Carson McDowell has a strong offering of contract, planning, and procurement advice. Stuart Murphy leads the practice. Murphy is particularly well-known for his disputes practice, often representing contractors in claims concerning collateral warranty, disputed liability, and extensions of time. John Dugdale excels in drafting and negotiating the full suite of construction contracts which developers require, such as building contracts, professional team appointments, and collateral warranties. Senior associate Gavin Kerr regularly supports the practice on matters regarding construction due diligence and negotiating various supply contracts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A very knowledgeable, capable and reliable team. On major projects, it is extremely helpful that the in-house teams in Carsons collaborate so effectively without too much input from the client. This leads to a more responsive and agile legal team. ’
‘Stuart Murphy gives very clear and strong advice, especially in disputes. I wouldn't want to be in a dispute without him.'
‘Carson McDowell in our experience are a one-stop practice with expertise in all the different types of law which keeps everything in house and in turn tends to make working with them more personable.’
‘John Dugdale is professional, yet friendly with a very good way of explaining legal terms to someone with no legal training, he also appears to keep up to date in all construction law matters. We have no hesitation in recommending John to anyone requiring advice or help with construction law.’
‘Commercial foresight. Provision of easy understandable legal advice. Quick response. Always willing to help.’
‘John Dugdale has excellent knowledge of construction contracts, pleasant disposition, and commercial foresight.
‘We have followed John Dugdale from his previous employers as we find him a leader in his field. John provides clear, robust and consistent legal advice in easily understood terms. John responds quickly and has an engaging positive attitude. ’
‘Carson McDowell have an extremely knowledgeable team who fully understand every facet of a construction project from the individual team members, their appointments and their involvement in any construction project.’
Key clients
- Belfast Harbour Commissioners
- Translink
- McAleer and Rushe
- GRAHAM
- Gilbert-Ash
- Queen’s University, Belfast
- Royal Portrush Golf Club
- Education Authority
- Ulster University
- Oakland Holdings
Work highlights
- Acting for McAleer & Rushe in relation to its tender for the Weavers Cross development – a 1.3 million sq. foot mixed use regeneration project in central Belfasst.
- Advising Belfast International Airport in relation to the drafting and negotiation of construction contract documents for a major extension to the main terminal building, including an enhanced security area.
- Acted for the main contractor (Turkington) in relation to the contract documents for the design and construction of an 11-storey student accommodation building at York Street, Belfast.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Stuart Murphy
Other key lawyers
John Dugdale; Gavin Kerr