Construction

39 Essex Chambers continues to provide an impressive construction law practice, and the set has notable strength at both silk and junior levels. Sources describe it as providing "an amazing stable of barristers" who are "able to offer a commercial view." The barristers are sought out by clients in the construction industry across the length and breadth of the UK, and also undertake a huge amount of international work. The set draws instructions from those on both the contractor and developer sides, including government bodies. Members of the set handle notable work in relation to high-profile residential and commercial developments, as well as cases concerning heavy engineering and infrastructure projects. This year, members have appeared in the high-profile Twickenham Stadium dispute, and members continue to advise the head of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The set's practice area expertise extends into PFI and PPP contract disputes, and the barristers have experience in complex cladding and fire safety issues.

"The clerks are prompt, diligent and honest about availability."

"Chris Jones, practice manager, is very efficient."

"They are very responsive and easy to contact."

"The clerks respond promptly and efficiently, keeping you abreast of developments at their end."

Karim Ghaly KC
Karim Ghaly KC attracts praise from industry observers for his consummate advocacy. He is regularly instructed to represent clients in TCC and appellate proceedings and in complex international arbitrations. He frequently handles cases involving energy and professional negligence issues, and is noted for his deep understanding of the mechanisms of PFI and PPP disputes. His international client base includes contractors, subcontractors and employers. "Karim provides an excellent level of service and technical knowledge." "A fluent advocate who will fight his corner hard." "Karim is flawlessly prepared, incredibly trustworthy and all-round star."

Marion Smith KC
Marion Smith KC is a high-quality silk who is recognised for her prowess in adjudications, TCC proceedings and international arbitration. She is sought after to advise on a variety of matters, including PFI, energy and engineering disputes. She is noted for her ability to establish excellent working relationships with clients. She has significant experience representing clients in domestic ADR proceedings. "Marion is outstanding in every respect. You want her in your corner." "Marion really puts clients at ease and communicates very clearly with them. She can identify what clients want to get out of the issue, and the clients can feel like they're in very safe and capable hands." "Marion Smith has a great commerciality about her."

Jess Connors
Jess Connors maintains a wide-ranging practice which covers domestic disputes alongside international arbitration. She has acted for prominent employers and contractors in disputes across the world. Her practice relates to a variety of areas including energy, infrastructure and residential developments. Her experience includes litigation involving allegedly defective cladding. "Jess is incredibly bright, conscientious and a calm head." "She's just a barrister who's completely on top of everything, who doesn't let anything pass her by, and who is possibly one of the most diligent and dedicated barristers I've ever worked with. She's just so clever."

Kate Grange KC
Kate Grange KC has a diverse construction practice that often incorporates issues of public law. She is frequently instructed in sophisticated pieces of litigation and arbitration arising out of the insurance and professional negligence elements of construction. She is best known for her role as one of the leading counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. "Kate Grange is fabulous. She is utterly over all the detail, very technically able and a very careful and thorough cross-examiner." "She shows an impressive mastery of the technical issues across multiple disciplines and handles oral witnesses expertly." "She's well prepared and good at getting on top of a range of detailed expert issues. A calm, measured and clear advocate."

Adam Robb KC
Adam Robb KC is a well-regarded practitioner who is regularly sought after by household-name law firms to assist with high-value disputes. He works in construction matters arising from a range of industry sectors including transport, energy and healthcare. He is especially proficient in litigation involving aspects of professional negligence.

Adrian Hughes KC
Adrian Hughes KC is a skilled silk with a robust domestic practice and a particular interest in infrastructure and PFI work, including disputes relating to construction projects in the healthcare sector. His international arbitration offering is notable, and he undertakes significant work in the Middle and Far East. He is also recognised for his experience acting as an arbitrator in construction and engineering disputes. "Adrian Hughes steers the work masterfully."

David Hopkins
David Hopkins is a strong barrister praised for his technical expertise in complex construction matters. He regularly appears before the TCC and has experience of public inquiries, having worked on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. "David is a pleasure to work with and combines technical excellence with nous and hard work." "David provides excellent service, particularly when participating in conferences with lay clients. He will bear in mind the overall commercial issues and the big picture, as well as the fine detail of the points in dispute."

Hannah McCarthy
Hannah McCarthy has a strong domestic construction practice. She has particular expertise and experience in disputes concerning PFI and local government contracts, as well as cases arising from housing developments. "Hannah is an absolute delight to work with." "She can pick up a case at the last minute and produce submissions of a very high standard."

Melissa Shipley
Melissa Shipley undertakes a wide range of construction-related disputes, including litigation, adjudication and various other forms of ADR. She already has notable experience in disputes arising from energy and infrastructure projects both in the UK and abroad. "Melissa's communication is excellent. She adopts a commercial approach as well as taking account of the legal complexities." "She is very user-friendly and all over the detail." "Melissa genuinely is excellent all round. She is also really good in her interaction with clients. In short, clients love her. She is straightforward and they know they can trust what she says."

Patrick Hennessey
Patrick Hennessey is an impressive junior who is sought out in a wide range of construction matters. His work includes disputes involving transport infrastructure, energy projects and property development. He provides expert representation to public and private sector employers as well as contractors, and is adept at handling international arbitration in addition to litigation proceedings. "An extremely good barrister."

Rebecca Drake
Rebecca Drake has significant experience in construction litigation and international and domestic arbitration. She has acted in transport, PFI contract and housing disputes, among a vast array of other issues. She is frequently sought as a sole counsel on matters. "Rebecca is fantastic to work with and great with clients."