Long-time market leader Keating Chambers "continues to blaze a trail in construction law." Ever-present in the leading matters of the day, it houses "the finest barristers and extremely helpful, down-to-earth clerks - its service with a smile all round." Solicitors readily recognise the value on offer here, noting that "Keating enhances our business and our reputation with our clients." Over the last year, members have acted in many of the most noteworthy construction cases around, both domestically and worldwide. In all their dealings they have enhanced an already glittering reputation. Paul Darling QC is "a formidable advocate who deserves his position at the top." He offers "an incredible breadth and depth of experience" and "he always sees the angle - he can come in, add his vision and implement the strategy to get you ahead of the game." He recently represented the developers of the Pinnacle Tower in a leading dispute with Hiscox concerning noise nuisance issues during the construction process. The "hugely energetic" Marcus Taverner QC is "one of the pre-eminent construction barristers in London." He is "a terrier in court who consistently achieves results thanks to his strategic ability and his knack for homing in on exactly the right point." He has recently been involved in the Wembley and Bath Spa litigations, two of the meatiest pieces of litigation in the market. Instructing lawyers enthuse that Stephen Furst QC "really is on the money," holding him in high renown for "meticulously chipping his way through factually complex cases." He proves catnip to solicitors as does head of chambers John Marrin QC. Marrin is "a very intelligent, softly spoken barrister whose advice is always well thought through." As one client commented, "he is so fantastic that I would instruct him in virtually any construction case." He is particularly recommended for difficult matters thanks to his "authoritative manner and instinctive ability to understand a tribunal." Lawyers agree that Richard Fernyhough QC is "a charming barrister who is deceptively lethal in cross-examination." He wins through as he "knows how to sell a case, and can catch the imagination of the judges and keep up their interest even through the most technical details." Another popular choice is Tim Elliott QC, who is renowned for "skilfully demolishing the opposition whilst remaining a gentleman at all times." The “diligent and pragmatic” Finola O'Farrell QC is “a robust advocate who gives clear advice and very quickly grasps the complex points.” She handles the full range of construction matters, and has recently been involved in the high-profile Wembley Stadium litigation between Brookfield and Mott MacDonald. With a “brain the size of a planet,” Alexander Nissen QC is “particularly outstanding in the context of adjudication matters, where his knowledge and instinct is unrivalled.” In addition, he is “awfully steady and incredibly thorough - he often sees arguments that the other side fails to spot.” David Thomas QC is “the doyen of the arbitration world.” He “gets to the point quickly and makes an effort to be user-friendly.” His involvement in the Wembley Stadium litigation has included representing Honeywell Control Systems in its dispute with Multiplex. Adrian Williamson QC is "extremely capable and heading for the top." Clients add that he displays "both a keen eye for detail and a tenacious style of advocacy." He led the team acting for Cleveland Bridge in the final stages of the Wembley Stadium steelwork subcontract dispute. Philip Boulding QC is commended for his intellectual prowess, as well as for being "very robust both in his advice and in the courtroom." He is renowned for his work both domestically and abroad, and is well placed to advise on the range of construction, engineering, energy and professional negligence matters. Instructing solicitors commend Ian Pennicott QC for his exceptionally good handling of clients. A large majority of his work is now international in scope, and market sources agree that "the judges like and trust him" throughout the various jurisdictions where he appears. Nerys Jefford QC continues to attract praise for her practice, with clients recognising that she "always impresses with her tenaciousness and her command of detail." Christopher Thomas QC is “accessible, well prepared and a team player.” He has extensive experience of construction and engineering projects, and is particularly well versed in energy issues. Despite being a relatively new silk, Sarah Hannaford QC is widely seen as having a bright future. Particularly sought after for her procurement expertise, she "can comfortably handle other much more experienced silks." Simon Hargreaves QC is another who is "expected to take off like a rocket," while Richard Harding QC is "a well-deserved new silk" who is particularly noted for the strength of his Middle Eastern practice. When not acting abroad, he regularly appears in arbitrations and trials in the UK, and has recently acted for Fentek Marine Systems in a TCC dispute relating to the design and construction contract for a ferry terminal. Of the juniors, the “outstanding” Adam Constable "definitely justifies his accolades." He is a "formidable advocate who always goes the extra mile to service his clients." Clients agree that "he gives the impression he has been around a lot longer than his 1995 call, and in terms of juniors there can't be many that would be better." He recently appeared in the TCC in Solmar v Parliament View Developments acting for the claimants in a dispute arising from defects in the construction of the Parliament View glazing system. Solicitors note that Marc Rowlands "excels in construction generally - the more technical the matter the better." He is "an exceptional front-line advocate who is capable of absorbing huge amounts of information in a short period of time." Of late, he has defended Charlton Triangle Homes in judicial review proceedings arising from a significant planning dispute. Interviewees remark that Simon Hughes "really is an asset to your case." He is particularly well versed in energy-related construction matters. Solicitors appreciate him as they do Jane Lemon. One commented of Lemon: "Not only do the clients absolutely love the way she works, she also never lets us down even though she is always very busy." She is another practitioner at the set who spends a sizeable amount of time on international arbitrations. Piers Stansfield is "prepared to fight a case, he doesn't cave in, and has the bottle to give it his all for the client." He was recently led by Paul Darling QC in the Hiscox v Pinnacle Number 1 Limited case mentioned above. Jonathan Lee is "a particularly good junior if you need a details man." Impressed lawyers add that "he has the whole thing planned out and will work very hard for you." His recent cases have included Canary Wharf Contractors Limited v Metnor Group Plc and Heron Quays Properties Limited, and BBC v Land Securities Trillium. Justin Mort "has confidence in his own views and doesn't sit on the fence." He is also singled out for the strength of his intellect, and his vast knowledge of the technicalities of construction law. He recently acted in Chorlton Construction Services Ltd v DGT Steel And Cladding Ltd, a case concerning a site management and quantity-surveying contract. Solicitors identify Paul Buckingham engineering background as a major asset to the construction, engineering and energy work that he handles as it gives him "an excellent grasp of the technical issues." His recent matters have included representing Multiplex in its separate claims against Cleveland Bridge (UK) and Mott MacDonald in relation to the construction and design respectively of Wembley Stadium. Jonathan Selby is noted for having achieved a string of good results in the TCC. His upcoming cases include claiming for damages on behalf of an international company over the cost of replacing an air-conditioning system. Lawyers agree that "his drafting is sensible and he quickly gets to grips with the detail." Samuel Townend is a favourite choice for numerous solicitors, who rave about his detailed preparation and the quality of his presentation skills. He has been standing counsel to the National House Building Council since 2008, and has represented it in numerous cases over the last year. Interviewees say that they "always look for a reason to use Fionnuala McCredie." She is "very smart and very quick to the point," as well being notable for the ease with which she handles clients. She is currently assisting Carillion in its claim against Bath & North East Somerset District Council over the Bath Spa refurbishment. Vincent Moran comes highly recommended for his ability to cut to the chase in document-heavy cases. He recently obtained a settlement for the claimant developer in Devonshire Green v MJ Gleeson, a case concerning a final account claim against the design and build contractor of a residential development. Gaynor Chambers receives accolades from peers as a "sensible, bright and forthcoming advocate" who regularly appears in complex matters. Equally highly regarded for his construction expertise, Robert Evans recently acted for the consulting engineers in a dispute over the 'B of the Bang' sculpture in Manchester. Lucy Garrett, meanwhile, impresses interviewees with her ability to simplify the complex technical aspects of a case. In addition to an involvement in a number of the Wembley disputes, she has been instructed as junior counsel for Atlas Fire Engineering in litigation arising from a fire in a Primark warehouse. Jessica Stephens is rated highly by peers for her expertise in construction and engineering disputes. Her latest sorties include representing Marks & Spencer in an arbitration against Mourant Property Trustees arising from a defective flooring issue. Abdul Jinadu is recommended by clients for his user-friendly and commercial approach. He has recently represented Mersey Docks & Harbour in a £4 million professional negligence claim against Amec Capital Projects. Krista Lee is "very industrious and willing to burn the midnight oil." Her attention to detail and quality of drafting make her a favourite - she "definitely grasps the key issues and expresses her ideas in an excellent manner." Lee is rated along with Richard Coplin, who is "a joy to work with" thanks to his "practical and quick delivery of advice." Another whom solicitors find to be a good team player is Alice Sims. Identified by clients as a junior to watch, particularly on large complex disputes, she is “able to muck in and get stuck into the detail.” Finally at the set, Elizabeth Repper is praised for her thoroughness. Clients note that she “takes meticulous care over every single point,” and has "an eloquent drafting style."

