Construction

4 Pump Court is described as a "one of the leading sets and the first point of call for complex or high-value disputes" by a happy client. This "cracking" set is known for a roster of barristers who "impress at all different levels of experience." A number of the set's silks and juniors have been instructed in highly significant cases, including in Shepherd Construction v Kingspan, a multiparty cladding claim worth nearly GBP70 million. The set's excellent domestic profile is complemented by a strong international presence, especially in the Middle East. With expertise stretching across the construction sector, the set is equipped to handle litigation arising from energy and infrastructure developments and other landmark construction projects.

"Stewart Gibbs, senior clerk, is really in a different league to a lot of barristers' clerks. He's incredibly proactive and really tries to build high-quality relationships."

"I really like dealing with 4 Pump Court. Stewart Gibbs and Billy Griffiths, practice director, are the standouts, I find them very straightforward."

"The clerking team is brilliant. They are the most user friendly of the construction sets. Sam Penny, practice manager, is excellent, he always goes the extra mile."

"The clerks are extremely pragmatic and very good at dealing with any client issues and are very approachable."

Sean Brannigan KC
Sean Brannigan KC is a top-drawer silk widely hailed for his courtroom presence. He regularly acts in high-value domestic cases and in major international arbitration seated worldwide, with an emphasis on work in the Far and Middle East. He is supremely capable in handling disputes relating to the largest projects internationally, from city-wide transport infrastructure to large-scale hospital developments. "He gets to the heart of things, and the court has a real trust in him." "Sean always vigorously argues his client's case. He's a formidable opponent." "He adapts seamlessly: he can be a sledgehammer or a fencer." "He takes a robust and direct approach to things, which is needed for very tricky cases." "Sean is simply excellent."

James Bowling
James Bowling is an excellent junior who regularly appears in both domestic and international arbitration and frequently advises on complex litigation and adjudications in the UK, as well as enforcement matters. He regularly acts unled for a client base that includes multinational corporations and national governments. His work includes construction mandates arising in the hospitality and real estate development sectors. "James Bowling has a firm grasp of TCC procedure, very balanced judgement and a very good knowledge of the law." "His knowledge is second to none. He is approachable and pragmatic." "A very beautifully prepared advocate. He's super bright and quick on his feet."

Kate Livesey
Kate Livesey is a prominent junior who frequently appears unled in the TCC and before international tribunals, with a particular emphasis on construction-related professional negligence cases. She has represented an array of clients including contractors, subcontractors and insurers in a number of high-value disputes. "Kate is absolutely outstanding. She's a real star and a go-to junior for difficult and high-value construction disputes." "She is very hard-working, very clear, very experienced and not afraid of detail."

Luke Wygas
Luke Wygas is a well-regarded junior who frequently advises on complex construction disputes, arbitrations and adjudications. He is able to draw upon his previous experience as a civil engineer to inform his burgeoning practice, particularly in areas such as concrete and nuclear projects. The geographical scope of his practice continues to expand as he handles disputes arising out of projects in Africa and Asia. "Luke is a tenacious and superbly creative advocate." "Obviously excellent." "Brilliant and technical, but with a very relaxed demeanour; he's a fantastic advocate."

Rachel Ansell KC
Rachel Ansell KC is a highly lauded advocate with a strong reputation for her high-quality casework, domestically and internationally. She has been particularly active in international arbitrations, and has advised on matters arising in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. She is regularly instructed by major clients, such as prominent contractors, on matters in the energy and transport infrastructure spheres. "Rachel is exceptionally hard-working and finds a path through even the most complex series of facts and legal issues. She is equally excellent with tribunals and clients, and is a pleasure to work with." "She gets stuck into the detail and acts like an extension of our team. A very modern barrister." "What she's always been good at is getting into the detail of a case while still looking at the bigger picture." "She's very detail-oriented, a real team player who rolls up her sleeves and just gets into it."

