The ‘go-to’ contentious construction practice at Macfarlanes LLP advises a wide range of significant domestic clients, with particular expertise in PFI project disputes. Lauded as a ’rock in the storm’, Doug Wass leads the team, regularly handling defective design and construction issues in the public and commercial real estate sectors. ‘Highly knowledgeable’, Mark Lawrence is another key member of the team, leading on adjudications, TCC, and High Court cases, particularly in the infrastructure sector. The team also regularly acts against building contractors. Andy Mather is recommended for handling cladding and Building Safety Act issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Mark Lawrence is a force to be reckoned with. Forensic, focused and commercial, he gets results.'
- 'Andy Mather is bright as a button and ensures that no stone is unturned.'
- ‘Doug Wass and Mark Lawrence are both highly knowledgeable and experienced, and always a pleasure to deal with.'
- ‘Mark Lawrence is without doubt a leader in his field, and is an experienced, hands-on partner in the firm.’
- ‘Andy Mather and his team have provided excellent advice to our company and clients on a number of occasions. Their experience and professionalism mean they provide succinct and fast advice that is both accurate and commercial.’
- ‘I work closely with Doug Wass and Mark Lawrence. Both of them have been brilliant, both in management of issues and in disseminating information to the requisite Boards. Doug, in particular, is a rock in the storm.’
Key clients
- Brookfield
- Dandara Living
- Cardinia Real Estate UK Limited
- Catalyst Healthcare Limited
- CIT
- European Land
- Grove Developments Limited
- Global Switch
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation
- Healthcare Support Limited
- InfraRed Capital Partners
- Lancashire Schools SPC Phase 1 Ltd
Work highlights
Representing Global Switch in adjudications, the High Court and the Court of Appeal in a long-running dispute with a contractor in relation to the design and construction of a data centre.
Representing Redrow in judicial review proceedings against the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in relation to the Building Safety Fund and its impact on insurer liabilities.
Acting for Lancashire Schools PFI project companies in relation to various claims arising out of defective design and construction work carried out under the Building Schools for the Future PFI project.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Doug Wass
Other key lawyers
Mark Lawrence; Andy Mather