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(020) 7242 2523Chambers Review
Gatehouse Chambers has a notable reputation for handling construction law disputes, and a particularly strong offering of senior juniors. The barristers at the set are able to bring broader expertise in areas such as professional negligence, insurance and property damage to their construction cases. An interviewee comments the set offers “strength in depth at all levels of seniority”, and another notes that “they understand the construction industry and how it operates, not just what the books say”.Members are highly capable across a broad range of construction disputes, including those concerning emerging fire safety and cladding issues. Members of the set have acted in the high-stakes dispute Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Mace Ltd v Insurers and in a number of other multi-party disputes, including Valero v WB Civil & JN Piling. Gatehouse's barristers make regular appearances in the TCC and handle various ADR proceedings for clients involved in project disputes arising from a range of industry sectors.
James Duncan-Hartill is the practice director.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks work with you to ensure the most appropriate fit."
"Gatehouse's clerks are responsive and they understand what instructing solicitors are looking for."
"The clerks respond quickly to emails and telephone calls, and turn matters around without delay."
"The clerks work with you to ensure the most appropriate fit."
"Gatehouse's clerks are responsive and they understand what instructing solicitors are looking for."
"The clerks respond quickly to emails and telephone calls, and turn matters around without delay."
Notable Practitioners
Paul Reed KC is a popular silk with a high-quality practice both domestically and in the Middle East. His construction offering is enhanced by his acknowledged expertise in the insurance sector. His client base includes contractors, insurers and developers.
"Paul Reed is very knowledgeable."
"In advocacy Paul comes across very well. He is firm and coherent, and he has such significant experience, which tends to shine through."
Ebony Alleyne has a strong construction practice covering TCC proceedings, as well as adjudications and arbitrations. She acts for the full range of construction industry clients, including employers, contractors and other related professionals.
"Ebony is very commercially aware and has an ability to explain things so that people can understand."
"Her advice is spot-on and clear."
Andrew Kearney is an established construction and engineering barrister, handling a broad range of disputes. He has particular experience in the representation of contractor clients, including in international projects. A qualified arbitrator and mediator, he is well suited to settling disputes through those ADR forums in addition to TCC proceedings.
"Andrew Kearny is incredibly professional, responsive and technically excellent."
"Andrew is an exceptional construction barrister with strong levels of client service. He is always available during a matter and he has excellent commercial awareness."
Catherine Piercy KC's diverse practice includes regular appearances in adjudications, ADR and high-value litigation. She is regularly instructed by a client base of contractors, insurers and other insurance professionals. Her work includes disputes concerning allegedly defective cladding.
"Catherine's written advice is clear, concise and punchy. Her advocacy is also really robust."
"She presents her advice confidently and clearly."
"Catherine Piercy is excellent to work with and passionately fights the client's corner."
David Pliener KC regularly acts in litigation, arbitration and adjudications nationwide and abroad. He has advised on disputes in sectors as diverse as renewables, structural engineering and leisure. Clients that typically instruct him include contractors, construction professionals and property owners. He is strong in construction-related insurance and property damage litigation.
"David Pliener is consistently dependable and highly responsive, and he works hard. He is also really good at working with our junior members. He really makes people working with him feel comfortable."
"David's whole approach is fantastic. He knows the detail and he is able to work through problems in a methodical way."
"David has a charming style and he gets through things so quickly."
Helena White has a practice covering a broad array of construction and engineering disputes, including cases involving related insurance and professional negligence issues. She has particular expertise in cases arising out of water and waste disposal-related projects.
"Helena is very approachable, has a sharp legal mind and is a great advocate."
"She has huge industry knowledge."
"Helena White is very good on the detail, and her strategic approach is really strong."
Sarah McCann acts on a variety of domestic disputes, including TCC claims and adjudications, with a particular focus on professional negligence and insurance-related construction work. She has a strong track record of handling complex cases, both led and unled, and is particularly well versed in handling defect claims.
"Sarah is very user-friendly. She delivers clear, precise advice that is both readily digestible and easily relayed to clients."
"Her drafting is particularly impressive. She provides practical, client focused advice."
Simon Kerry is a well-regarded junior with experience of acting in construction litigation and arbitration matters. His practice is particularly focused on construction insurance-related disputes related to a variety of sectors, such as energy and residential developments.
"Simon Kerry is adept at handling complex, overlapping and competing issues within matters."
"Simon is really responsive and accessible. He can break things down well to a party that does not understand the black letter law."
Kort Egan is developing a strong construction practice. He regularly appears in the TCC, including unled. He has experience in dealing with matters related to defects and delay work.
"His drafting is excellent and he gets through huge amounts of material."
"Kort is hard-working, efficient and concise.As an advocate, he is effective in delivery and he does not pull his punches."
"Kort Egan's approach is thoughtful and assured. He is a very strong advocate."
Michael Wheater KC has a UK-focused practice and represents clients from across the construction industry, including developers and contractors. He is particularly proficient in construction disputes involving professional negligence claims, and also has experience in advising on insurance mandates.
"Michael Wheater is extremely bright and user-friendly."
"Michael's ability to get to grips with a complex case and provide a map towards achieving a resolution is outstanding."
"He is a tenacious advocate."