Thomas Crangle
Thomas Crangle is a leading junior with a robust litigation offering and a burgeoning international arbitration practice. He is increasingly acting as sole counsel in arbitration, adjudication and TCC proceedings. His experience also includes appearances before the Court of Appeal. He offers particular expertise in disputes arising from developments in the media sector. "Tom Crangle is an extremely bright, commercially minded barrister who is an exceptional advocate." "Tom is absolutely thorough in his work and is an effective and calm operator. He provides astute, timely and focused advice in a manner which is easy to consume."

Alexander Hickey KC
Alexander Hickey KC has established a thriving practice in construction-related disputes. His skills as an advocate earn him considerable praise, particularly when deployed in adjudication enforcement cases. He is increasingly involved in cases in the Middle East, especially those in the infrastructure and energy sectors. He has been particularly active in complex PFI disputes. "Alex Hickey is at the top of our list for tough, contentious litigation. He's a down-to-earth barrister who puts in the time and effort to deliver very good results."

Benjamin Pilling KC
Benjamin Pilling KC is a high-quality silk with a substantial practice in both the UK and the Middle East. He has worked in a number of large-scale construction disputes in the residential, infrastructure and transport remits. "Ben's advocacy is exceptional." "Ben offers excellent strategic thinking, elegant drafting and excellent advocacy - the whole package." "Absolutely brilliant. He's a great combination of commerciality and technical brilliance."

Lynne McCafferty KC
Lynne McCafferty KC is lauded for her skill in complex, highly technical construction disputes. Her robust domestic practice complements her impressive international arbitration offering, which is focused on the Middle East. She is particularly active in disputes involving aspects of professional negligence. She receives extensive praise for her client-friendly approach. "Lynne excels in complex and significant matters. She is a delight to work with and takes pragmatic comments and suggestions on board." "The perfect all-rounder - a pleasure to work with, fantastic technically and a very persuasive advocate." "Lynne gets up to speed very quickly with all the evidence and the key issues in matters, and her advocacy is superb." "Lynne is flexible and gives clear, concise advice. She is a great strategist and clients like her."

Sanjay Patel
Sanjay Patel has a strong reputation for his handling of complex construction and engineering disputes. He has particular expertise in rail and energy-related construction litigation. "Sanjay is brilliant - methodical but personable, he's a go-to if you ever need quick but thorough advice." "An incredibly hard-working and super-prepared barrister who can also think on his feet." "A very talented barrister with great commercial understanding."

Claire Packman KC
Claire Packman KC is a robust silk who advises a diverse client base including major contractors, engineers and developers. Her wide-reaching practice includes significant engagements in high-value adjudications and TCC cases, as well as international arbitration proceedings. She is particularly adept at dealing with disputes concerning engineering or design failures, as well as those with professional negligence elements. She receives considerable praise for her superb drafting skills. "Claire Packman is brilliant. She can get into the technical detail and understand things quickly." "She is a weaver of words, a master of strategy and a tactical advocate."

James Cross KC
James Cross KC is a highly regarded practitioner with a broad practice. He is particularly noted for his high-quality work in professional negligence-related construction matters. His clients include a wide range of prominent players in the construction industry, including government departments and major insurers from the UK and abroad. PFI and PPP-related disputes have become an especially active part of his practice. "James Cross exudes calmness and intellect. He provides deep and precise advice that invariably integrates with the wider commercial considerations and strategy."

James Leabeater KC
James Leabeater KC is frequently instructed in complex international arbitration cases as part of his impressive construction practice. He has acted in large claims nationally and internationally, including in the Middle East and Australia. He has been particularly active in disputes involving hospitality and student accommodation developments, and his broad practice includes disputes arising from the shipping industry and cladding and fire safety issues. "James is diligent, user-friendly and has excellent written work." "A superstar in the making." "He is fantastic - great on the detail and the strategy."

