Email address
[email protected]Contact number
020 7822 2077Share profile
Band 1
Band 3
Band 3
About
Provided by Hugh Saunders
Practice Areas
Hugh specialises in construction and engineering, infrastructure, energy, PFI, technology (including IT), professional negligence and property damage matters. He acts for banks and insurers (including coverage disputes), developers, purchasers, contractors and sub-contractors, professionals of all kinds (especially architects and engineers), materials manufacturers and suppliers, and property owners.
Hugh appears most frequently in the High Court, where he is usually instructed as sole counsel or leading more junior barristers, but also acts in arbitrations (domestic and international) and adjudications.
Recent examples of Hugh’s work concern the design of M&E systems for a landmark development in central London; roads and bridges; electrical cabling for offshore wind; numerous disputes regarding cladding and fire-safety issues, including for hotels, flats and student accommodation; design of processing units at a materials research facility; PFI disputes involving schools and energy projects; advising on performance bonds following contractor insolvencies; design and construction of the roof at a major warehouse and distribution centre; design and construction of an energy centre and district heating system for a large residential development; and the failure of a pallet conveyor system at a distribution centre. Hugh’s recent IT work concerned the development of a crypto-currency platform, software for vehicle “dash-cams”, and the development of an online casino platform. Hugh’s recent property damage cases include a flood-damaged hotel; an explosion during electrical works at an office block; water damage to a number of residential developments; and a scaffolding collapse.
Hugh is the co-author of Professional Negligence in Construction (2nd edition) with Ben Patten KC.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Hugh Saunders has a strong reputation for his successful practice covering various kinds of construction disputes, including those concerning residential and commercial developments, and infrastructure projects. He routinely represents contractors and developers in High Court proceedings as well as arbitrations and adjudications, often appearing as sole counsel.
Hugh Saunders is increasingly recognised for his expertise in a broad range of property damage claims. He is frequently called upon to act as sole counsel in claims arising from fire damage and water ingress.
Hugh Saunders has a solid professional negligence practice and vast experience in construction and technology cases, having previously been a software engineer. He is well versed in defective design claims, acting for both claimants and defendants.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Hugh is an expert in the field and will always go the extra half mile for you."
"Hugh is very approachable and easy to work with. He is an excellent and very persuasive advocate."
"Hugh Saunders is calm and measured."
"Hugh drafts persuasive documents and is a persuasive advocate. He is a top-tier junior."
"Hugh Saunders is very good."
"Hugh is very good at identifying key issues in professional negligence disputes."
"He is a very sound, reliable pair of hands."
"Hugh is an expert in the field and will always go the extra half mile for you."
"Hugh is very approachable and easy to work with. He is an excellent and very persuasive advocate."
"Hugh Saunders is calm and measured."
"Hugh drafts persuasive documents and is a persuasive advocate. He is a top-tier junior."
"Hugh Saunders is very good."
"Hugh is very good at identifying key issues in professional negligence disputes."
"He is a very sound, reliable pair of hands."