Construction: Professional Negligence

Kate Livesey has a broad professional negligence practice that sees her acting in technology and construction disputes. She has appeared in multiple cases acting for civil and structural engineers.

"Kate has extraordinarily good judgement."

Lynne McCafferty KC acts in professional negligence claims for and against a broad range of construction and technology-based clients, including surveyors, architects, computing consultants and software designers. She also has considerable experience in advising professional indemnity insurers in associated coverage matters.

"Lynne has excellent attention to detail and is good with clients."

"Lynne has a real understanding of what judges are thinking."

Rachel Ansell KC impresses with her handling of negligence claims brought against engineers, contractors and other parties in connection with large construction projects, and has developed particular expertise in cases involving geotechnical engineering. In addition to her strong domestic practice, she regularly handles cases in the Middle East. Her recent cases include disputes in relation to schools, infrastructure and airports.

"Rachel is extremely diligent and hands-on. She ensures she is into the detail from when first instructed so as to ensure she is one step ahead."

"She is very user-friendly and has very sound judgement. A very strong advocate and a pleasure to work with."

Sean Brannigan KC is a renowned professional negligence silk who acts in complex and high-value claims arising out of major infrastructure and construction projects. He handles domestic and cross-border disputes, and has particular experience in Northern Ireland. His practice additionally takes in disputes arising in locations such as the United Arab Emirates.

"He's exceptional. Sean can simplify the trickiest of things and has an air of confidence about him. Clients love him."

"Sean is first class and in a league of his own. He is user-friendly, commercial and a seamless member of the team."

Simon Hale is a well-respected barrister who offers expertise in both sides of claims against construction professionals including engineers, fire engineers and architects.

A superb advocate, impressing time and time again when on his feet in court dealing with complex and evolving cases. He also provides the finest example of working with a “team first”attitude.

Simon Henderson is a strong performer in the areas of construction and information technology, and is able to advise comprehensively on professional negligence matters within these fields. He is a particularly strong choice for defending IT companies in professional negligence disputes. He also regularly represents engineers and other professionals in the construction industry.

Benjamin Pilling KC is a well-regarded silk who acts for claimants and developers in a wide array of professional negligence cases arising in the construction and information technology sectors. He is particularly well versed in claims against engineers. His clients include project managers, surveyors and architects.

"Benjamin Pilling is a leader among the next generation of construction silks."

James Bowling has strong experience of construction disputes involving professional negligence claims, particularly those associated with large energy facilities, whether in the UK or overseas. His recent work has taken in claims brought against energy consultants, quantity surveyors and others.

"James is very good with clients, extremely intelligent and a very good advocate."

Jeremy Nicholson KC is a vastly experienced silk who focuses on professional negligence claims relating to construction projects, particularly those with significant multi-party interests. He is eminently capable of handling highly technical cases concerning architects, engineers, surveyors and other construction professionals. He handles proceedings in the Dubai International Arbitration Centre and other international seats.

"Jeremy is very capable and hard-working."

Jessica Stephens KC offers considerable expertise in a range of professional negligence disputes. A notable strength is her experience of high-profile cases involving cladding.

"Jessica is phenomenally good and her cross-examination is excellent. She is robust and effective in court."

Luke Wygas is an impressive barrister who represents architects, engineers, surveyors and other professionals in negligence claims that tend to be heavy on technical detail. His practice is notably strengthened by his engineering background.

"Luke provides advice with pinpoint accuracy and with a detailed understanding of the commercial realities facing those working within construction."

Matthew Thorne frequently appears in the TCC in professional negligence cases that are often related to high-profile construction matters such as cladding issues. He has in-depth experience of matters involving residential and commercial construction design and defect disputes.

"Matthew is very responsive and has great attention to detail."

"Matthew is a first-class junior, easily holding his ground against silks, whose ranks he will soon join. He's very easy and collegiate to work with, and builds a great rapport with clients."

"He is very bright and good at getting up to speed on technical aspects of a case quickly and giving strategic advice."

Michael Douglas KC has a wide-ranging professional negligence practice encompassing claims against various individuals, including IT professionals, architects, engineers, property surveyors, insurers and solicitors. He represents both claimants and defendants.

Thomas Crangle has a strong presence in the professional negligence arena, drawing on his established reputation in general construction law. He frequently acts in cases involving surveyors and architects.

"He's fantastic, great with clients and very responsive. The quality of his work is very high."

"Thomas is great to work with and commercial."

"He is very experienced in construction professional negligence matters."

Claire Packman KC is well regarded for her construction practice and is instructed in negligence claims against architects, subcontractors and project managers. She has experience in dealing with matters in the Middle East.

"Claire Packman is a really brilliant mind and gets to the nub of the issue quickly."

James Cross KC handles an impressive array of professional negligence disputes involving property development. He is especially well versed in claims involving fires and other catastrophes caused by defective engineering and construction. He represents a wide range of clients, including insurers, engineers, contractors and public bodies.

"James provides well thought-out and relevant advice to a high standard. He provides an excellent service to clients."

Jennie Gillies has an impressively strong professional negligence practice focused on the construction industry. She has been involved in high-profile commercial-related matters as well as residential cases. She is regularly sought by designers and engineering consultants, as well as representing claimants in disputes.

"Jennie provides insightful advice and is very good at the commercial side of things."

"Jennie Gillies is able to get to the bottom of complex matters and explain them to clients in simple, understandable terms."

Martyn Naylor is very well versed in professional negligence claims, with a particular focus on the construction and technology spheres. He is frequently instructed to appear for approved inspectors, surveyors and contractors. He has significant experience in claims involving cladding issues.

"Martyn brings considerable clarity of thought to complex professional negligence claims, enabling efforts to be focused on the key issues to unlock and progress the case."

"He is highly commercial and incredibly thorough, and his drafts are watertight."

"He is really good on his feet and commanding."

Mek Mesfin has significant experience in professional negligence cases relating to construction and technology, and has appeared in the TCC, commercial courts and arbitrations. He is frequently sought out by a wide variety of clients, including engineers, property owners and architects.

"Mek is a great person to work with. He is approachable and produces work to a high standard."

"He grasps all the issues very quickly, is very responsive and is thorough in his consideration of matters."

"He is very bright and easy to work with, and has a no-nonsense approach."