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
Simon Hughes KC is a specialist silk in major construction, engineering, shipbuilding and other off-shore and energy related disputes. He was “Construction Silk of the Year” at the Inaugural Legal 500 Middle East Awards in 2024 and was previously awarded “Construction and Energy Silk of the Year” for 2019 by the Legal 500.
He comes recommended for his client-focused approach, understanding of the technicalities of disputes and his “exceptional” advocacy, cross-examination, and advice. Simon has been fortunate to have acted on some of the largest, and most challenging, heavy civil engineering disputes of the day (including a great deal of highway/highway infrastructure and associated geotechnical work). Simon is ranked in the ‘Star’ category in Chambers & Partners for Construction and is also in the very top ranking in Chambers & Partners (Band 1) for International Arbitration. There are only a few silks with these dual top-ranking and this reflects Simon’s stellar practice for major clients and leading law firms. Simon has been ranked in Who’s Who’s Legal as a Thought Leader in Construction and recommended in Arbitration and Construction.
Simon has been involved in disputes involving most standard form contracts used for substantial projects including the JCT standard forms, ICE 5th and 6th editions, the NEC, IChemE, FIDIC (Green, Red, Yellow and Silver Books), and derivative standard form agreements. He has particular experience of FIDIC forms and the NEC.
Simon has particular experience of international power-plant disputes, major infrastructure projects and shipbuilding work, particularly in the Far East, and in disputes where the governing law is not English law. He has represented and advised clients on disputes in KSA, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Australia, Dubai and other parts of the UAE, Oman, various islands within the Caribbean and New Zealand. Simon has significant experience of working with Korean clients, and particular major Korean contractors, in connection with the mega-projects in which they are often play a crucial role.
He has also been admitted to the Bar in Trinidad & Tobago and New Zealand for specific cases.
Whilst a lot of Simon’s work involves arbitration – and he has experience of over 20 different national legal systems being the law of the contract – he is also well-known as a court advocate, both in the TCC and Commercial Court in London, and has been successful in a large number of reported cases.
Disputes in the energy sector are a central part of Simon’s practice as a senior KC. Simon’s disputes and advisory practice encompasses construction of power-generating facilities across the whole spectrum of fuels; transportation and sale of oil, gas and electricity; drilling and exploration disputes; nuclear new-build and decommissioning disputes; and significant work in the generation of electricity through wind & wave, together with associated projects in involving energy storage technologies.
Simon has the great privilege of being the editor, with Sir Vivian Ramsey and Piers Stansfield KC, of Keating on Construction Contracts (12th edition); and he is also an editor of the Construction Law Reports.
Career
Public Access Training, 2015
Queen Counsel, 2011
Judicial Assistant to the Court of Appeal, 1997
Keating Chambers, 1996
Called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn), 1995
Languages
German.
Memberships
Member of the Society of Construction Law
Member of Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Member of Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Education
Magdalen College, Oxford (Scholar Double 1st Class).
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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.'