CMS has a comprehensive contentious construction offering, representing clients from a variety of industries regarding high-end real estate, energy, and data centre developments. The practice demonstrates a proven track-record in international arbitrations and Supreme Court disputes. The team is jointly steered by Adrian Bell, who receives mandates from an array of leading international and domestic clients, and Steven Williams, who brings ‘immense experience’ across a range of high level disputes, including in the Supreme Court. Emma Schaafsma remains a key port of call for high-value and complex disputes across the energy and transport sectors. Further notable individuals include experienced international arbitrator Philip Norman and Catherine Gelder, who is a key contact among property developers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The construction team is really superb. Steven Williams and Matthew Taylor lead an excellent team of experienced construction lawyers. Deep thought and tactical nous pervade all their thinking.'
‘Steven Williams has real gravitas and immense experience. He combines his considerable legal ability with shrewd commercial thinking. Matthew Taylor yields to no-one in his enthusiasm for construction law and provides excellent insight. Jack Deung is also very able.’
‘The attention to detail that Emma Shaafsma and her team employ is unrivaled. They are the best of the best to work with.’
‘The team works efficiently, in a timely manner, and is well-organised. The advice and strategies they provide are relevant to the issues at hand and are practical to implement.'
- 'This team shows a strong awareness and respect for jurisdictional nuances, which makes their support far more effective.'
‘Emma Schaafsma is a highly strategic professional. She works efficiently, provides practical and effective advice, and is an excellent team leader.'
Key clients
- Care UK Community Partnerships Limited
- AECOM Limited, including URS Corporation Limited and other AECOM group companies
Work highlights
Multi party litigation for a leading care home provider on complex structural, acoustic, fire and architectural defects, under both contractual and statutory causes of action.
Acting for URS Corporation Ltd on an appeal to the Supreme Court which considered a number of issues of significance for those in construction, real estate and insurance industries arising out of the new Building Safety Act.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Adrian Bell; Steven Williams
Other key lawyers
Emma Shaafsma; Philip Norman; Catherine Gelder; Matthew Taylor; Robbie Leckie; Sarah Grenfell; Aileen Brown; Ella Wisniewski; Jack Deung