The ‘approachable and knowledgeable team’ at Hawkswell Kilvington Limited offers comprehensive advice and solutions across all aspects of construction and engineering law. Their expertise spans drafting, reviewing, and amending bespoke and standard form construction contracts and subcontracts, as well as resolving disputes through mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and litigation. Based in Leeds, the team is jointly led by Daniel Silberstein, Thomas Salter, and Rachel Heald. Silberstein focuses on complex disputes involving building safety, defects, and professional negligence claims against architects and engineers. Salter has extensive experience handling cases related to extensions of time, non-payment, and contract formation, while Heald specialises in bespoke and standard form construction contracts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Approachable and knowledgeable team who take time to understand what matters most to their clients and then work hard to provide that outcome for them. Grasp concepts that other, higher profile firms seemed to struggle with.'
- ‘Thomas Salter and Jonathan Robson provide clear advice that is presented plainly and simply. They are very easy to engage with and apply a logical approach to all issues, always in the context of economic justification.’
- ‘The individuals "speak our language" and make the process easy and comfortable, whilst giving you the confidence that you're in safe hands - specific mention is given to Thomas Salter and Jonathan Robson whom have been extremely helpful in recent dispute and claims.’
- ‘The team at Hawkswell Kilvington offer a first class client service, combining technical legal know-how and strategy with a friendliness and approachability. This boutique firm is big enough to have the coverage and expertise we need, but small enough for us to feel we know all involved and that we are an important client.'
- ‘Gary Ashton and Prudence Walton are both outstanding individuals. Gary, in particular, is an exceptional lawyer who is highly organised, extremely efficient and knowledgeable offering well researched, honest and pragmatic advice. Gary remains our go-to lawyer in the industry, and we would recommend him without hesitation.’
- ‘Over the years, we have had excellent service from this practice. An honest approach, and they are very knowledgeable of our business and aware and understanding of our expectations.’
Key clients
- Electricity North West Ltd
- Altrad Group
- Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd
- Vinci Construction UK Ltd
Work highlights
Advised Midgard City Ltd, part of JRL Group, on the negotiation of the contract documents for a £60m London office building refurbishment.
Advised Jackson Remediation Limited on multiple adjudications arising from HS2 ground remediation works, culminating in the successful resolution of the final account.
Advising a main contractor on a series of recovery claims exceeding £50m on fire safety matters. This involved a series of TCC proceedings focusing on contribution claims and issues regarding insurance policy coverage.
Lawyers
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.
Practice head
Daniel Silberstein; Thomas Salter; Rachel Heald
Other key lawyers
Gary Ashton; Jonathan Robson; Prudence Walton; Matthew Leonard