Keating Chambers

John Steel specialises in domestic and international construction and engineering disputes as well as public procurement.

Notably, John has been instructed as junior counsel:

• In an ongoing major internationally seated arbitration relating to the green energy sector worth in excess of £100m, led by Fionnuala McCredie KC and Will Webb KC. The claim involves highly technical engineering evidence, as well as extensive delay and quantum disputes.
• In a London seated arbitration relating to an international project, led by Marc Rowlands KC.
• In MW High Tech Projects UK Limited v Outotec (USA) acting as junior counsel to Adrian Williamson KC. This included obtaining the strike out of a portion of the claimant’s claim: [2023] EWHC 2885 (TCC) and a point that went to the Court of Appeal: [2023] EWHC 2885 (TCC).
• In the litigation between Siemens Mobility Limited v HS2 [2023] EWHC 2768 (TCC) acting as junior counsel to Fionnuala McCredie KC.

John is equally instructed as sole counsel in domestic and international matters. These include:

• Acting as sole counsel in the First Tier Tribunal for a major housebuilder in respect of proceedings under the Building Safety Act. The applicants sought a remediation contribution order. John has also advised parties in respect of potential liability relating to claims under the Building Safety Act.
• As sole counsel in a number of cases relating to adjudication (enforcement and related matters) including Phelan v Elliots [2021] EWHC 428 (TCC) and RHP Merchants v Treforest [2021] EWHC B40 (TCC).
• As sole counsel on behalf of an international engineering company in a series of matters in the energy industry, spanning serial adjudications and advice on litigation.
• As sole counsel in respect of an ongoing dispute valued in excess of £1m involving questions of subrogation, co-insurance and technical matters relevant to liability.

John specialises in disputes involving all major forms of construction and engineering contracts, including NEC, IChemE and JCT forms. He is also the co-author of Keating on Offshore Construction and Marine Engineering Contracts.

• Tenant, Keating Chambers 2020
• Pupil, Keating Chambers 2019 – 2020
• Called to the Bar, Inner Temple 2018
• Bar Professional Training Course, City Law School 2017-2018
• Paralegal, Peters & Peters LLP (Commercial Team) 2017
• Legal Intern, Hausfeld & Co LLP  (Competition Litigation) 2016
• Graduate Diploma in Law, City Law School 2015 – 2016
• Director of the School Exclusions Project, as well as volunteering for FRU and the Vocalise initiative to teach debating in prisons.
• MA International Peace and Security, King’s College London 2013 – 2014
• Core course was in Public International Law supervised by Dr Guglielmo Verdirame.
• Dissertation on privatisation in the Middle East and North Africa.
• MA History, University of Edinburgh 2009 – 2013
• Erasmus Scholarship 2011 – 2012 to study History at the University Aix-Marseille.
• Newcastle Royal Grammar School 2002- 2009

English, French (fluent), Italian (conversational)

John is a keen runner, cross country skier and passionate football player and supporter of Newcastle United.