Sarah McCann > Gatehouse Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile

Going ‘from strength to strength’, Gatehouse Chambers handles a full spectrum of construction, engineering, energy and infrastructure disputes both domestically and internationally, such as matters relating to bonds and guarantees, construction all risks insurance, professional liability matters, defects, disruption and delay. Paul Reed KC and Simon Kerry are representing Prestoplan Limited in Avantage and others v PRP and others, an insurance-backed construction dispute linked to a fire at a timber-framed care home. David Pliener KC, now newly appointed silk as of March 2023 alongside Catherine Piercy KC, acted for the refrigeration supplier, J&H Hall, in Morrison Supermarkets v Lorien et al., a multi-party dispute resulting from the redevelopment of a large abattoir. Sarah McCann served as sole counsel in Openview Security Solutions Ltd v Metropolitan Housing Trust, a case arising from non-payment and alleged defects. Meanwhile, members of the set have been involved in international disputes spanning locations from the Americas, Oceania, Asia and the Middle East. Andrew Kearney joined the team in October 2023.

Gatehouse Chambers‘ insurance practice links with its other practice areas in construction, property damage and professional liability, where barristers have had significant experience in policy coverage work on behalf of insures, insurers and reinsurers. Nigel Jones KC is an expert in insurance litigation, having been involved in large insurance disputes in the market, including Enterprise Insurance Co, a cross-border case in Gibraltar where Jones, alongside Sarah McCann were instructed to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book requiring detailed advice on insurance law, alongside being instructed by the Gibraltar liquidator both directly and through a Gibraltarian firm to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation in multiple international jurisdictions. Paul Reed KC regularly advises on coverage and avoidance issues for insurance companies, whereas George Eyre  is a name to watch for his practice, combining his expertise in construction and energy into his insurance practice. David Pliener KC was appointed silk in 2023.

Gatehouse Chambers have grown their insolvency practice over the years, where members of the set are regularly involved in issues relating to director misfeasance, cross-border shareholder disputes with an insolvency angle and unfair prejudice petitions. Nigel Jones KC and Sarah McCann have expertise in cross-border cases, with involvement in Enterprise Insurance Co (in liquidation) to advise on the conduct of Enterprise’s UK motor claims book, and by the Gibraltar liquidator both direct and through Gibraltar solicitors to advise on multiple company matters concerning the insolvency and ongoing litigation. Lauren Godfrey  is a standout name from the chambers, having acted for a wide range of clients including banks, insurers and directors.