Projects, energy and natural resources
CMS’s standout construction team plays a central role in delivering complex, high-value development schemes, from large-scale urban regeneration to critical infrastructure refurbishments. Led by the highly experienced Chris Hallam, the team is a go-to for both transactional work and complex PFI/PPP disputes, including matters before the Technology & Construction Court. Hallam brings over 25 years’ expertise in drafting and negotiating contracts across construction, energy, and infrastructure. Chris Henshaw advises public and private sector clients on procurement strategy, while Nick Case reinforces the contentious offering with a focus on adjudication and litigation. Jack Duncanson and Charlotte Eccles are also integral to the team’s delivery.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Profile
Position
Partner
Career
Chris specialises in construction, engineering and infrastructure projects and has advised on some of the most high profile projects to have been procured in the UK.
He has particular expertise advising on the construction and engineering aspects of complicated projects including in the PFI and PPP arena. Chris has extensive experience of construction procurement and support businesses with their strategy and contractual approach, to ensure that the best commercial model is adopted. He has extensive experience negotiating and drafting EPC/D&B contracts across various sectors and is fully cognisant of the requirements of the various stakeholders, in particular the project funders. His experience of working with the construction supply chain means he also understands the issues that will be of most concern to them – allowing time to be spent more efficiently and effectively on what really matters.
Memberships
- Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors
- Society of Construction Law
Education
- 1996 – 1997 - PG Dip Legal Practice, Legal, Distinction - Nottingham Law School
- 1993 – 1996 – Law (LL.B Hons), Legal, 2:1 – The Nottingham Trent University
- 1990 – 1992 – St Thomas Aquinas College
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very close relationship between the contentious and non-contentious construction teams. A group of colleagues who share the same ethos of providing a first rate client service.'
- 'Nick Case's recent elevation to partner demonstrates his qualities as a lawyer. He is diligent, hard working, commercial and pleasant to deal with.'
- 'Superb mix of contentious and non-contentious construction skill-sets, within a collaborative and well-established team of expertise.'
- 'Chris Hallam continues to provide stand-out strategic advice in an ever-changing infrastructure landscape. He is my 'go-to' adviser and his team is exceptional in continuing his pragmatic approach to problem solving.'
Key clients
- AtkinsRealis
- Mace Construction
- The MEH SZC Alliance
- Sanofi SA
- Dragados Construction
- Polish Government
- Sargent & Lundy Engineers
- Flour B.V
- Equitix
- National Grid Electricity Transmission
- Equans Group
- Balfour Beatty
Work highlights
Advising separate joint ventures comprising international contractors on the C3&4 new build nuclear plant.
Advising Sanofi on 5 multi-million consultant framework appointments across various disciplines.
Advising five nuclear contractors on the £4 billion Sizewell C MEH alliance contract.