Paul J Cowan

Practice Areas

Paul is a specialist in national and international construction disputes with over two decades of experience. Appointed to the Attorney General’s A Panel of civil counsel to the Crown, Paul advises the UK Government on major construction, defence, and infrastructure projects, and appears as its counsel in the litigation arising from the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Paul has long experience in civil law jurisdictions, and has uniquely detailed experience in the design and construction of new-build nuclear power plants, and associated disputes, together with other power sector disputes, including hydro and solar power plants. Paul is active as counsel in major national construction disputes, appearing regularly in the TCC, as well as in arbitrations and adjudications. In recent years, this has particularly involved the successful defence of substantial cladding defects claims against contractors on a variety of developments, as well as major claims relating to variations and associated delays under NEC and JCT contracts, and a rectification claim relating to a long-term defence sector service contract. Paul also appears in adjudication-related proceedings, including the innovative use of CPR Part 8 in relation to adjudication proceedings, and stays of proceedings and security for costs following non-compliance with adjudicators’ decisions.