Atkin Chambers

Recognised for its ‘deep knowledge of construction law’, barristers at Atkin Chambers have extensive experience advocating in major international disputes concerning construction and engineering worldwide. Stuart Catchpole KC and Samar Abbas Kazmi have recently acted in substantial construction arbitrations in the Middle East, while Manus McMullan KC continues to act in Grupos Unidos per el Canal v Autoridad del Canal de Panama for the Panama Canal Authority in the dispute concerning the expansion of the Panama Canal and challenges brought to previous awards made. Zulfikar Khayum has an active arbitration practice, recently concerning hospital, airport, transport and energy developments and Edmund Neuberger also has a broad construction arbitration practice and Andrew Fenn KC is experienced in major energy infrastructure disputes and was made silk in March 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'David Barnes and Justin Wilson are absolute Rolls Royce clerks. Rick Bulaitis also worth a mention - approachable and commercial.'
'David Barnes, Andrew Burrows and Justin Wilson are a wonderful team assisted by junior staff. Sensible, practical and commercially astute with a great sense of humour.'
'Excellent. David Barnes is exceptional, and Andrew Burrows is very diligent. They are very good clerks.'
'The very best in energy and construction. Period.'
'Atkin Chambers is the go-to set for construction and like disputes. The barristers have very deep sector experience and expertise.'
'Atkins are in a league of their own. The clerks are super responsive, particularly Rob Bryant. They always find the right person for the job.'

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.

Stuart Catchpole KC

'A pre-eminent Kings Counsel and a ferocious cross -examiner.'

Manus McMullan KC

'Manus exudes gravitas. He oral advocacy is second to none and is adaptable to the audience. He knows how to adjust his style to be able to best present a case and to convey the strongest arguments.'

David Streatfeild-James KC

Andrew White KC

'Great advocate and interrogator. Great ability to get what it takes from witnesses and experts.'

Rupert Choat KC

Rupert is a very effective advocate, using a matter-of-factly, fact-based style and approach.'

Stephen Dennison KC

Stephen is a brilliant advocate and extremely diligent. He is able to cut across complex issues quickly, focusing on the core issues in dispute.’

Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC

She is thorough, solid and persuasive. A very elegant and effective advocate.'

Andrew Goddard KC

‘Hugely experienced. Very pragmatic and responsive.’

James Howells KC

go-to silk: razor-sharp, a master of the detail, pragmatic and a true pleasure to deal with.’

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.