Stuart Catchpole KC
'One of the finest leading counsel of his generation in construction. Deep knowledge of the legal and technical issues. A ferocious cross -examiner.'
Atkin Chambers remains ‘in the very highest echelon of the construction bar’ across the Middle East, and the set’s individuals have acted on the most prominent construction, infrastructure, energy and project disputes in the region. With considerable strength in depth at silk and junior level, James Howells KC is active on construction and infrastructure arbitrations for clients across the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait, while Riaz Hussain KC focuses his practice on major infrastructural and power projects, and Serena Cheng KC acts for EPC contractors. ’Totally reliable and unflappable‘, Samar Abbas Kazmi has been involved in disputes over landmark projects across the region, and Simon Crawshaw is notably active on cross-border infrastructure and transport arbitrations. Praised as ’hardworking, attention to detail, and strategic’, Karim Ghaly KC joined the Chambers in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks' room is outstanding - David Barnes is a true legend of the construction bar; Justin Wilson is brilliant; and Chambers is bringing on the next group, with the likes of Andy Burrows and Rick Bulaitis. They remain focused on developing relationships, and they are very user-friendly and pragmatic.'
- 'David Barnes is a real leader and excellent CEO, who keeps in close touch with the law firms who instruct Atkin Chambers. Justin Wilson and Andy Burrows run a very effective clerking service at the set.'
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.
Serena Cheng KC
‘Serena’s attention to detail is unrivalled. She is also robust and a strategic genius.’
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
'Chantal is a class act as a barrister. She always prepares her cases thoroughly and can see the wood from the trees. She gives strong and very clear opinions and robust, commercial advice. She is truly excellent on her feet, really knowing how to influence a tribunal.'
James Howells KC
'James has outstanding forensic attention to detail. His advocacy is extremely effective, because he has done the work: he knows exactly where and what the evidence is, and his planning and case strategy is of the very highest order. His work rate and availability - day and night - is outstanding. He is a brilliant member of any team. His drafting is also lucid, focused and highly effective.'
Riaz Hussain KC
'He is a real team player, who is willing to get into the detail and get his hands dirty. His manner with witnesses and tribunals is calm and sincere, and he is able to demonstrate a strong command of the key facts and issues.'
Simon Lofthouse KC
'Driven with an unmatched work ethic even at the bar, superb cross examiner, attention to detail on another level, gains the trust of the Tribunal and never loses it, a total delight to work with. A superb silk whom clients can count as being prepared for any eventuality and is totally unflappable in the heat of battle. Simon appreciates the trust that clients place in him and literally leaves it all out on the field in every hearing. You always want him in your corner.'
David Streatfeild-James KC
'David is one of the most experienced barristers in the sector and delivers advice which pulls no punches. He is a great advocate and leads litigation teams.'
Andrew White KC
'Andrew is an exceptionally skilled advocate whose depth of legal knowledge and strategic insight are matched by his clarity in communication and persuasive advocacy. He brings authority, precision, and calmness to complex proceedings, ensuring that every argument is presented with maximum impact. His professionalism and commitment inspire confidence, making him an outstanding leader in any dispute team.'
Karim Ghaly KC
‘Karim has an excellent command of the room when he speaks. The way he can take the case and paint a vivid picture for a tribunal is unrivalled. He builds rapport quickly with witnesses, tribunals, and experts alike.’
2024 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.
2025 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.
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.
Simon Crawshaw
'A highly accomplished barrister whose calm authority, deep legal knowledge, and sharp analytical skills set him apart. He has demonstrated an impressive ability to break down complex disputes into clear, persuasive arguments, while maintaining a pragmatic and client-focused approach.'
Samar Abbas Kazmi
'Samar shows his excellent expertise in complex construction cases. He is always very well prepared and is an added value to the team. He is talented and he demonstrates attention to details with strong analytical and drafting skills.'
Shourav Lahiri
‘Incredible work ethic - Shourav really gets into the detail and is a compelling advocate.’
Zulfikar Khayum
‘Zulfikar is fantastic to work with. He has an amazing ability to quickly digest and navigate vast amounts of factual and technical data. His advocacy and cross examination is sharp and effective.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
