Atkin Chambers has ‘vast experience and remarkable knowledge in international arbitration in construction disputes’ and is seen as the ’go-to’ set for construction, energy and infrastructure matters across the Middle East. Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC and Simon Lofthouse KC continue to excel in disputes and arbitrations arising out of large construction projects across the Gulf, while Stuart Catchpole KC’s broad practice includes energy and natural resources, insurance and professional negligence disputes. Junior members of the set include Zulfikar Khayum, whose strong arbitration practice includes numerous complex construction disputes in the DIAC and ICC, Rónán Hanna, who has experience in transport and oil pipeline disputes and Samar Abbas Kazmi, who has recently been active on disputes relating to mixed-use commercial developments and luxury resorts. Recently promoted silk Camille Slow KC continues to handle power plant and desalination project disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Simon Lofthouse QC is widely-recognised as a leading domestic and international lawyer with particular expertise in construction, energy, natural resources and professional negligence.
His practice covers international and domestic litigation and arbitration acting for governments, corporations and professionals. The range of disputes frequently involves engineering or construction projects, transport, professional negligence, information technology or energy projects.
He is particularly experienced in the presentation and conduct of complex cases, especially those involving delay analysis, contractual interpretation, allegations of professional negligence issues including defective design, expert determinations and final accounts, or disputed technical issues (including fraud).
The range of disputes covered is extensive, examples include large commercial developments both domestically and internationally (new-build and refurbishment), complex infrastructure works, including track installation, repair and upgrading, IT systems and installations, powers station disputes (both as to construction and operation including waste-to-energy plants), waste and water treatment technology, oil and gas platforms, piling operations onshore and offshore, construction of roads and ships, PFI/PPP, pipe laying, tunnels, pumping stations, coastal defences and effluent, and airport terminals.
His experience spans the range of different forums including mediation, adjudication, expert determination, domestic and international arbitration, and commercial court litigation. Much of his work is international in nature and throughout his career he has advised on, and appeared as advocate in, disputes in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East (he is qualified to practice in the DIFC, Dubai), and across Asia. He has been appointed by the ICC and other domestic and international bodies both as arbitrator and as legal and dispute resolution expert.
Simon also accepts appointments either as a sole arbitrator or as part of a panel and is, of course, familiar with the established domestic and international rules.
Career
LLB (Hons) (Lond). Called to Bar of England and Wales in 1988. Recorder 2003, Silk 2006. Authorised to sit in the TCC Division of the High Court 2015. Advocacy teacher for Gray's Inn. Chair of Professional Conduct Committee of the Bar 2011-2015; Member, Bar Standards Board 2011-2015.
Memberships
COMBAR, TECBAR, registered adjudicator. Qualified to appear in the DIFC, Dubai.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is highly professional and dedicated, making it a pleasure to collaborate with them. In particular, Justin Wilson stands out as an excellent clerk. He is always available to assist and is proactive in managing client relationships, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and efficiently. Highly recommended!'
- 'Great clerks. David Barnes particularly outstanding.'
- 'Excellent clerks - always very helpful and responsive and providing clear communications. Andrew Burrows and Freddie Buckle have been particularly helpful.'
- 'David Barnes has a business acumen like no other - he is extremely well connected, responds super quickly with great suggestions, is very kind.'
- 'Atkin is one of the best construction law sets with a very dynamic head clerk David Barnes who inspires confidence. The market of top quality barristers in this field is relatively small and this chambers is a go to place.'
- 'Akin Chambers has no weakest link - from junior to young silk to experienced silk.'
- 'For construction, Atkin Chambers is obviously go-to. There is very good strength-in-depth, counsel availability is good and the clerks are very well able and placed to ensure that client needs are met.'
- 'What makes the practice of Atkin Chambers unique is its vast experience and remarkable knowledge in international arbitration in construction disputes.'