Keating Chambers

Paul Buckingham KC specialises in construction, engineering and energy disputes, with particular expertise in technically complex international arbitrations. Before coming to the Bar, he spent eight years with BP as a chartered chemical engineer, bringing a rare combination of legal and engineering expertise to infrastructure, energy and petrochemical disputes.

Called to the Bar in 1995 and appointed King's Counsel in 2023, Paul acts for contractors, employers, energy companies, public bodies and international organisations in high-value disputes across the construction, engineering and energy sectors. His practice encompasses litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and dispute resolution. He has extensive experience of arbitrations conducted under ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL and ad hoc rules, as well as disputes involving FIDIC, NEC, IChemE, JCT and ICE contracts.

Paul has acted in disputes concerning refineries, petrochemical plants, power stations, windfarms, solar parks, waste to energy facilities, hydrocarbon storage facilities, LNG plants, telecommunications networks, transport infrastructure and water projects. His international practice spans Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Far East, Australia and the Caribbean, where he is regularly instructed on major energy and infrastructure projects.

Alongside his work as counsel, Paul is regularly appointed as arbitrator, adjudicator, dispute board member and neutral evaluator. Chambers & Partners describes him as exceptional in highly complex engineering disputes, while clients praise his ability to master technical detail and present complex matters in a clear and practical way. His combined experience as engineer and barrister makes him particularly sought after in technically demanding disputes.

Approved Arbitrator, Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration, 2015
Fellow of the IChemE (FIChemE), 2007
IChemE Accredited Arbitrator and Adjudicator, 2006
Called to the Bar (Middle Temple), 1995
Chartered Engineer (CEng), 1990
British Petroleum (Design and Construction), 1985-1993
BSc Chemical Engineering (First Class), Birmingham, 1985

Chairman, IChemE Dispute Resolution Committee
IChemE Contract Committee
Society of Construction Law
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)

Cycling, running, squash and keeping up with his family.