International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7822 2000Chambers Review
4 New Square Chambers enjoys a strong reputation for its international arbitration offering. The bench is composed of senior practitioners that interviewee sources believe to be at the "top of their game, exceedingly well respected and extremely knowledgeable". The barristers advise contractors, project owners, architects, engineers and government parties on disputes. The team has notable experience representing parties in arbitrations concerning megaprojects, such as traditional and renewable energy platforms and civilian infrastructure projects. The team has conducted proceedings under the auspices of the major institutional authorities, such as the ICC, UNCITRAL, the LCIA, DIAC and ADCCAC. Regional expertise includes the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
Lizzy Stewart is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks at 4 New Square are all a pleasure to work with and understand the clients' needs."
"The clerks are very proactive and provide a good service. They know what and who we're looking for, and they get the job done."
"The clerking team is very strong and very easy to deal with. They are commercial, and look to try and find solutions on fees when needed."
"The clerks at 4 New Square are all a pleasure to work with and understand the clients' needs."
"The clerks are very proactive and provide a good service. They know what and who we're looking for, and they get the job done."
"The clerking team is very strong and very easy to deal with. They are commercial, and look to try and find solutions on fees when needed."
Notable Practitioners
Roger Stewart KC is a well-respected KC with an impressive international arbitration practice. His work has traditionally focused on construction and professional negligence cases but also extends to other areas. His experience includes arbitrations concerning technology, commercial and residential developments, and airport and maritime projects. He has accrued significant knowledge of handling high-value claims and counterclaims.
"Roger is the best courtroom advocate I know. His advocacy and performances are masterclasses in the subtleties of how to immerse yourself in a case and run it as a leader."
"Roger Stewart is my first pick of KC because he's one of the brightest of the generation, one of the best cross-examiners and somebody that will give clear advice that the client can comprehend."
Tim Chelmick is renowned for his ability to provide counsel on arbitrations in the Middle East. He is well versed in handling matters arising from infrastructure projects. He has considerable experience acting in proceedings under the auspices of ICC.
"Tim is an excellent advocate and is without question someone who you want on your team. He's excellent at quickly and easily digesting complex technical issues and presenting those to the tribunal."
"Tim stands out in the market because he is very skilled at getting up to speed quickly on technical matters. He is a big asset in complex cases, far above his peers."
"Timothy Chelmick is well versed in this area and possesses high skills both in advocacy as well as in temperament and understanding of the field. He's a winner in all respects."
Cyril Chern earns praise for his deep expertise in the construction and engineering space, honed over a distinguished 40-year career. He is considered a go-to choice of counsel for bet-the-farm disputes concerning mega-projects across the world. He has particular experience advising across Africa and Asia. He is qualified as a chartered architect, structural engineer and arbitrator, bringing further value to his clients.
"Dr Chern is one of the most pre-eminent barristers practising in the UK and internationally. He has a meticulous eye for detail. He's a real leader in the field of construction and engineering."
"As an advocate, Dr Chern is at the pinnacle of the profession both in his supreme knowledge of the law and also in his advocacy skills, which make him pre-eminent as a barrister."