The Directories

Construction

Described as "the embodiment of pure brainpower," Alexander Nissen QC "spots arguments the other side doesn't; he is very thorough, and his quiet, confident and assured style belies his tenacity and steely determination." His practice covers construction-related professional negligence claims as well as more pure construction matters, and he further continues to impress in the energy and infrastructure sector. He recently acted for Verizon in the Bowmer, Kirland, Bailey and Others matter.

David Thomas QC is described as "the business: he always reads the papers in intimate detail and brings home the bacon." Sources note that "his non-theatrical approach is very refreshing, and instils great confidence in the clients." Thomas's practice has a strong international element, with him receiving instructions from India and the Far East, as well as the UK. Domestically, he recently acted for the Kent Police Authority on three disputes concerning its Medway headquarters. 

Head of Keating Chambers, Paul Darling QC has acted on some truly heavyweight domestic cases, notably the Wembley litigation. Solicitors comment that "it's a pleasure to instruct someone of his intellect and experience," noting that he is "a man of huge bonhomie who is capable of pile driving through the opposition."

Stephen Furst QC is a construction specialist who "doesn't pull punches with his advice, is excellent in cross-examination and knows his stuff inside and out." Sources describe him as "a first-class lawyer who provides thorough, practical and well-thought opinions in consultation and on paper." He recently acted for Odeon Cinemas in a dispute concerning the collapse of cinema ceilings.

John Marrin QC who draws admiration for his elegant cross-examinations. One interviewee described his approach as "like a fireside chat, but somewhere inside there's a killer question that will rip you in two. You never know where you will end up, but when you do, he's got you where he wants you." 

Marrin has within his ranks Marcus Taverner QC, who is "really quite fearsome when he gets to grips with a case," according to commentators. They add that "having a conference with him is like being given the keys to a Ferrari for an hour." "A man who gives very precise advice and is then a terrier in court," he acted on the high-profile Multiplex Constructions v Mott MacDonald case relating to Wembley Stadium. 

Similarly highly regarded, Adrian Williamson QC is "a fantastic advocate, with a very sharp mind, he wastes no time in getting to the nitty-gritty of a case." Of late he has acted for AES Energía Cartagena in a claim arising from the alleged late completion of a power station in Spain.

Tim Elliott QC is praised as "a very meticulous details man who works with you rather than patronising you." He is highly personable, as is Richard Fernyhough QC, who is described by interviewees as "charm personified and one of the grand old men of the Construction Bar." He specialises in a range of construction matters, and is also a seasoned arbitrator.

Finola O'Farrell QC has been in silk for a considerably shorter time than Fernyhough but has certainly made her mark. "A strategist who is excellent on her feet, she puts things to the court in a very attractive way, is very good with the clients and copes very well with the complexities of a case." Her recent highlights include acting in a claim for adjudication enforcement relating to the primary decision in O'Donnell Developments v Build a Ability. 

Also recommended, the "exceedingly affable, helpful and bright" Philip Boulding QC is praised for his "diplomatic manner and good, preventative advice." His practice encompasses domestic and international work, and he has acted for numerous local authorities, significant national and international developers and a number of governmental departments.

Others who deserve recognition at the set include Ian Pennicott QC who is excellent both domestically and internationally and displays great prowess as a cross-examiner. Adopting a style that is "very authoritative and firm but never overly aggressive," he is an advocate who is "very focused, and with no airs or graces." He enjoys full rights of audience in Hong Kong. Pennicott shares a set with Richard Harding QC, who is "very impressive on his feet and has great technical ability." He is acknowledged as an authority on construction matters in the Middle East, and continues to establish himself there. 

Like Harding, Simon Hargreaves QC is a recent silk. He is "tenacious in his approach and excellent on his feet; he gets up to speed very quickly." According to sources, Hargreaves "knows the industry inside-out and knocks spots off the opposition." He is "very much your man for a rough and tumble in court."

Nerys Jefford QC is praised for her "practical, down-to-earth manner" and is known for handling clients very well. She recently acted for the defendant in Costain Ltd v Charles Haswell & Partners Ltd before the TCC.

Sarah Hannaford QC is a construction specialist who is "carving a niche for herself in procurement issues." Sources note that "she is a very robust performer who gives firm, unambiguous advice." She sits in the rankings alongside deputy head of chambers Dr Christopher Thomas QC, "a responsive and utterly reliable brief" who has extensive experience both domestically and internationally. He recently acted for the defendant in Carillion JM Ltd v Royden Engineering Ltd, a claim arising from the installation of steelwork and flooring at the Aran and Somerset Courts development in Bristol.

Adam Constable QC  elicits universal praise as "one of the standout juniors of the Construction Bar." "A real fighter, who is excellent on his feet," he is in demand for some of the biggest disputes, advising, for example, on M v M, a substantial litigation arising from the redevelopment of a luxury hotel. Both he and the "frighteningly bright" Simon Hughes QC are considered to be obvious silk material. Huhges wins through as he is "keen, responsive and a great lateral thinker." Sources further add that "he's proactive, and produces brilliant pleadings that can stop a case in its tracks." His recent sorties include acting for Rolls-Royce in Carter Holt Harvey v Genesis Power and Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc, a lengthy litigation involving a cogeneration plant.

Marc Rowlands is described as "the real deal" and "a natural advocate who is absolutely in his element. He has the combination of quick intellect and theatrical flair that makes him a real courtroom presence." Recent highlights for Rowlands include acting for major construction company Hainzl Industriesysteme in a Commercial Court action relating to the installation and design of a fire prevention system on Shuttle trains owned by Eurotunnel.

Fionnuala McCredie is "excellent at taking on board clients' needs; you feel very confident with her." She continues to act for Carillion in its on-going dispute against Bath & North East Somerset District Council and Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners in relation to the continuing redevelopment of Bath Spa.

