Construction: Contentious
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 1
Email address
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Provided by CMS
Please visit the CMS website for more details about the practice and our work:
Law firm specialised in Construction & Engineering - CMS in the UK
Chambers Review
CMS is a prominent adviser to major clients on non-contentious and contentious matters, including international arbitrations in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The firm is particularly noted for its energy, infrastructure and real estate offerings. The team possesses specialist expertise in the resolution of disputes relating to PFI projects, with a particular focus on those involving hospitals and waste-to-energy facilities. The CMS team also specialises in a variety of negligence cases, with particular expertise in insurance, financial and construction-related claims.
Work Highlights
- CMS acted on behalf of M&G to bring a claim against developer Crest Nicholson in the TCC regarding a fire within the Arborfield Development, Reading.
- The firm advised a joint venture between Castleforge and Gamuda Group on the £1 billion redevelopment of 75 London Wall.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I have always found CMS's advice to be of the highest order. They are very responsive and prompt."
"CMS is incredibly effective. The firm deals well with complexity and novel issues. They deliver well and on time."
"CMS has a strong and well-resourced team. They are very plugged into the market."
"The CMS team is proactive and quick to respond. They are mindful of the possible commercial outcomes."
"I have always found CMS's advice to be of the highest order. They are very responsive and prompt."
"CMS is incredibly effective. The firm deals well with complexity and novel issues. They deliver well and on time."
"CMS has a strong and well-resourced team. They are very plugged into the market."
"The CMS team is proactive and quick to respond. They are mindful of the possible commercial outcomes."
Notable Practitioners
Adrian Bell is highly regarded for his contentious construction work, including the representation of clients in international arbitrations relating to disputes arising from large infrastructure projects. He also offers substantial experience acting for employers and contractors in domestic PFI disputes. As joint managing director of the firm's Asia and Middle East teams, he is well placed to advise on disputes involving those jurisdictions.
"Adrian is fantastic, he is great."
Martin Foxis well known for his focus on construction-related matters, frequently representing engineers, contractors and architects in claims involving infrastructure and energy projects.
Monica Lesnyis recognised for her broad professional negligence practice, with strength advising engineers, architects, insolvency practitioners and their insurers. She has a particular focus on claims stemming from the construction sector.
"Monica is good and cares about her clients."
Steven Williams is co-head of the firm's infrastructure, construction and energy disputes group. He has a wealth of experience advising both purchaser and supplier-side clients on construction disputes. He regularly assists with both arbitrations and litigation proceedings concerning social infrastructure and energy sector projects.
"Steven is impressive. He is a good operator."
"Steven excellently manages complex litigation within the field of construction law."
Alistair McGrigor routinely represents prominent investors and developers in relation to the construction aspects of high-profile projects in the UK, particularly mixed-use developments. He provides advice throughout the life-cycle of construction projects, including procurement and contract negotiation.
"Alistair is a strong all-rounder."
David Parton is head of the firm’s construction and engineering team.He advises on all aspects of the construction life cycle, with a particular focus in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has experience in advising clients in the UK, Europe, Australia, the Caribbeanand the Middle East.
"David combines strong technical abilities with strong client relationships."
Matthew Taylor is a construction disputes specialist with particular expertise in claims concerning time extensions and additional expenses. He advises developers, owners and contractors on disputes relating to commercial, residential and mixed-use developments, as well as energy infrastructure.
"Matthew does very interesting work and has a good industry profile."
Ranked Lawyers at
CMS
London (Firms)