989. (MA, 1991)
- Law Society Finals, Chester College of Law (1990)
- Hong Kong SAR PRC, Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination (2003)
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Property and construction
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2Simon Whitfield – Exchange Chambers ‘Simon possesses clarity and practicality. He provides good tactical advice and excellent drafting.’
Construction law is a key area of expertise for members at Exchange Chambers, and with several barristers boasting industry-specific qualifications, Chartered Quantity Surveyors and a Chartered Builder form part of the team. It is also highly experienced in property-related cases, covering both commercial and residential-based mandates surrounding planning, registered land, landlord and tenant disputes, and boundary issues. The set houses David Fearon and Simon Whitfield, who both possess expertise in construction and engineering disputes. Fearon is representing the defendant in Shiers v QM Developments, a case arising from allegations that a drainage system the builders installed was defective and caused the property to flood and suffer damage. Andrew Williams practices exclusively in real estate litigation, and he is acting for the claimant, who manages a large residential housing development, in Cwmni Rheoli Pentref Marina Conwy v McCarthy; this concerns the challenge of a covenant preventing the property owners from letting houses on a short-term basis to holiday-makers. Lawrence McDonald, who acts for companies, individuals, office holders, and public bodies before all court levels, and Brynmor Adams, who handles a variety of commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes, are also key members.