Construction

Described by one source as being "a class act," Atkin Chambers is the "set of choice" for construction with an outstanding bench of barristers, from market-leading silks to rising star juniors. Individuals here are eminently capable of handling the full spectrum of construction disputes including the highest-value and most complex proceedings both domestically and internationally. The set regularly handles cases concerning infrastructure and high-profile developments across a number of industry sectors. Clients of the set include the largest developers, contractors and insurers in the UK and globally. Notably, the past year has seen members of chambers represent Morrisons in Wm Morrison Supermarkets v Lorien Engineering. Members of chambers also represent victims in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"Director of clerking David Barnes is a legend at the Bar and is wonderfully commercial and sensible."

"I am always confident that, when dealing with Atkin and its clerks, I will receive top service levels and responsiveness."

"The clerks are very attentive and quick at responding, with aspects shared seamlessly among the clerks to ensure no loss of service."

"Andrew Burrows, senior practice manager, David Barnes and Rob Bryant, senior practice manager, provide excellent service."

David Streatfeild-James KC
David Streatfeild-James KC is a highly lauded silk who is routinely instructed on the most technically complex construction litigation and arbitration. He receives praise for the high calibre of his written and oral advice. He is a leading figure in significant road and other transport infrastructure disputes, particularly those involving PFI or PPP contracts. He has a wealth of experience in both Court of Appeal and Supreme Court proceedings. "David Streatfeild-James is a real brainbox. We always favour him when working on high-value, high-risk matters; he always gives insightful yet practical and useful advice." "David is one of the best in this arena." "He is simply brilliant."

Manus McMullan KC
Manus McMullan KC is a star silk who draws praise for his advocacy skills and tactical nous. He regularly acts in high-value construction disputes and arbitrations around the world and is particularly good at infrastructure disputes. He also boasts a terrific track record in construction-related professional indemnity and insurance matters. Energy and natural resources is another area of sterling sector expertise. "A top construction silk." "Manus McMullan is brilliant in all facets; his advocacy is inspiring and he is incredibly cool under the highest of pressures. Manus is also a pleasure to work with, day in, day out." "He is excellent in court."

Stephanie Barwise KC
Stephanie Barwise is a top-drawer silk who advises on high-value adjudications and TCC litigation. She has a diverse practice ranging across areas such as housing disputes and energy projects. She has notable expertise in fire safety and cladding issues. "Stephanie Barwise KC will fight her cause all-in with a huge amount of determination and a lot of intelligence. She leaves no stone unturned, and the best case that can be put forward will be." "Stephanie Barwise has everything you want from a silk. She is completely and utterly brilliant, she knows and grasps complex topics extremely quickly, and she is unbelievably knowledgeable and strategically excellent." "She has a tremendous grasp of construction law and its application and gets into the weeds exceptionally quickly, while still maintaining a holistic and strategic view of the bigger picture."

Stuart Catchpole KC
Stuart Catchpole KC is a masterful construction silk extolled for his courtroom presence and intellectual prowess. He has a renowned domestic practice and is widely respected for his international arbitration work. He handles professional negligence and contractual disputes on behalf of prominent clients in the construction industry. He remains highly sought after by clients involved in disputes arising from major transport infrastructure and natural resources projects. "Stuart Catchpole is an excellent advocate and a great team player. His attention to detail is second to none." "A leader at the construction Bar. If you've got a big fight on your hands, he's the one to go to." "He is my go-to silk for anything and everything. I get him involved in the big cases. He's superb. He's an excellent cross-examiner, gets stuck in and is well liked."

Andrew Fenn
Andrew Fenn is a sought-after junior who often appears unled in domestic litigation and international arbitration. He advises on a range of matters including student accommodation projects and final account disputes. He is increasingly concentrating his practice on overseeing the ongoing consequences of the collapse of the Carillion Group. "Andrew Fenn is the complete advocate and a pleasure to work with." "Andrew is able to get across complex technical and legal matters very quickly, is patient and empathetic with client concerns and is an excellent team member to work alongside." "He's at the top of my list for construction barristers."