Keating Chambers is particularly recognised for the depth of its experience in the Middle East, although it is also active in numerous jurisdictions worldwide. Interviewees note that it offers "first-class client care, and delivers exactly what the overseas client is looking for." Ian Pennicott QCinternational practice is mainly focused on Asia. He is a member of the Hong Kong Bar and is "liked and trusted by the judges and the arbitrators there." In addition, international clients are impressed by "his constant availability despite the time difference" and his "formidable talent in examination." Solicitors note that Philip Boulding QC is "particularly popular with clients involved in international disputes due to his open and friendly approach." A significant proportion of his practice is made up of international arbitration work, and he has recently been instructed by a Singaporean shipbuilding company in an arbitration against a company based in the Cayman Islands relating to the construction of a vessel in China. Richard Fernyhough QC is "very difficult to beat" and "has a great courtroom presence and ruthless cross-examination skills." Stephen Furst QC recent arbitrations have related to projects throughout Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. He is renowned for his grasp of the technicalities, and he regularly handles cases that are of the highest factual complexity. Marcus Taverner QC enjoys a pre-eminent international reputation in construction matters. He "excels in lateral thinking and clients think he's wonderful." Richard Harding QC maintains an active presence in the Middle East, and interviewees recognise that he has successfully carved a niche as a genuine expert on matters relating to the area. He has recently been appointed chair of the Society of Construction Law for the Gulf. The "diligent and commercial" Tim Elliott QC is another go-to name for clients with international mandates. Adam Constable is "a very bright and imaginative lawyer, who is excellent at cutting through complex issues and presenting them in a lucid form." He has recently been handling an ICC arbitration concerning the construction of a pipeline between Qatar and Abu Dhabi, as well as a case relating to the construction of an office block in Russia. Jane Lemon is regularly chosen as a junior in big-ticket international arbitrations, and has worked on matters concerning the Far East, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. Gideon Scott Holland is identified as a fine practitioner due to his "intelligent and thorough approach."

