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
James acts in a wide range of domestic and international disputes encompassing onshore and offshore construction and engineering, energy, technology, infrastructure and international arbitration. He is ranked in Chambers & Partners for construction litigation and international arbitration, The Legal 500 UK for construction, international arbitration and energy, and in The Legal 500 EMEA for his UAE expertise. His clients recommend him as “a rising star”, and an “exceptionally bright” and “technically excellent” barrister who has “a brilliant analytical mind”. He has an excellent reputation for trial advocacy, and his “cross-examination skills are at the level you might expect of a vastly more senior counsel”.
James appears regularly in the TCC in disputes relating to a wide range of construction projects, including large-scale residential and commercial developments, power stations and infrastructure projects. He is also regularly instructed in cases involving issues of fire safety in a wide range of projects including schools, hospitals, leisure centres and residential buildings. He has extensive experience of adjudication, acting for clients in the adjudication process itself and subsequent enforcement proceedings.
James has extensive experience of international arbitration, acting in disputes in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, the Gulf and the Far East under various institutional rules (including DIFC-LCIA, ICC and DIAC). Described as “something of an expert in Qatari, Omani and UAE-related matters”, James has extensive experience of projects in the Middle East. He has acted in numerous high value disputes in the region arising out of energy-related projects, infrastructure projects, airports, educational facilities and commercial developments.
Examples of James’ recent work include acting in a dispute concerning fire safety defects at a residential project; in adjudication proceedings concerning alleged defects in the design and construction of a ground source heating system; in multiparty TCC litigation arising out of a luxury residential redevelopment in London; in a US$1 billion dispute concerning the construction of an airport in the Middle East; in arbitration proceedings concerning the construction of a new university in Abu Dhabi; in TCC proceedings concerning liability for a major fire at a power station in the UK; and in arbitration proceedings concerning a final account dispute relating to a project to upgrade and expand an LNG process plant in the Middle East.
Career
Editor, Construction Law Reports (2014 – date)
Committee Member, Omani-British Lawyers Association (2013 – 2018)
Keating Chambers (2006 – date)
Called (2005)
Memberships
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Society of Construction Law
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Society of Construction Law (Gulf)
Omani British Lawyers Association (committee)
Education
Stonyhurst College; Selwyn College, Cambridge (2004 BA law); ICSL (2005 BVC).
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.'