International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering | UK Bar

Atkin Chambers has attained a commanding stature in the market as a result of both the depth of its expertise and the strength of its advocacy across the full gamut of construction arbitrations. The set continues to be highly active, acting on large-scale and sensitive arbitrations around the work, involving significant transport, construction and energy projects in regions such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The barristers are highly experienced in acting under a range of arbitral institutions, including the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIFC, HKIAC and LMAA. In addition to acting as counsel, members here also take appointments as arbitrator. Commentators highlight an effective team, stating that counsel from "top to bottom are all top-tier quality." Others state that Atkin is the "premier outfit for construction disputes" and that the barristers "work alongside instructing solicitors to achieve the best outcome for clients."

Keating Chambers continues to be considered one of the first and finest ports of call for complex construction and engineering disputes, with instructing solicitors noting that the set is "a mark of quality for appointments, with an impressive bench formed of the best in the business". The set calls upon a highly talented roster of silks and junior barristers to act under a wide range of arbitral rules, and has experience in ICC, DIAC, LCIA, SIAC and HKIAC arbitrations. The set is well equipped to handle high-value shipping and infrastructure-related disputes, and demonstrates particular prowess in the energy sector. Members offer clients the benefit of a wealth of international experience and attract a steady stream of instructions across Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa and Europe. Market sources note that "there is nothing that Keating hasn't done before. The set is undaunted by scale and complexity," and another comments that the set is "the go-to for any construction disputes".

4 Pump Court is a highly respected set with well-honed expertise in construction and engineering disputes. The set regularly handles arbitrations arising in emerging markets. The barristers at 4 Pump Court operate on a truly global basis, having been instructed in arbitrations concerning construction projects in Europe, The Americas, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. The barristers represent an impressive roster of contractors and subcontractors in high-value ICC, SIAC, DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL and DIAC arbitrations.A market source praises the bench as being "truly exceptional". "The bigger and more complex the matter," they add, "the more the barristers shine." Another opines that 4 Pump Court fields a stable of "first-class advocates who act as a real extension of their instructing solicitors". Recent work highlights include representing a Saudi Arabian state entity in an ICC arbitration involving the construction of power infrastructure for the largest phosphorus plant in the world and advising the Government of Pakistan in the ICC on its ongoing dispute with India, concerning the latter's plan to build over 50 hydroelectric plants in the Indus basin, Kashmir.

39 Essex Chambers is a go-to set for international arbitration. Its barristers have impressive international expertise, receiving high-value and complex instructions in disputes arising in the Caribbean, South-East Asia, Australia and South Africa. Barristers here represent contractors, subcontractors and individuals in a range of disputes, often conducted under the arbitral rules of the LMAA, ICC, DIAC and HKIAC. Members of 39 Essex Chambers are particularly adept at handling arbitrations for clients in the shipping and engineering sectors.

4 New Square Chambers enjoys a strong reputation for its international arbitration offering. The bench is composed of senior practitioners that interviewee sources believe to be at the "top of their game, exceedingly well respected and extremely knowledgeable". The barristers advise contractors, project owners, architects, engineers and government parties on disputes. The team has notable experience representing parties in arbitrations concerning megaprojects, such as traditional and renewable energy platforms and civilian infrastructure projects. The team has conducted proceedings under the auspices of the major institutional authorities, such as the ICC, UNCITRAL, the LCIA, DIAC and ADCCAC. Regional expertise includes the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.

Barristers at Crown Office Chambers are highly proficient in international arbitration and are regularly instructed to appear in construction-related disputes. The set is noted for its strong grasp of arbitrations relating to big-ticket infrastructure projects, including transport and energy developments. An interviewee comments: "Crown Office Chambers possesses a strong track record in international construction arbitration." Another adds that the set has "multiple heavy hitters". The barristers wield significant expertise in cases arising from projects in the Middle East, regularly handling arbitrations governed by LCIA, ICC, DIAC, LMAA or ADCCAC rules on behalf of contractors, subcontractors and joint venture partners.