Andrew White KC
Andrew White KC is a highly distinguished silk offering sophisticated advice across areas such as oil and gas and renewables. He regularly advises major clients in high-profile construction disputes at both the national and international levels. He has experience representing both private companies and government bodies. "Andrew provides great advocacy, leadership and strategic thinking." "Andrew is able to grapple with complex construction contract provisions and provides practical advice to clients." "Andrew is a very good strategist, is excellent on his feet and is very likeable too."

Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC provides stellar representation to clients in high-stakes domestic and international construction disputes. Her broad experience includes disputes arising out of infrastructure projects as well as residential and industrial developments. She is adept at handling international arbitrations in addition to TCC cases and adjudications. "Chantal-Aimée Doerries is a class act." "She is one of the best." "A real intellectual titan."

Katie Powell
Katie Powell is a notable junior who frequently appears in significant litigation, including complex multiparty actions, before the TCC and in arbitration. She is especially well versed in construction disputes involving elements of professional negligence and insurance. "Katie Powell is excellent. She is very good at reading judges." "She's a great advocate. She's commercially aware and precise." "Her written work is brilliant and she has a wonderful rapport with clients."

Lucie Briggs
Lucie Briggs has a market-leading construction practice and frequently appears in cases containing a professional negligence element. She acts in both domestic and international disputes and offers expertise across a range of sectors, including energy and commercial property. She has recent experience of social infrastructure and PFI-related cases. "Lucie Briggs is user-friendly, down to earth and accessible. She understands the commercial aspects of the dispute and is able to get to grips with complex engineering/architectural/surveying matters." "Lucie is an excellent junior counsel. She is well organised and fully grapples with all pertinent issues in the case." "Lucie is really user-friendly and very good in all respects. She has excellent drafting and is very good in conferences. She has an excellent manner about her, is very bright and knows the law."

Stephen Dennison KC
Stephen Dennison KC is a prominent silk who is noted for his expertise in both domestic disputes and international arbitration. He is an experienced litigator who regularly acts for significant clients, particularly in the energy, transport and engineering sectors. He has a strong command of ADR methods. "Stephen Dennison is calmness personified. He does exactly what you want from a silk: he comes in from above, has a look, identifies the key points, calms everyone down and tells you the truth." "Stephen is great. He can command a room but is good with clients. He's sharp and knows what he's doing."

Steven Walker KC
Steven Walker KC is a talented strategist who regularly acts for contractors in a wide range of disputes, both nationally and internationally. He has a stellar reputation for his work in domestic adjudications and regularly appears before the TCC. His diverse practice is well suited to disputes involving large-scale residential developments and public projects. "Steven Walker is just breathtaking. He demonstrates absolute mastery of the papers and is able to turn work around of the highest quality in no time at all." "He provides advice which is easy to understand, detailed and clearly addresses the key issues for the client." "Stephen combines intellectual robustness, an attention to detail that is second to none and an utterly charming personality; clients love him." "A detailed advice was turned around quickly in a format that could be easily digested."

Dominique Rawley KC
Dominique Rawley KC is a sought-after silk with a particular focus on domestic infrastructure matters and disputes arising from PPP and PFI arrangements. She is a regular participant in proceedings at the TCC and also has an active international arbitration practice. She is particularly adept at handling professional negligence disputes arising out of construction projects. Cases arising from the waste-to-energy sector are also an area of specific expertise. "Dominique is very capable, with an effortless and accessible style. She is good with clients and has good advocacy skills. She has the ear of the court and never says more than necessary." "Dominique is excellent. She is in tune with the client's strategy and approach."

