Possessing a ‘strong depth of excellent barristers’, Keating Chambers continue to cover high-value and complex construction disputes across the UK and the world, handling fire safety claims at all levels of the English and Welsh courts and significant international arbitrations concerning infrastructure projects. Alexander Nissen KC and Tom Owen KC appeared in the Supreme Court in Augusta 2008 LLP v Abbey Healthcare, while Simon Hargreaves KC and David Sheard also appeared in the Supreme Court representing the contractors in BDW Trading Limited v URS Corporation Ltd. The set remain active on cases arising out of the Grenfell Tower fire with Simon Hughes KC and James Frampton acting for the contractor and Jonathan Selby KC and Tom Coulson representing the housebuilder in Martlet Homes v Mulalley & Co which examines liability over fire safety defects in the external walls of high-rise towers. Richard Coplin KC took silk in March 2025.
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James Frampton specialises in construction, engineering, energy and procurement disputes. He is ranked for Construction, Professional Negligence and Procurement by Chambers and Partners and by Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ for both Construction and Procurement: “Very bright, focuses on the key issues, always prepares comprehensively, very good advocate, great manner. He is a star junior.”
James’ recent instructions have included a particular focus on:
Building Safety Act 2022 and fire safety/cladding matters.
- James acted as Junior Counsel for Mulalley in the first fire-safety cladding case to be tried in the TCC since the Grenfell Tower (Martlet Homes Limited v Mulalley & Co Limited [2022] EWHC 1813 (TCC).
- James is currently instructed as Junior Counsel on TCC claims involving applications for Building Liability Orders and liability under section 149 of the Building Safety Act 2022 for cladding products.
- James has also been instructed in relation to a claim for a Remediation Order in the First Tier Tribunal.
Professional negligence claims against architects and other professionals.
- James’ current professional negligence cases also involve the added complexity of issues under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1979 and insolvency of the parties.
Adjudication enforcement.
- James regularly appears in the TCC bringing and resisting adjudication enforcement claims and related matters.
- James appeared unled in the Court of Appeal in 2023 in A&V Building Solutions v J & B Hopkins [2023] EWCA Civ 54 which is now the leading case on how Part 8 claims can be used in response to adjudicator’s decisions.
James’ expertise in construction and procurement matters has seen him appointed to the Attorney General’s C Panel. James is currently instructed as Junior Counsel for the Cabinet Office on Module 5 (Procurement) of the Covid Inquiry.
International work
James is also regularly instructed as Junior Counsel on substantial international disputes, including projects in South Africa, Australia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ukraine and Qatar. James’ international arbitration practice has seen him recommended for construction by Who’s Who Legal and ranked as a Rising Star by the Legal 500 in the Middle East.
Career
Pupil, Keating Chambers 2016; Tenant, Keating Chambers 2017
Languages
French (working knowledge)
Education
BA in History, Durham University (First, 2011-2014); GDL, University of Law (Distinction; Contract, Tort, Criminal and Public Law prizes, 2014-2015); BPTC, University of Law (Outstanding; Written Advocacy Prize, 2015-2016).
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