Co-led by Matthew Smith and Kevin Greene, the practice at K&L Gates LLP is known for its strong arbitration and adjudication expertise, and often acts for clients in disputes concerning energy and infrastructure projects and real estate developments. Smith has strong knowledge of the energy, transport, and real estate sectors. Other key members of the team include Matthew Walker, who has experience advising on proceedings related to cladding disputes, and Inga Hall, who is well-versed in handling domestic infrastructure disputes. Burak Eryiğit also stands out as an important member of the practice, who has experience assisting on international construction disputes spanning regions such as the Middle East.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- This practice combines a team with strong technical legal expertise and great commercial acumen. It is led by vastly experienced partners who have been involved in complex, high-value contentious matters. They understand the issues and challenges involved, which enables them to give pragmatic, insightful commercial and strategic advice. The team is experienced across the full lifecycle of disputes: early risk assessment, strategic case development, effective matter management, high-quality drafting, and strong advocacy support. They are accessible, well-prepared, and able to explain complex issues in a clear and commercial way. The team also works well across multiple offices and time zones, so they can harness the firm’s support, which is helpful when dealing with demanding and complex disputes involving regulatory or cross-border elements. The team is a pleasure to deal with, calm under pressure, and always delivers a first-class service.
- Matthew Smith - Partner Matthew is a commercially astute and knowledgeable construction lawyer who gives excellent strategic advice and leaves no stone unturned when looking after the interests of his client. He understands the industries he works in, has a great eye for detail, and gets to the core of a dispute quickly. He has a calm, measured, and pragmatic approach, is a pleasure to work with, and has a richly deserved international reputation for delivering for his clients across many regions and heads the firm’s global construction practice. He is a great asset to have on your side in any dispute. Simply put, he gives the right advice at the right time. Matthew Walker (Partner) Matthew is an excellent lawyer with a broad range of international experience, notably in the Middle East. He has excellent client-facing skills, understands matters quickly, gives assured advice, and delivers for his clients. Matt is a pleasure to work with. Inga K. Hall (Special Counsel) Inga has extensive experience and gives excellent, considered advice. She understands the detail of the matter, is never flustered, and works tirelessly for her clients.
Key clients
- Transport for London
- Jacobs
- Crossrail
- London Underground Limited
- Rail for London
- London Legacy Development Corporation
- Vanquish Properties
- Docklands Light Railway Limited
- Far East Façades (UK) Limited
- Westinghouse Electric Company
- Besix
- Bagshot Manor Limited
Work highlights
Advising Bagshot Manor Limited, the defendant and part 8 claimant, in the reported decision Grove Construction (London) Ltd v Bagshot Manor Ltd concerning an attempted enforcement of an adjudication decision against an assignee of a building contract.
Acted for Far East Facades in two proceedings issued out of the Technology and Construction Court and Insolvency and Companies List.
Acting for a major MEP subcontractor on a $1 billion airport dispute.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matthew Walker
Practice head
Matthew Smith; Kevin Greene
Other key lawyers
Matthew Walker; Inga Hall; Burak Eryiğit