Atkin Chambers is ‘a very strong set for construction disputes' with a track record of hydrocarbon and renewable project disputes. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC also has a widely respected practice with a significant international element, and she frequently acts for operators, suppliers, contractors, governments and other public bodies. James Howells KC focuses primarily on energy disputes in the Gulf including a case concerning the late commissioning of a new combined cycle power station in Jordan. Serena Cheng KC continues to build her presence in the market. Her recent work includes an adjudication and TCC proceedings concerning claims under a Turbine Supply Agreement for tidal turbines in the Pentland Firth in Scotland. Simon Crawshaw exemplifies the strength of the set’s juniors, having recently been involved in matters concerning offshore UK windfarms, and the construction of offshore oil and gas platforms.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
James specialises in infrastructure, construction, energy and IT disputes both domestic and international. James regularly appears as an advocate in the English Courts and in international arbitration in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He has extensive experience of arbitration under all major institutional rules and in ad hoc references. James is regularly instructed in other forms of dispute resolution.
James’ experience of domestic and international infrastructure projects has included metro and heavy rail, roads, and airports across the globe.
Experience of energy disputes has included numerous claims relating to the design, construction of oil and gas production platforms and rigs and their commercial operation including onshore and offshore (including UDW) drilling. Numerous shipbuilding disputes have addressed some of the largest submersible/semi-submersible rigs in addition to the design and construction of drill ships and FPSOs. James has extensive experience of power-related disputes ranging from thermal and nuclear plants to waste-to-energy and renewable energy sources including wind, wave, hydro, solar and biomass production. IT experience includes commercial and technical disputes in respect of projects ranging from financial services/banking, commodities trading and commercial business systems to major government IT infrastructure and services outsourcing projects.
Publications
Contributing Editor: 'Hudson's Building and Engineering Contracts' 12th to 14th editions.
Career
MA (Cantab), BCL (Oxon). Silk 2014.
Languages
French.
Memberships
TECBAR, LCLCBA, COMBAR, SCL, Society for Computers and Law.
Content supplied by Atkin Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Atkin is in a league of its own. The clerks are super-responsive, particularly Rob Bryant. They always find the right person for the job.'
- 'Great clerking, very attentive and led well by David Barnes and Justin Wilson.'
- 'The clerks are very good, commercial and with a deep understanding of the area in which each of their barristers are engaged. Impressive.'
- 'Service is always excellent and flexible. They understand the demands of clients and are flexible and supportive of client relationships.'
- 'The set has a number of high-quality individuals who have successfully and effectively supported our matters in various areas of specific need. A good team.'