Edmund Neuberger
Edmund Neuberger is a highly rated junior who frequently appears in both domestic and international arbitrations. He is increasingly instructed as sole counsel on cases, and represents a wide range of clients from across the construction industry. He handles disputes occurring in a range of sectors, from energy and utilities to residential developments. He also offers notable experience in PFI-related litigation. "Edmund is a very good construction barrister. He has strong clarity of thought and an ability to cut through information to what is important. His drafting skills are particularly valued." "Edmund provides excellent client service and gets under the skin of the issues. He has a great way of diplomatically challenging the direction of a case and pulling a team together."

Fiona Parkin KC
Fiona Parkin KC is a noteworthy silk who acts in TCC litigation, appellate cases and international arbitration. She frequently represents public bodies and private contractors in disputes arising from large infrastructure projects and has good expertise relating to PFI and PPP contractual issues. She has excellent additional sector expertise in energy and natural resources-related projects. "Fiona is academically on point, very personable and sharp on her feet." "Fiona is an excellent all-rounder. She insists on being on top of the detail and prepares meticulously."

Nicholas Dennys KC
Nicholas Dennys KC is a highly regarded silk with a strong international practice. He is particularly noted for his vast experience working with government bodies and large multinational organisations. He regularly advises on major projects, covering areas such as transport infrastructure, utilities, and oil and gas. "Nicholas Dennys is a very easygoing, amenable and clever guy who obviously knows the law and produces persuasive documents; he's an easy barrister to get on with." "He is a compelling advocate with bags of gravitas. Nicholas is laser sharp and takes a very commercial approach in his analysis of the merits."

Omar Eljadi
Omar Eljadi undertakes a broad array of construction mandates, from TCC proceedings to international arbitrations and public inquiries. His experience includes domestic and international disputes relating to construction projects in the residential and healthcare sectors. "Omar Eljadi has excellent drafting skills." "Omar is exceptionally strong; he knows the law brilliantly. He's an excellent researcher and is wonderful at navigating legal complexities."

Patrick Clarke
Patrick Clarke is a noted junior with a professional engineering background whose attention to detail is widely admired by fellow practitioners. He advises on a range of matters, domestic and abroad, with a particular emphasis on public sector facilities and infrastructure works. "Patrick has the ability to maintain composure in the face of an impending deadlines, which makes him easy to work with and gives the client and his instructing solicitors confidence in his capacity as a trusted adviser." "Patrick is hard-working, always approachable and good-humoured."

Rónán Hanna
Rónán Hanna is a strong junior with experience in a number of sectors, including energy and transport infrastructure. He has advised purchaser and contractor clients on litigation and arbitration, both in the UK and internationally. He is experienced in disputes in the Middle East and North Africa. "Rónán Hanna is able to produce compelling and detailed legal submissions on difficult facts and is also helpful in advising our client directly." "Rónán is excellent and a real pleasure to work with. He grasps complex issues very quickly and is able to explain them to clients in a straightforward manner." "He's a very clever, brilliant all-rounder with great attention to detail who is very good on strategy."

Simon Lofthouse KC
Simon Lofthouse KC maintains an impressive construction practice with noted capabilities in international arbitration. He acts for a range of major clients from across the globe, including governments and contractors. He is typically instructed to handle disputes arising in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is well suited to cases involving complex technical issues and delay claims. "Simon Lofthouse is always reliable. You can always trust him to give a very commercial analysis of the merits of the case." "He is the most well-prepared advocate I have ever worked with. He reads every document and gets into every detail." "His preparation goes beyond meticulous - it's surgical. I've never seen anyone as prepared as him ever. "

Christopher Lewis KC
Christopher Lewis KC maintains an impressive reputation among peers and clients for his ability to handle construction and engineering disputes. Many of his cases involve information technology, energy and infrastructure projects. He is regularly instructed on domestic and international disputes, and demonstrates strength across a variety of forms including TCC litigation, mediation and international arbitration. "Christopher Lewis is just fantastic. He has an incredible ability to get on top of detail, incredible precision in how he presents and a prodigious work ethic." "Christopher Lewis is not only the most intelligent counsel I have ever had the chance to work with, but he is also a brilliant advocate and a complete pleasure to work with at all times." "Christopher really gets into it and tries to find the commercial way forward."

