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
Jennie is a well-regarded and experienced specialist in oral and written advocacy in high-value, and complex, construction and energy disputes, resolved by way of arbitration or litigation.
Jennie was recently awarded “Construction Junior of the Year” for 2024 at the Legal 500 MENA Awards.
She is ranked as a leading junior by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 in Construction, Energy, International Arbitration and the Middle East. She has been described as “a legal wizard”, “a master tactician”, “meticulous and thorough”, “user-friendly and down-to-earth”, being “strategic and thoughtful”, having “an elegant drafting style”, “undaunted by large and complex cases”, “someone you want on your team” and “in reality, already a star”. She is also featured in a text of “40 under 40” rising arbitral practitioners from around the world.
Jennie’s practice is a balance of international arbitration and domestic litigation. Her experience includes four international airports, four power stations (including the world’s largest air-cooled and photovoltaic stations), three major hospitals, roads and tunnels and a national water network. Her arbitral experience includes disputes subject to the ICC, DIAC, ADCCAC, MCCI and UNCITRAL rules concerning projects in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Australia, South Africa, Slovakia and Mauritius. Her recent domestic instructions include: (i) Building Safety Act 2022 cladding and fire safety matters, (ii) adjudication enforcements; (iii) “live” advice in relation to major London infrastructure/development projects; and (iv) a major PFI termination account dispute.
Jennie contributes to the Construction Law Reports, Keating on Construction Contracts, Keating on JCT, Keating on Offshore Construction and Marine Engineering, PLC and Halsbury’s Laws.
Before coming to the Bar, Jennie worked at the Law Commission on the reform of insurance law, unfair contract terms and fiduciary duties and prior to that, in Australia, at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office and for the Principal Judge of the Victorian Commercial Court.
Career
Australian Wheat Board (2008-2009); Victorian Government Solicitors Office (Melbourne) (2009-2010); associate to the Honourable Justice Hargrave, Supreme Court of Victoria (Melbourne) (2010-2011); The Law Commission (2011-2013); called to the Bar (2013); Inner Temple; pupillage Keating Chambers (2013-2014); tenant 2014 to date.
Languages
English, French (basic).
Memberships
- SCL
- TECBAR
- COMBAR
- LCLCBA
- Young ICCA
- Arbitral Women
Education
University of Nottingham, LLB (Hons) Law with Australian Law (First Class); City University, Bar Professional Training Course (Distinction).
Content supplied by Keating Chambers
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.'