Construction: Contentious
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 5
About
Provided by Forsters
We are one of London's leading Construction practices with particular expertise in real estate development. Our highly capable team specialises in advising clients from the inception of a development project to its conclusion. We also have a wealth of experience in relation to construction dispute resolution.In addition, we assist clients whenever a dispute arises during the construction process or following completion. We are regularly called on to provide advice on issues such as delay, loss and expense, defects and contract variations.
Our team delivers consistently high-quality, commercial advice. Our extensive knowledge of real estate development and our close relationship with our market-leading Real Estate practice enables us to anticipate the requirements of funders and other end users when drafting and negotiating construction documents.
We have extensive experience advising clients with respect to complex and high value development schemes including town centre and out of town regeneration, commercial, retail, sports, residential and mixed use developments, student accommodation, hotels, infrastructure and site remediation. We routinely advise clients in respect of letters of intent, pre-construction services agreements and other contractual arrangements to be put in place before works commence on site. We act for a wide range of clients including developers, funds and other institutional investors, occupiers and high net worth individuals.
Chambers Review
Forsters is a well-respected firm with a strong reputation for purchaser-side representation in both a contentious and non-contentious capacity. The team receives regular instructions to advise clients on large-scale domestic residential and commercial developments. Its lawyers can assist with construction-related disputes, with experience in representing clients in the Technology and Construction Court, as well as arbitrations and adjudications.
Work Highlights
- Forsters advised McDonald's Restaurants on the construction of new restaurants and the refurbishment of existing restaurants across the United Kingdom.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Forsters has a breadth of knowledge in both contentious and non-contentious matters. It has maintained excellent technical standards and provided commercial advice."
"Forsters has an innovative and pragmatic to problem-solving. The team is highly engaging."
"Forsters provided a first-class service. Its team is strong and its responsiveness is excellent."
"Forsters breaks each scenario down into manageable points for discussion. It is always reactive and available."
"Forsters is very capable and supportive in complex situations. It has a strong team and is extremely responsive and timely."
"Forsters has a breadth of knowledge in both contentious and non-contentious matters. It has maintained excellent technical standards and provided commercial advice."
"Forsters has an innovative and pragmatic to problem-solving. The team is highly engaging."
"Forsters provided a first-class service. Its team is strong and its responsiveness is excellent."
"Forsters breaks each scenario down into manageable points for discussion. It is always reactive and available."
"Forsters is very capable and supportive in complex situations. It has a strong team and is extremely responsive and timely."
Notable Practitioners
Sarah Cook is head of the firm's construction department and routinely advises on contracts and other construction documentation for major development projects, including residential, commercial and retail schemes.
"Sarah provides clear, pragmatic advice and is very strong in finding innovative solutions to issues."
Andrew Parker routinely advises developers in relation to contentious construction matters arising out of various property developments, including hotels and student accommodation. He has a strong understanding of claims concerning substantial defects, including cladding issues. He is also the head of the firm's building safety team.
"Andrew is very careful. He is brilliant and makes sure he is on top of everything."
"Andrew is very client-friendly and supportive."
Emily Holdstock is a partner in Forsters' construction team who focuses her practice on resolving non-contentious issues. She advises both contractors and developers on the full range of construction and engineering contracts and has noteworthy experience assisting with logistic, hospitality and residential developments.
"Emily Holdstock is outstanding. She is extremely smart, commercial and responsive."
"Emily is highly engaging and responsive, and provides very clear advice."
"Emily is responsive. She is extremely sharp and supportive."
"Emily is strong in all areas and a great communicator."
Richard Spring is counsel in the construction team at Forsters and is based in the firm's London office. He regularly assists with the negotiation of construction contracts and professional appointments for hospitality, residential and logistics developments.
"Richard provides an excellent level of service and is very responsive."
"Richard is a very good technical lawyer."
"Richard is responsive and practical."
Ranked Lawyers at
Forsters
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Forsters
Industries
Provided by Forsters
Build to Rent
Cladding
Funds
Hotels and Leisure
Industrial and logistics
Occupiers
Offices and business space
Retail
Student accommodation