David Johnson
David Johnson has an impressive construction practice, which sees him frequently engaged in technically complex disputes. He represents contractors as well as employers and is regularly instructed in international construction matters, including in the Middle East. "David Johnson is very bright and a real pleasure to work with." "David is very good at grappling with complex technical points, and not just strong on the law but also on the general construction issues."

Felicity Dynes
Felicity Dynes is a strong choice to handle high-stakes construction and related professional negligence claims. She is also frequently instructed to advise on construction contracts. She has experience representing clients in domestic and cross-border disputes. "She's very clever, clients trust her, and she's very good at getting into the detail." "Felicity Dynes is exceptionally easy to work with." "She is a very strong junior with an excellent grasp of detail." "She's very assured, very calm and confident, and when she gives her opinion it's very thorough and good."

James Howells KC
James Howells KC advises on claims relating to design and construction defects in domestic disputes. His well-regarded practice also includes a strong international arbitration element predominantly focused in the Gulf and East Asia. He receives praise for his compelling advocacy and exceptional analytical skills. He is especially active in litigation involving transport and social infrastructure projects. "James Howells has a wealth of expertise and great client skills coupled with strong commerciality." "James is outstanding - ferociously hard-working with an unbelievable eye for detail while also having an excellent sense of the view from 30,000 feet as well." "He's a super brain. Someone you'd go to if you absolutely want to know the right answer." "Clearly a bright guy and a very impressive barrister; he's very strong in writing."

Martin Bowdery KC
Martin Bowdery KC is an experienced silk who advises on a range of construction disputes, including domestic PFI actions and international arbitration. His impressive practice has taken him to the Court of Appeal and the High Court. He is especially renowned for his stellar advocacy. He has particular sector expertise in energy and social infrastructure project-related disputes. "Martin Bowdery is considered, wise and utterly on point." "He's incredibly bright, and has an ability to pick up the details of a case extremely quickly and get up to speed very quickly. He has a standout intellect and ability to grasp detail."

Mathias Cheung
Mathias Cheung acts in construction matters as part of his varied commercial practice. He advises clients on construction defect and delay claims, and is particularly proficient in disputes arising out of energy and residential projects. "Mathias is an excellent construction barrister. He is extremely diligent and thorough, and his work helped to ensure a favourable result for our client." "He takes working hard to a new level. He's unbelievably industrious, very bright and very smart in the area." "Mathias is brilliant. He's ridiculously bright - a KC in the making. He has exceptional written work and instantly understands complex issues."

Mischa Balen
Mischa Balen has a superb construction practice which sees him handle a range of contractual and professional negligence claims. He acts on behalf of employers and contractors and is proficient in international arbitration in addition to litigation. "Mischa provided a very clear, concise and easy to understand analysis of the client's prospects of success, which greatly assisted us in moving the matter forwards towards conclusion." "Mischa is a future titan in construction and engineering disputes. He is a commander of the detail, an intellectual giant and always looks to be the most valuable player on any team." "Mischa is a very supportive counsel, willing and able to pick up urgent matters at short notice and provide clear concise advice on complex issues."

Nicholas Collings
Nicholas Collings is a highly respected senior junior who often acts as sole counsel in high-value disputes in the UK and the Middle East. He represents clients across a range of claims, such as those involving mixed-use developments and transport infrastructure projects. He is also particularly active in construction disputes pertaining to the energy and natural resources sector. He acts both for and against large construction and engineering firms. He has additional expertise in construction-related professional negligence cases. "Nicholas shows great commitment, client-facing skills and a very good understanding of technical issues, which allow him to perform brilliantly in cross-examination of witnesses and experts."