Clients declare that Keating Chambers' construction and energy specialists are "friendly, professional, commercially aware and intellectually outstanding." Its stars include Marcus Taverner QC, "a great fighter who is never daunted." He recently acted for subsea specialist contractors in an action regarding the termination of a contract for subsea pipeline work connecting FPSOs to well heads. Finola O'Farrell QC is "an extremely clear-thinking and effective advocate who really gets stuck in," admiring sources say. She focuses on construction and engineering disputes, covering everything from loss and expense claims to shipbuilding matters. Richard Harding QC, an expert on energy in the Middle East, took silk this year having had a very successful career as a junior attracting some fine pieces of work. He represented Heerema in the TCC in a £20 million claim concerning the construction of a floating platform off-loading vessel that was constructed for use by Shell off the coast of Nigeria. Another new silk this year, Simon Hargreaves QC is "a name that you can't help but rate when it comes to energy matters," state sources. Destined very shortly to join his colleagues in silk, Adam Constable is "simply one of the best juniors you could ask for - he is totally reliable, very focused, extremely hard-working and a great advocate." He specialises in construction and engineering disputes and related professional negligence and insurance work, and was recently involved in a domestic arbitration concerning the construction of the UK’s largest biofuels plant. Paul Buckingham is another of the set's leading juniors. "A very user-friendly, clear-thinking barrister" who "is exceptionally good at retaining facts and using details," he specialises in major construction, energy and engineering disputes. Also at the set, Simon Hughes is frequently associated with high-profile litigation and arbitration relating to power stations, utilities and process plants. He was recently counsel for E.ON in a dispute regarding an alleged leak at the Thorp reprocessing plant at Sellafield. Solicitors note that he is also a favoured choice on cases where foreign law applies.

Adrian Williamson QC and Simon Hargreaves QC are recommended.

”This set has used its renowned construction expertise and client base to push into the energy sector.”

Professional Negligence
This “consistently good” set “really knows its stuff on construction.”

International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering
“Keating Chambers houses some of the best-known and most highly regarded barristers in the field.”
Chambers and Partners 2007

Construction

"Barrister for barrister, many solicitors consider this set to be ‘the best, all the way down the line.'  Much of its success is ascribed to a progressive recruitment programme that ensures 'quality never falters, whether at silk or junior level.'"

International Arbitration
"This set is distinguished by the ‘true star quality’ it has to offer."
Chambers UK: 2006

Our success is ascribed to a progressive recruitment programme that ensures "quality never falters, whether at silk or junior level.”
Chambers UK:  2006

Keating Chambers’ involvement in high profile litigation was recognised by Chambers UK: 2006 when it noted  its “stellar reputation for its members’ involvement in many of the landmark decisions that form the current law on construction professional negligence.”

Construction

Remarked on Chambers’ consistency in “Excelling in both international and domestic markets, its members [having] appeared in 40 reported cases during 2004, eight of which were in the Court of Appeal.”

Its ‘depth of expertise and administrative efficiency' allows Chambers justifiably to claim that it stands ‘head and shoulders above all other construction sets’

Construction
"Excelling in both international and domestic markets."

Commercial Arbitration
Chambers is “known for its expertise in construction law, [and] provides a host of arbitration specialists and arbitrators.”
Legal 500, 2005

 

The Clerks

Keating Chambers retained the title of "Construction Set of the Year" at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards which were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday 1st October 2009.

“extremely helpful, down-to-earth clerks - it's service with a smile all round”...“first-class client care.”
Chambers and Partners 2010

Chambers team of clerks were singled out for praise for being “friendly and efficient” and for ensuring that “dealing with this set is a pleasant experience all round.”
Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2007

Chambers achieved public recognition of its exceptional client service by winning the title of ‘Client Care Chambers of the Year 2005’ at the Chambers and Partners Bar Awards. Our ongoing commitment to client care explains why Keating Chambers continues to be the choice of clients from around the world needing advice and representation in construction law.
Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2005

---

Further Information
For further information on how our members can assist you, please contact the Senior Clerk, Nick Child in the first instance on +44(0)20 7544 2600. The teams of Clerks will be pleased to advise you on the member of Keating Chambers appropriate to your requirements.