CMS is geared to handle a broad range of high-profile and high-value construction projects, spanning the energy, healthcare, and housing sectors. Representative work for the group encompasses both contentious and non-contentious mandates. The team is jointly chaired by Shona Frame, who has amassed considerable experience advising on PFI and infrastructure projects, and Christine Worthington, whose practice centres on transactional matters. Fenella Mason’s disputes expertise extends across arbitration, mediation, and litigation settings. Christopher Dickson is well placed to advise clients from the transport sector, while Laura West acts for an array of contractors and developers. Karen Cossar has deep experience handling contractual matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Understanding technical points.
- We were treated as if we were one of their most important clients. The speed at which they picked up and analysed what was a hugely complex contractual position and the quality of strategic advice backed up by highly effective correspondence was exemplary.
- Shona Frame, Partner, is, in my view, an exceptional solicitor. While this was not a new view, it was reinforced by the way she handled this matter and the volume of 'hands-on' work put in over a very short time period to allow us to understand our risks and build our defenses. The quality of her legal reasoning and argument, for want of a better expression, dug us out of what could have been a very deep hole, and ended up with the claimant settling on terms that were, for us, far better than expected. Shona was very ably assisted by Keith Robertson, who showed equal professionalism and commitment.
- Chris Dickson is very good to work with, very prompt with responses, and very experienced in NEC contracts.
- Significant market presence; UK-wide reach; deep sectoral knowledge; fantastic reputation; longstanding relationship with our business - we have followed key lawyers from their previous firm to CMS.
- Caroline Maciver is possibly the best construction disputes lawyer I've worked with; she knows the sector, the industry, and the relevant law inside out but is able to distill and deliver targeted and commercial disputes advice; a trusted partner of our business and one we followed from her previous firm to CMS. Fenella Mason is a fantastic construction disputes strategist and has seen it all before and always comes out on the right side. A pleasure to work with and someone I'd hate to find on the other side of a dispute.
Key clients
- AIMCO
- EDF
- Scottish Water
- Northern Ireland Water
- Land Securities
- Tilbury Douglas
- Balfour Beatty
- Galliford Try
- Multiplex
- Laing O’Rourke
- AEW
- Cadent Gas
Work highlights
Advising Scottish Power on the procurement and framework agreements for overhead lines and sub-stations as part of the delivery of the biggest rewiring of the GB electricity grid since its inception.
Advising Uisce Éireann on procurement and contracting advice for construction and supply contracts in respect of two of Ireland’s most strategically important infrastructure projects.
Advising Derwent London Green Energy on Lochfaulds Road Solar Farm, one of the biggest in Scotland, on procuring the construction contracts for delivery and installation of 37,000 solar panels.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Fenella Mason
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
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.
Karen Cossar
Practice head
Shona Frame; Christine Worthington
Other key lawyers
Fenella Mason; Christopher Dickson; Laura West; Karen Cossar