Vincent Moran QC is "wonderful with clients; even if he's negative about a claim, he will deliver his advice in just the right manner." He is sought out for all construction-related matters as "he's studious, intelligent and conscientious." Recently, he acted for the design and build contractor in Gefco v Blue Circle, Bullivant and J Jarvis Plc, a series of arbitrations concerning a defective warehouse floor. 

Solicitors also favour Jonathan Selby as he "quickly gets to grips with the details" and shows a good understanding of commercial issues. "Industrious and a pleasure to work with," he has particular experience of large-scale luxury developments and headquarters buildings. Recently, he acted for the developer with regard to claims arising from the Regent Quarter development in King's Cross.

Piers Stansfield is "very authoritative and persuasive." Solicitors agree that "in addition to being wise, very calm and approachable, he's excellent on paper and a superb fighter with an astounding intellect." He was recently led by Paul Darling QC, acting for Pinnacle No.1 in a nuisance and vibration dispute against Hiscox. 

Sources anticipate that Lucy Garrett "is headed for great things," adding that "she is certainly someone who moves things along in a constructive way." "A great team player," she recently acted as junior counsel to AMEC in a substantial claim against Thames Water. Garrett enjoys a busy practice, as does Abdul Jinadu "a forthright character who gets to grips with things very quickly indeed." He recently acted for Sentosa (UK) in a dispute against JPA Design & Build.

Jane Lemon is "extremely user-friendly and a darling of the clients." Solicitors are unanimous in stating that "she is remarkable for the sheer hard work she puts into a case." Continuing to impress both at home and abroad, she has been involved in the on-going Multiplex v Mott MacDonald litigation.

Paul Buckingham has an extensive engineering background, so it comes as no surprise that "he is absolutely on top of his subject." Recent matters of note for him include The Dorchester Hotel Ltd v Vivid Interiors Ltd. In common with Buckingham,  is no stranger to big cases. He has a background in electronic engineering and proves "an outstanding link between leader and solicitor. He is a great support player who delivers across the board." He recently acted for the subcontractor in Wormald Ansul (UK) Ltd t/a Tyco Control Systems v Fitzpatrick Contractors Ltd, a dispute arising from the refurbishment of the Blackwall Tunnel.

International arbitration specialist Justin Mort is "thorough, concise and has a fine eye for detail." On the domestic side, he was recently led by David Thomas QC in a technical dispute arising from the construction of a shopping village in Wales on the site of a former slag tip.

Samuel Townend is "a technically very able barrister whose pragmatic approach and personable nature instil confidence in clients." His on-going position as standing counsel to the National House-Building Council continues to generate work, and he recently acted for the organisation in a dispute against the developer Majorboom.

Also well favoured in the market, Gaynor Chambers is "bright and extremely committed." YCMS Ltd v Grabiner is one example of her busy caseload.

Solicitors state that "the engineering side of things comes as second nature" to Richard Coplin, a lawyer who is "very thorough in his pleadings and totally committed to the cause." He recently acted for major construction management firm Tropus & Spicer in a substantial TCC arbitration. 

Robert Evans is dual-qualified as both a civil engineer and a barrister, meaning that he has "a great combination of technical and legal skills." "Skilled at explaining complex legal terms to clients," he is a popular advocate who recently acted for Acumen Engineering in a multiparty dispute arising from the design and construction of a new student accommodation block. 

Another dual-qualified 'engineer barrister', Krista Lee is praised for being "highly knowledgeable and excellent at drafting." She recently represented construction consultancy Davis Langdon LLP with regards to a dispute arising from the proposed design and construction of a landmark art gallery in Margate, in Kent.

Jessica Stephens is "a very quick thinker who addresses the court fluently and cogently." She recently acted for Elm International in relation to a claim arising from the construction of an extension to a Grade I listed building in Highgate. Stephens is one of a clutch of promising young juniors at the set, a contingent that also includes . "Proactive and a great team player," Sims continues to act in the Wembley Stadium v Mott MacDonald litigation. 

Other exciting prospects include William Webb, who "gives carefully considered, practical advice at short notice." He is identified as "a real rising star," and solicitors agree that "he can do the intricate work as well as the rough and ready work required of him; he's hugely knowledgeable." He recently acted for Watson Steel Structures in a dispute against Macalloy concerning the supply of defective goods.

Chambers and Partners, 2011

Premier construction set’ Keating Chambers remains ‘streets ahead of its competitors’, and its clerks are ‘approachable, realistic and offer an unrivalled service’. ‘Fearless on his feet’, Marcus Taverner QC is ‘quite simply the best construction barrister around’. Paul Darling QC is ‘creatively aggressive and stunning in cross-examination’.Stephen Furst QC has ‘superb ability to get to grips with technical issues and translate complicated concepts into simple matters’. New silks Adam Constable QC (‘a real star, who will no doubt become an outstanding QC’); Simon Hughes QC (who ‘works with you every step of the way’); and Vincent Moran QC (‘a breath of fresh air, who gives bullish, no-nonsense advice’) are all highly regarded. 

Among the juniors, Marc Rowlands is appreciated for his ‘tenacity and technical expertise',Jonathan Selby has ‘an excellent way with clients’, and Piers Stansfield gives ‘spot-on advice and is very willing to roll up his sleeves to get the job done’.

Keating Chambers’ ‘client-friendly clerks, and barristers at all levels give the set a real edge’. Marcus Taverner QC (‘will take the time to get into a case to fully understand all the issues’); Richard Fernyhough QC (‘calm, measured, and good on the law’); and Stephen Furst QC (‘fluent and persuasive style ’) are all highly regarded. David Thomas QC successfully represented Honeywell Control Systems in the Wembley Stadium litigation.