Jennie Gillies
Jennie Gillies is a senior junior with extensive experience of construction law disputes, as well as related professional negligence litigation. She is frequently instructed in high-value domestic claims concerning breaches of contract and defective works. "Jennie gets to the point, is helpful in her advice and thinks outside of the box when required." "Jennie is responsive to questions on strategy and plays a full part in devising the appropriate strategy for the claim in question. She is quick on her feet in hearings yet calm and considered throughout." "Jennie is a pleasure to work with and is technically brilliant."

Jeremy Nicholson KC
Jeremy Nicholson KC is a respected silk with a wealth of experience handling construction litigation and arbitrations. He is also noted for his adroit handling of construction-related professional negligence claims. He is frequently instructed in complex multiparty proceedings in the TCC. "He's a fantastic advocate with a keen eye for detail." "He is meticulous, unfailingly polite and a very persuasive advocate."

Jessica Stephens KC
Jessica Stephens KC undertakes a wide range of construction mandates, including TCC and arbitration proceedings. She is experienced with handling disputes arising out of energy projects and real estate developments in both domestic and international settings. "Jessica is bold and bright. She is excellent on her feet and provides clear advice on prospects of success and appropriate levels of settlement." "Very client-friendly, with a direct and clear style."

Simon Hale
Simon Hale has established an excellent reputation for his handling of a wide range of construction disputes both led and as sole counsel. He is well versed in a wide range of construction contracts. His practice increasingly sees him acting in international matters covering an array of jurisdictions. "He's really able to slip into our team as a member rather than being siloed. He's kept to pressured deadlines and is also a very pleasant person to work with." "Simon is very responsive, thorough, easy to deal with, and clients like him. His advocacy is also very good." "Simon is passionate about getting the strategy to get the right outcome."

Simon Henderson
Simon Henderson is a widely respected senior junior who has acted in an impressive range of construction disputes and related professional negligence claims. He acts for employers as well as contractors, and his previous work has seen him act on behalf of architects and engineers. "Simon is very user-friendly. He rolls up his sleeves and really gets stuck in."

Daniel Churcher
Daniel Churcher has an established reputation for handling a wide array of construction disputes. He acts in litigation arising out of domestic and international projects, including major residential, transport and hospitality developments, and is noted for his growing expertise in cases involving large-scale developments in the Middle East. "Dan is very diligent and hard-working. He gets across a large body of information quickly, and thinks outside the box to recommend alternative and elegant solutions and strategies." "He's clear-thinking and very diligent with great tactical overview." "He has an encyclopedic recall of the facts of the case and is a brilliant creative thinker."

Daniel Khoo
Daniel Khoo has notable experience of both UK-based and international arbitrations, adjudications and litigation, particularly including matters which relate to contracts and agreements such as NEC, FIDIC and JCT forms. His cross-border practice sees him represent clients in venues across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. "Daniel is commercially savvy and quick to get to the heart of the problem and advise accordingly."

Ed Jones
Ed Jones is increasingly well versed in handling large-scale energy and infrastructure projects, both domestically and in the Middle East. His work has included numerous adjudications, TCC litigation and international arbitration. "Intellectually very impressive with an extremely effective style of advocacy."

Matthew Thorne
Matthew Thorne has significant experience as both junior and sole counsel in major construction litigation and arbitration. He has notable expertise in cladding claims. "Matthew Thorne is smart, approachable and diligent. He always gets straight to the nub of the issues and is invariably one step ahead on strategy." "Matthew is very good at technically difficult matters."

Jonathan Lewis KC
Jonathan Lewis KC is a strong practitioner who regularly represents prominent clients such as major public bodies and large contractors. He has acted in high-profile disputes, adjudications and arbitrations. He has experience handling disputes relating to oil and gas infrastructure, transportation and housing developments. "Jonathan is a pragmatic, commercially minded barrister who is delightful to work with and who gets on well with clients." "He's very focused, very strong and very personable." "Jonathan is very strong, very direct and always has an answer and opinion on the case."