Construction: Professional Negligence | UK Bar

4 Pump Court blends legal prowess with huge technical expertise, and boasts an excellent standing at the crossover of professional negligence and construction law. Its barristers handle a range of complex and high-value TCC disputes, representing and opposing architects, engineers and surveyors as well as building contractors. The set offers additional expertise in ICC arbitrations concerning major energy projects, notably in African countries and the Middle East. 4 Pump Court is also a leading chambers for disputes concerning IT infrastructure. Barristers from the set have acted in Shepherd Construction v Various Parties, a high-value defective cladding claim involving two residential developments in London. An interviewee praises the set as being "entrepreneurial".

Carl Wall is the senior clerk.

Atkin Chambers possesses an outstanding reputation in the construction industry, and barristers at the set have broad experience representing both claimants and defendants in related professional negligence claims. They regularly participate in high-profile and complex disputes involving engineers, architects, consultants, construction managers and other key professionals. The barristers have been instructed in matters relating to a range of construction matters, including fire safety issues associated with cladding, such as in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Other notable work includes a defective cabling duct claim involving Twickenham Stadium. One source concludes: “The counsel we have used have a depth of knowledge that sets them apart from others, and their advice is always commercial and pragmatic.” 

Keating Chambers' leading reputation in the construction and engineering sector extends to related professional negligence claims. The chambers has notable strength in matters involving project managers, architects and engineers. The set can offer strong expertise in claims stemming from high-value, complex and sensitive construction projects. Barristers from the set have been involved in Standard Life v BDP architects and six other defendants. An interviewee comments: “Keating Chambers is quick to grasp complicated issues in cases, and handles instructions quickly and efficiently.”

39 Essex Chambers offers a cadre of highly rated silks whose expertise covers difficult professional negligence elements of construction contract disputes. Key recent instructions include Conway v The Rugby Football Union & CSP Partnership, a dispute arising out of the redevelopment of Twickenham Stadium. Members are experienced in the representation of architects, specialist engineers and consultants. An interviewee comments: "39 Essex Chambers offers a broad range of expertise."

Chris Jones and Harvey Scott are the practice managers.

4 New Square fields a wide array of professional negligence expertise to both claimants and defendants in claims stemming from the construction industry. Its members are much in demand for matters concerning architects and engineers, but also other technical professions such as designers of software or IT infrastructure. The set frequently acts in relation to high-value, complex and sensitive matters, including a number of post-Grenfell cladding-related claims. Recently, members have appeared in Laing O'Rourke Delivery Limited v Medical Architecture and Art Projects Limited, a claim related to a facility for mental health treatment. A source states: "4 New Square Chambers is a go-to for professional negligence claims."

Crown Office Chambers benefits from a number of high-profile silks and junior barristers who have a wealth of experience acting in negligence claims for and against architects, engineers and surveyors. They have been heavily involved in high-profile matters including the Grenfell Tower civil litigation and The Rugby Football Union v CSP Limited, Conway Limited, MEE Limited and RLF 3PM LLP. An interviewee comments: “Crown Office Chambers is very strong in professional negligence across the board.” Another adds: “The set can get to the heart of the issue quickly and give clear, concise and commercial advice to clients.”

Andy Flanagan is the lead clerk.

Gatehouse Chambers is home to barristers possessing deep expertise covering professional negligence claims brought against architects, engineers and others, typically in the context of major construction defects litigation. The barristers have acted in Thomas Armstrong Limited v Blue Phoenix Limited and in Volac v IEP Technologies. An interviewee reports: "Gatehouse Chambers has some real superstars capable of handling top-tier work in this area."

James Duncan-Hartill is practice director.