Construction: Professional Negligence
UK Bar Guide 2025 : All Circuits
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7822 2000Chambers Review
4 New Square fields a wide array of professional negligence expertise to both claimants and defendants in claims stemming from the construction industry. Its members are much in demand for matters concerning architects and engineers, but also other technical professions such as designers of software or IT infrastructure. The set frequently acts in relation to high-value, complex and sensitive matters, including a number of post-Grenfell cladding-related claims. Recently, members have appeared in Laing O'Rourke Delivery Limited v Medical Architecture and Art Projects Limited, a claim related to a facility for mental health treatment. A source states: "4 New Square Chambers is a go-to for professional negligence claims."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"An excellent clerking team that is responsive and reliable. They can always be trusted to make appropriate recommendations and relied on to find counsel when you need them urgently."
"Senior team clerk James Barrass is responsive and keen to assist."
"The clerks are always extremely responsive and engaged."
"An excellent clerking team that is responsive and reliable. They can always be trusted to make appropriate recommendations and relied on to find counsel when you need them urgently."
"Senior team clerk James Barrass is responsive and keen to assist."
"The clerks are always extremely responsive and engaged."
Notable Practitioners
Ben Patten KC runs an impressive and wide-ranging professional negligence practice focusing in particular on claims arising in the construction and technology sectors. He acts for both claimants and defendants in negligence actions involving engineers, contractors, architects and other professionals, and is a recognised contributor to the body of writing on professional negligence.
"Ben is great to work with. He is very accessible and good on strategy."
"He is a steady hand and you always feel very assured when he is involved."
Roger Stewart KC is a well-regarded construction specialist who acts for claimants and defendants in complex professional negligence disputes. He is also well versed in related insurance claims and in international arbitration. He has experience of acting in appellate matters, including before the Supreme Court.
"He is one of the best cross-examiners; he's somebody that will give clear advice that the client will comprehend."
Siân Mirchandani KC is experienced in a variety of construction-related negligence areas, representing civil engineers, developers and architects, as well as software engineers. She represents both claimants and defendants, and is often involved in disputes involving highly technical elements.
"She really does want to get into the detail and is really looking to put a positive foot forward."
Lucy Colter is adept at handling negligence claims against architects and engineers. She has particular expertise in working in disputes involving listed or protected buildings. She has demonstrated superior advocacy skills when acting unled.
"Lucy is extremely hard-working and impressive."
Tim Chelmick is a highly regarded professional negligence barrister who represents architects and engineers as well as claimant employers, main contractors and others. His background in chemistry and IT enables him to excel in particularly technical cases.
"Tim is very bright and good with difficult clients. He provides robust advice."
Tom Asquith has strong experience of appearing in TCC disputes, representing contractors, architects and surveyors. His expertise includes cladding and fire safety issues.
"Tom is an impressive barrister who clients like instantly. He is able to explain complex legal points in a clear way that is easily consumed by clients."
"He provides excellent client service and makes efforts to always be available to work through matters with solicitor clients."
Chris Greenwood's well-established professional negligence practice sees him acting in high-stakes construction-related matters. He is regularly sought by owners, developers, engineers and architects in claims involving commercial and residential properties. He has impressive experience of appearing in High Court claims.
"Christopher is capable and very keen to help."
Hugh Saunders has a solid professional negligence practice and vast experience in construction and technology cases, having previously been a software engineer. He is well versed in defective design claims, acting for both claimants and defendants.
"Hugh Saunders is very good."
"Hugh is very good at identifying key issues in professional negligence disputes."
"He is a very sound, reliable pair of hands."