Led by Stephen Sampson, the practice at Squire Patton Boggs was bolstered in July 2025 with the arrival of construction and engineering disputes specialist Ciaran Williams.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team was led by Michael Davar, whose organizational and management skills were instrumental in assembling a group that functioned seamlessly both as individual experts and as a cohesive unit. This was critical given that the team stepped in as substitute counsel mid-dispute on a matter of significant complexity and needed to become fully up to speed and operational within a very short window — a combination of bench strength and speed of mobilization that is not common in a dispute of this technical and jurisdictional complexity. Bryan Dayton, one of the practice's leading lawyers, brought excellent knowledge of construction law and practice, together with outstanding advocacy skills at the hearing itself.
- The team stepped in as substitute counsel mid-dispute, on a matter of significant complexity, and was able to get fully up to speed and operational within a very short window. That combination of bench strength and speed of mobilization is not common, particularly on a dispute of this technical and jurisdictional complexity.
- The individuals I have worked with stand out for their technical expertise, commercial judgment, and responsiveness.
- The team is highly collaborative, responsive, and commercially minded, combining deep technical expertise with a practical understanding of the legal and strategic issues that underpin complex disputes.
- Michael Davar is incredibly hardworking and dedicated. He is also extremely diligent, leaving no stone unturned.
- A highly pragmatic construction team, combining strong disputes expertise with real project insight. They are responsive, commercially focused, and excellent at translating complex issues into clear advice. Compared to peers, they stand out for their integration with project teams and ability to deliver practical, outcome-driven solutions. Their use of legal project management and collaborative dispute strategies enhances efficiency, cost certainty, and overall client experience.
Lawyers
Firms to watch
Practice head
Stephen Sampson
Other key lawyers
Ciaran Williams
