Demonstrating a ‘real depth of talent in construction law’, 4 Pump Court offers representation of a wide range of construction related issues, with a particular focus on domestic fire safety and contract termination claims. In addition to the set’s global arbitration footprint, it has marked its extensive presence in significant cladding-related cases. Jennie Gillies is led by Alexander Hickey KC as opposing counsel to Ben Pilling KC, representing Edgewater in a Building Liability Order, while Lynne McCafferty is instructed by a contractor in a multi-party cladding claim before the TCC. Additionally, Rachel Ansell KC is leading Jonathan Lewis KC in representing manufacturer Kingspan in concerning cladding products in relation to the Building Safety Act 2023. Sanjay Patel KC took silk in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Sam Penny is an outstanding clerk who is extremely approachable and passionate in his work. Nothing is too much of an ask for Sam and his responses and follow ups on matters are quick. Niki Merisen is also a good clerk who is very easy to deal with and follows up on matters quickly. Ellis Fairbrass is quick to respond and ensures you feel like a priority.'
- 'The clerks are very helpful.'
- 'The clerking team is really user friendly. They are responsive, helpful and always looking to accommodate any requests.'
- '4 Pump Court has a real depth of talent in Construction law, and has the added benefit that it is not solely a construction set. All of the barristers have a practice that includes other areas of law which gives a more rounded and astute approach to issues.'
- 'It is one of the leading sets in international construction and energy arbitration and a go-to for quality barristers from junior to silk.'
- '4 Pump Court is one of the premier construction sets. They have a wide range of good counsel for construction disputes.'
- '4 Pump Court is a tremendous set - known for excellent barristers and great customer service.'
Lawyers
Leading silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Jeremy Nicholson KC
Benjamin Pilling KC
‘Benjamin is a simply superb advocate. He is clear and focused in his submissions and cross-examination, and highly effective. He reads the tribunal extremely well, and has the right tone and approach with witnesses he cross-examines. Ben is also a highly competent drafter, both of pleadings and submissions.’
James Cross KC
James Leabeater KC
‘James is an intelligent barrister in writing and on his feet. He integrates well with the solicitor, expert and client team, and is a real leader when it comes to strategy.'
Claire Packman KC
‘Claire has the ability to get up to speed on detailed technical matters quickly and is user friendly.'
Jessica Stephens KC
‘Jessica is easy to work worth, pragmatic and user-friendly.'
2025 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
2023 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Thomas Crangle
‘Thomas is a joy to work with. He is solutions driven and slots seamlessly into our team. A disarming counsel in a number of ways but underestimated at your peril. Tom's cross examination of experts is a specific strength.'
Kate Livesey
‘Kate is excellent – she is very thorough and quickly gets to grips with the difficult issues in the claim. When advising, Kate strikes the difficult balance between advising on the currently pleaded claim, while also keeping an eye on potential difficulties that may arise later on.’
Luke Wygas
‘Luke has a great manner and ability to focus on the points which really matter. He is very easy to work with.’
Daniel Churcher
'Excellent clarity of thought and strategic approach to resolving complex cases backed up by strong advocacy skills.'
Jennie Gillies
Daniel Goodkin
‘Daniel is extremely bright and creative - focussed on winning and finding a solution. Unflappable.'
Matthew Thorne
‘Matthew is exceptionally bright, with the gift of being able to explain and convey complex legal issues in a persuasive and compelling manner to both clients and the court. He comfortably holds his own against silks.’
Laura Crowley
Helen Dennis
She is excellent with the details in complex construction cases.'
Ed Jones
'Ed's strategic input while also tackling a huge amount of detail is invaluable.'
Laurence Page
‘Laurence is proactive, entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, and generally excellent.'
Robert Scrivener
‘Robert has the exceptional ability to be on top of the detail for almost every part of a large case. He is easy to deal with, very responsive, has a good eye for strategy, and generally effective advocacy.'
Gideon Shirazi
‘Good advocate. Gideon is very considered and he handles complex legal points with ease. He is also able to explain those points to clients in clear terms.'
Quentin Tannock
‘Quentin is an excellent advocate. He is sharp and gets to the heart of the key issues efficiently. His is adept at presenting difficult concepts and issues to arbitral tribunals in a way that is easy to understand and digest and he is a fiercely sharp cross-examiner.'