Construction: Contentious
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7329 4422About
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Based in London, Hong Kong and Dubai, our dedicated team provides specialist advice on construction and engineering projects around the world. We act for a diverse client base of contractors, government bodies, public authorities, private developers, funders and other stakeholders involved in high value construction and engineering work.
We have advised on a broad range of projects including commercial, industrial, retail, hotel and leisure, energy, utilities and other major projects such as large engineering schemes and infrastructure projects. We have extensive experience of the principal standard form contracts including FIDIC, JCT, NEC, RIBA, ACE, IChemE and IEE as well as many types of bespoke contract.
Our approach is to drive projects forward and ensure that obstacles are resolved quickly and efficiently. Whenever the project requires, our team can draw on other specialists to advise in areas such as real estate, planning, finance, public procurement, insurance, employment and tax. We identify risks early and manage them as far as possible.
As well as advising on procurement routes and contract drafting, our team is also relied upon by clients during the construction phase to manage problems on live projects and to prevent disputes arising where we can. Through a combination of tactical advice and timely letters and notices, we put our clients in the best possible position where disputes cannot be avoided.
Chambers Review
Stephenson Harwood offers a substantial construction practice with significant strength in representing major developers in the leisure, residential and infrastructure sectors. The firm also has experience of significant construction mandates for clients in the energy, education and health sectors, including representing facilities management contractors in disputes. The team frequently assists with claims concerning allegations of design and construction defects, as well as termination, payment and delay issues.
Work Highlights
- Stephenson Harwood represented One Hyde Park Limited on proceedings in the TCCregarding defects in One Hyde Park, a major residential and retail complex located in Knightsbridge.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Stephenson Harwood provides expert, timely advice across aspects of construction, property and litigation. It is very adaptive and helps find a suitable pathway."
"I have full confidence that Stephenson Harwood can handle any complex matter. The team achieves any deadline and produces commercially focused, legally accurate and high-quality advice."
"The team is knowledgeable, responsive and gives confidence. It is prompt and proactive."
"Stephenson Harwood has extensive experience. The firm is always available."
"Stephenson Harwood has vast knowledge and experience. It adds a great deal of value by thinking outside the box and is extremely resourceful."
"Stephenson Harwood provides expert, timely advice across aspects of construction, property and litigation. It is very adaptive and helps find a suitable pathway."
"I have full confidence that Stephenson Harwood can handle any complex matter. The team achieves any deadline and produces commercially focused, legally accurate and high-quality advice."
"The team is knowledgeable, responsive and gives confidence. It is prompt and proactive."
"Stephenson Harwood has extensive experience. The firm is always available."
"Stephenson Harwood has vast knowledge and experience. It adds a great deal of value by thinking outside the box and is extremely resourceful."
Notable Practitioners
Ron Nobbs is noted for his considerable expertise in relation to high-value construction disputes arising out of residential and commercial property developments, as well as energy projects. He principally advises on defective design and construction claims and contract termination cases.
"Ron's level of service is impeccable. He assimilates technical issues quickly, truly understands our business and provides practical and commercially-focused advice."
"Ron demonstrated the intellectual ability to take in lots of data and explain it to a non-lawyer very clearly."
Paul Thwaite has extensive experience in representing prominent contractors and developers in a range of construction claims, including delay, disruption and building defects cases. He regularly advises on claims concerning fire safety issues and cases involving listed buildings.
"Paul has provided a brilliant service for us. He provides solid legal advice, careful analysis of the options available and a clear strategy for progressing our cause."
Charlotte Heywood advises on contentious construction matters for contractors and developers on significant commercial and residential development projects. She has a strong knowledge of claims concerning allegations of defects, additional costs and delays.
"Charlotte is always extremely responsive and provides clear and robust advice."
Navpreet Atwal is well versed in a variety of non-contentious, transactional construction matters. She is adept at advising on both domestic and international projects.
"Navpreet has an excellent understanding of construction law and its application within the built environment. Her knowledge is invaluable, she is always thinking one step ahead."
"Navpreet has a very impressive legal mind and the ability to find solutions. She is timely and efficient. She has a razor-sharp mindset and offers practical solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Stephenson Harwood LLP
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP
Graeme Barton
Head of Department
Jonathan Cripps
Rebecca Carter
Head of Department