Atkin Chambers has substantial expertise in engineering and construction disputes in the energy industry. Members of the set are instructed in proceedings before courts and tribunals at the highest level in claims involving contract termination, PFI agreements, and various disputes arising from construction of power facilities. A five-member counsel team from the set, led by Fiona Parkin KC, acts for the contractor in the major TCC dispute Buckinghamshire Council v FCC Buckinghamshire concerning a long-term PFI agreement. Stephen Dennison KC, Andrew Fenn KC and Ryan Turner are instructed on behalf of a claimant in a high-value dispute concerning the development of energy infrastructure. On the junior side, Mathias Cheung has successfully acted in both ICC arbitrations and before the TCC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Atkin Chambers is known for its extremely intellectual construction and engineering specialists. The clerks are always exceedingly responsive and helpful. They are a pleasure to work with.
- Atkin Chambers remains, in my view, one of the leading sets for construction and energy work. When I consider instructing a barrister in this space, it is consistently one of the first chambers that comes to mind.
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.
Stephen Dennison KC
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Chantal's cross-examination skills are particularly strong: incisive, well-prepared, and highly effective. She is genuinely hard-working and thoroughly committed to the cases she takes on. She combines this level of rigor and seniority with a manner that is approachable and easy to work with.
David Streatfeild-James KC
Serena Cheng KC
Rupert Choat KC
James Howells KC
James' advice is clear, pragmatic, and focused on achieving the best outcome for the client, even in technically dense disputes. He is also highly responsive and collegiate, working seamlessly with the wider team. He brings a calm and measured approach to high-pressure situations and is trusted for his judgement. His advocacy skills are excellent. A leading silk in energy disputes.
Simon Lofthouse KC
Simon's advocacy is exemplary. Always well-structured and persuasive. Simon's cross-examination is a real strength. He is always well-prepared, concise, and forensic. It never ceases to amaze me how hard Simon works, and he is always available to help (even when juggling other matters).
Steven Walker KC
Extremely user-friendly and self-sufficient. Written and oral advice is concise and clear. He comes off the fence and takes a firm position. Strong commercial thinker - understands the commercial realities of large energy projects.
Andrew White KC
Karim Ghaly KC
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.
