Richard Bailey > Druces LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Druces LLP
SALISBURY HOUSE
LONDON WALL
LONDON
EC2M 5PS
England

Work Department

Construction, Dispute Resolution

Position

Richard is a highly regarded Construction lawyer with broad experience across the sector. This encompasses the drafting of all forms of construction contracts and the handling of complex disputes in construction and engineering cases, both domestic and international. His clients include contractors and subcontractors; property owners and developers; consultants and project stakeholders.

Multi-party litigation is a particular specialism. Richard has acted in a number of major disputes before the courts, as well as in arbitrations, adjudications and mediations. These cases have focused on a range of infrastructure projects including, light rail, PFI agreements, hospitals, residential developments and sports stadia. Richard also regularly conducts international arbitrations or co-counsels with other firms in international arbitrations.

Today, Richard splits his time fairly equally between dispute resolution and non-contentious advisory work.  Richard regularly advises on the terms of contracts and other related contractual documentation.  He provides a contract review and advisory service to his contractor clients and regularly advises developers on development agreements and putting together suites of contract documents for major projects.

Career

Reported cases

  • CJP Builders v William Verry – Leading case on natural justice in adjudication.
  • Nigel Witham v Smith & Isaac – A case on costs and when to mediate.
  • West Country Renovations v Mr and Mrs McDowell – New guidance on value and type of claims to be heard in TCC.
  • Penten Group v Spartafield – Adjudication enforcement case.
  • Everwarm Limited v BN Rendering Limited

Memberships

Richard is a key member of the firm’s international arbitration group and is a member of the International Bar Association International Construction Projects Group, attending regular conferences and speaking on international topics.  He is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, TeCSA and the Society of Construction Law (having been both Chairman and Treasurer) and also a Council member of the European Society of Construction Law.

Lawyer Rankings

London > Real estate > Construction: contentious

(Firms to watch)

Druces LLP‘s construction practice was recently relaunched, with Richard Bailey joining from RWK Goodman to lead the team.

London > Real estate > Construction: non-contentious

(Firms to watch)

Druces LLP relaunched its construction practice in 2021 with the hires of Richard Bailey and senior associate Laughlan Steer from RWK Goodman.

London > Industry focus > Emerging markets

Druces LLP has ‘strong team with good understanding of what they are doing‘, and clients remark that the lawyers ‘know the nuances and commercial approach required for smaller deals‘. Lead partner Dominic Traynor frequently assists lithium project developer Savannah Resources Plc with corporate governance and regulatory matters concerning emerging markets. Corporate and banking partner Christopher Axford recently acted for Essentially Group PLC on the admission of its entire share capital to the AQSE Growth Market, the first UAE-based business to be listed there. Construction specialist Richard Bailey continues to be involved in major projects, among them developments in the retail and energy sectors in the Middle East. Newly promoted partner Jack Dervyn is ‘very detail-orientated and always has great availability‘, and senior associate Mark Lamph, who focuses on ECM transactions, has ‘great experience and great manner with clients‘.