Riaz Hussain KC
Riaz Hussain KC has a strong reputation for handling heavyweight construction disputes. He is active in domestic TCC and Court of Appeal proceedings, while also maintaining an active international arbitration practice, with a notable presence in the Middle East. He undertakes a wide range of construction disputes, such as those involving energy, infrastructure and commercial property developments. "The dispute becomes his world during the hearing. He's fantastic to work with and he project-manages every detail. He is our go-to person for big-ticket Middle East disputes." "Riaz is greatly skilled in international construction matters. He is superb in understanding the commercial aspects and implications of the dispute and adjusts the legal strategy accordingly." "Riaz goes to great lengths to understand your business and the way in which you operate. He becomes a truly invaluable member of your team." "Clients like his more relaxed style yet he's still a complete expert in his area. He's an excellent advocate - it's known how strong he is in cross-examination and in oral argument."

Samar Abbas Kazmi
Samar Abbas Kazmi is a popular choice for clients facing significant construction disputes both domestically and in international arbitration proceedings. He has experience acting as sole and junior counsel for employers, contractors and state-owned entities. "Samar is incredibly diligent and hard-working. He's really excellent." "Samar is like the Energizer Bunny: he never stops working." "He's very responsive, sharp and anticipates requests and questions when they occur."

Serena Cheng KC
Serena Cheng KC is a silk with a robust practice acting for contractors in technically complex engineering and energy disputes. She is instructed in complex cases both domestically and abroad, including those in the Middle East and Far East. She is active in international arbitrations in addition to adjudication proceedings. "Serena leaves no stone unturned. She is incisive and clear in her advice and quickly builds strong relationships with clients." "Serena is very conscientious, very hard-working and very responsive. She has a very polished approach to working with clients." "Superb advocacy, excellent advice and trusted by clients. She's a pleasure to work with."

Andrew Goddard KC
Andrew Goddard KC is particularly experienced acting in large-scale construction matters including infrastructure, contract and professional negligence-related disputes, both within the UK and internationally. He has significant expertise in working for contractors, occupiers and public authorities in relation to residential and social infrastructure developments. "In addition to being an excellent advocate, Andrew works extremely hard, making himself available at all times to suit the needs of the case. Superb support and leadership." "Andrew provides excellent advice on matters of interpretation and strategy."

Jonathan Acton Davis KC
Jonathan Acton Davis KC is a senior silk with experience of large-scale construction disputes. He offers experience in both major international arbitration and high-value domestic litigation. He also represents clients in a range of other ADR forums including adjudication, mediation and expert determination. "Jonathan's excellent. He can distil a huge amount of complex material down to something simple and is a great foil to overly aggressive opposition counsel."

Lauren Adams
Lauren Adams is an increasingly notable junior with a growing number of sole counsel instructions. Her experience encompasses a variety of subjects including defect and delay disputes arising in relation to domestic residential and energy sector properties, among many others. Her clients include both developers and subcontractors. "Lauren, time and time again, can predict things and get them absolutely spot on. She's just the all-around package." "Lauren is very astute and impressive on her feet." "Her drafting is absolutely first class."

Marc Lixenberg
Marc Lixenberg is a respected junior whose attention to detail and quality of written work frequently elicit praise from market observers. He is active in high-value construction disputes in a range of sectors, representing clients on both the domestic and international stages. His experience advising on disputes involving infrastructure projects is of particular note. "As counsel responsible for guiding the wider team in complex, high-value litigation, Marc did a very good job in ensuring the client was positioned as well as possible." "Marc has an excellent knowledge of the law and is flexible and down to earth - an absolute joy to work with." "He's very approachable and he provides commercial and practical advice."

Mark Chennells KC
Mark Chennells KC is a highly regarded barrister with extensive experience in major construction, engineering and energy-related projects, especially transport infrastructure and property development cases. He is active both domestically and internationally and has considerable experience in court proceedings, as well as the various forms of ADR. "Mark is very commercial and very available. He's a very modern KC." "Exceptional client service and advocacy." "Mark comes across as very commercial and is extremely hard-working and responsive. He is reliable and is keen to assist with short notice."

