Boasting in-depth expertise across a range of construction and engineering disputes and arbitrations, Keating Chambers is considered a ‘second to none’ for transport infrastructure, oil and gas, high-rise developments and energy related disputes with an ’exceptional bench’. Simon Hughes KC disputes arising out of energy construction projects in the region, while Marc Rowlands KC has extensive experience in rail related disputes. Timothy Elliott KC and Krista Lee KC are both experienced construction arbitrators and have an active Middle East practice. Jennie Wild and James Thompson handle energy, infrastructure and airport related disputes and James Frampton acts in projects in Qatar and the UAE.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
Krista Lee is a specialist in engineering, construction, and energy disputes. She is reputed for her “very incisive manner, forthright at putting forward strong opinions, and excellent judgement”. Her engineering background gives her an edge in understanding a range of technical and design issues. She is also very adept at dealing with all forms of delay analysis.
Krista is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Chartered Arbitrator and is regularly appointed by the ICC and LCIA. As counsel, she has experience of international and domestic arbitration using the ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, SIAC and other ad hoc rules. She has made arbitration applications and appeals to the High Court.
Krista has been involved in several high profile projects, including acting for: the contractor in the final account dispute relating to the design of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai; the MOD in a £100m dispute over the nuclear submarine berth in Faslane; contractors involved in Hinkley Point C nuclear power station; the energy companies in claims concerning the engineering of the UK’s largest offshore windfarm; and the Olympic Delivery Authority.
She has worked on projects concerning power stations, wind farms, solar farms, electrical and gas infrastructure, telecoms, railways, roads, chemical and food processing plants, entertainment venues, factories, shopping centres, housing projects, hospitals and hotels both in the UK and overseas.
Krista has a detailed knowledge of all the major forms of construction/engineering contracts and partnering agreements including JCT, FIDIC, ICE, ACE, IMechE and RIBA. She has a particular interest in NEC3 and NEC4 and was one of the authors of Keating on NEC.
Career
Silk: 2020; Called 1996; chartered arbitrator 2007; TECBAR-accredited adjudicator 2007; TECBAR panel of arbitrators 2013.
Languages
German.
Memberships
Fellow Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Institute of Mechanical Engineers
London Court of International Arbitration
Technology and Construction Bar Association
Society of Construction Law
Education
University College, Oxford (1995 BA Hons Jurisprudence; 1997 BCL; 2001 MA); Open University (2003 BSc Hons engineering mechanics, materials, thermofluids, heat transfer, inorganic chemistry); Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Award Writing Examination; Associated Membership of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Keating Chambers' specialist ADR Clerk Ollie Goldsmith is helpful, charming and completely on the ball.'
- 'Sam Kennett and James Luxmoore stand out - approachable, knowledgeable, organised and hard working. Exceptional service received from them and a pleasure to work with.'
- 'Also very positive. Stand out individuals are Sam Kennett and James Luxmoore. They are very approachable, they understand the issues and logistics of the case and are alive to the client's position and concerns.'
- 'The Clerks room is stellar. James Luxmoore and Will Shrubsall are terrific leaders. They are quick to reply and always offer helpful and timely guidance.'
- 'Keating Chambers are up there with the best specialist construction chambers.'
- 'Keating is second to none in terms of construction sets. They have an exceptional bench and the clerking team has an excellent knowledge of each barrister's strengths; they are always able to recommend the right person for the job.'
- 'Keating Chambers are very helpful and proactive. James Luxmore is very good to deal with.'
- 'Keating Chambers is one of our go-to sets where we are instructed on a large construction project or infrastructure dispute. There are a number of strong barristers whether for counsel instructions or for appointment as arbitrators.'