Robert Clay
Robert Clay is an experienced senior junior who draws praise from solicitors for his written work. He is regularly called upon by a diverse client base across a number of sectors including major contractors. He receives instructions in international arbitrations in addition to complex TCC proceedings. "Robert generates crystal-clear written work and tells the story effectively and well. He's very hard-working and is very experienced in construction cases."

Rupert Choat KC
Rupert Choat KC draws on his previous experience as a specialist construction solicitor at CMS to inform his well-rounded practice. He acts in adjudication enforcement matters and real estate redevelopment disputes, both domestically and internationally. He has an especially strong practice in cases arising from the residential sector. "Rupert is an excellent leading counsel who fully involves himself in matters, poised to address any issues arising and works with the team to push the case forward productively and efficiently." "Rupert is very detail-oriented. He presents in a convincing and forthright way and brings his experience in tribunals to the team, which is very helpful." "He provides clear, practical advice."

Simon Crawshaw
Simon Crawshaw has experience of working in the transport, energy and property development sectors, on behalf of both employers and contractors. He has been instructed in both domestic and cross-border disputes and is adept at handling claims concerning construction delays and defects. "Simon's ability to grasp extremely difficult technical issues and always be two steps ahead, diligent and ready was remarkable." "Simon is one of the most intelligent barristers at the Bar. His grasp of detail is phenomenal; I've never seen anything like it. He is also really good with clients."

Zulfikar Khayum
Zulfikar Khayum practises across a broad range of construction, engineering and energy litigation both domestically and internationally. He is particularly knowledgeable in international arbitrations, as well as litigation concerning UK infrastructure projects. "Zulfikar is a very pragmatic and responsive barrister who takes a personal interest in the claim. He's extremely helpful when it comes to dealing with more junior members of my team and provides sound advice." "He is very good at grasping technical details and cross-examining on the same." "He's very strong and is a very good cross-examiner."

Dalton Hale
Dalton Hale is a well-regarded junior whose advocacy and attention to detail are praised by market observers. He is regularly in the TCC and in international arbitrations, both domestically and abroad, and has experience working in public inquiries. "Dalton is an exceptional lawyer. He is extremely intelligent and brings ever-important pragmatism to the table. He is willing to have difficult conversations and deals with thorny issues diplomatically." "He is easy to work with and is always prepared to answer the phone to pick up any queries I may have." "He is extremely capable, and excellent at quickly digesting and presenting information." "Excellent all round. He is responsive and attentive in conference, has a clear vision as to strategy and displays strong advocacy skills and tactical acumen."

Camille Slow KC
Camille Slow KC is a strong choice to handle high-stakes construction mandates, with a particular emphasis on professional negligence claims relating to construction projects. She has extensive experience of international arbitration in addition to her frequent appearances in the TCC. "Camille Slow is outstanding in all areas and a go-to senior junior for any construction work." "An outstanding junior who is well on the way to silk. Her work is of the very highest standard." "Camille is a phenomenal barrister - strong, effective and extremely smart. She is also great to work with and instils a great atmosphere in every team." "Camille is really my go-to person. She is incredibly available and accessible; I know I can call her whenever and get a straight answer and get proper guidance on an issue." "She's excellent with clients and consistently impressive - one of our go-to barristers."

Jennifer Jones KC
Jennifer Jones KC is a noted barrister with considerable experience in construction disputes involving professional negligence. She routinely handles high-value litigation and arbitrations in the UK and abroad, and is increasingly active in multiparty TCC disputes. "Jennifer is very approachable and down to earth and it is a pleasure to work with her. Her advice, both written and verbal, is clear and well constructed." "Jennifer is very good. She's adaptable, good on the law and incredibly hard to rattle." "Jennifer is superb with clients, very responsive, great on her feet and handles complex legal issues."