Profiles

In recent years, Marcus Taverner has appeared as advocate in the Technology and Construction Court, Commercial Court, the Court of Appeal and before Domestic and International Arbitration panels. He has advised on all types of engineering and construction projects in the UK and abroad in countries including China, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and the West Indies.

Recent matters include:

A TCC litigation relating to extensive works carried out at Aberthaw Power Station in South Wales. The Claimant, brought Part 8 proceedings to seek to establish the scope and extent of its and the Defendants’ obligations and rights arising out of an agreement in writing.

Advising in respect of damage to gas turbines at a Thermal Power Plant in Africa.

A TCC litigation relating to a design, supply, delivery and construction of a power plant in the UK, in particular to technical boiler issues.

Acting for a State owned energy company in arbitration proceedings defending claims made in relation to the construction of a new power station in Eastern Europe.

Other cases related to projects include:

• Sports Stadia
• Motorway and Motorway Bridge Construction
• Power Stations
• Telecommunications Systems
• Airports, Runways and Taxiways
• Hospitals
• Offshore Projects, involving, FPSOs, Semi- submersibles, Pipe-laying Vessels as well as Major Pipe Projects
• Open Cast Coal Mining (England, Wales and Scotland)
• Railways and Trains (Main Line and Underground)
• Process Plants (Cement; Oil and Gas Refinement; Magnesium etc)
• Government Buildings
• Water Treatment and Sewage Works
• Docks
• Dredging
• Supermarkets
• Office Blocks and Towers
• Residential Developments
• University Accommodation
• Tunnelling

In addition, he has been involved in many high profile cases involving allegations of professional negligence and the inevitable questions relating to standards, causation, loss and insurance issues. Recent such disputes have involved catastrophic failures of boilers, explosions, foundation and piling design, mechanical and electrical design, concrete and steel failures, heating ventilation, air conditioning and fire.

Marcus Taverner has acted for employers, contractors, sub-contractors, project managers, architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and almost every other type of construction professional.

His extensive experience inevitably includes the consideration of the standard and bespoke forms of contract and includes: JCT Standard Forms, ICE, FIDIC, MF, GC Works and NEC. He has also advised and appeared in cases involving all aspects of adjudication and arbitration; responsibility for design, extensions of time and loss and expense entitlement and quantification, defective works, all aspects of Insurance, Bonds, Sureties and Warranties as well as matters of repudiation and termination.

In Energy related disputes, he has acted for sub-sea specialist contractors on an action regarding the termination of a contract for sub-sea pipeline work connecting FPSO’s to well heads; the design and supply of a gas compression package for an oil production platform and the steel erection, pipe and fabrication works at one of the world’s largest liquid natural gas facilities.

As an arbitrator and adjudicator, his recent notable appointments include several as adjudicator on claims relating to the construction of the Cross Channel Rail Link (CTRL) and, as arbitrator, a dispute concerning a large chemical plant in the Middle East.

Recommendations

Construction 
“One of the absolute leading lights of the Construction Bar”...“becomes so engrossed in his cases he almost lives them”...“powerful advocacy and superior tactical thinking”...“he's very good on strategy and insight and on knowing where to catch people out.” 

International Arbitration 
“One of the top silks in the field”...“great cross-examiner”...“a highly experienced advocate and arbitrator.”

Professional Negligence
"Real energy and enthusiasm"
Chambers and Partners 2013

Construction
“Probably the best in London"..."a terrier in court who continuously achieves results."

International Arbitration
“A buoyant international practice.”

Professional Negligence
"Excellent"...“a fantastic courtroom advocate”...“particularly good at cross-examination.”
Chambers and Partners 2012

Construction
"Fearless on his feet’ ’quite simply the best construction barrister around."

International Arbitration 
"Aggressive but tactically astute silk, down-to-earth with the common touch."

Professional Negligence
"Highly recommended for construction matters."
Legal 500, 2011

Construction
"Really quite fearsome when he gets to grips with a case,"..."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."

Energy
"He glides from one stage to the next seamlessly, maintaining control at all times and making sure that the pressure is kept up on the other side."

International Arbitration
“Outstanding advocate"..."dynamism, laser-like forensic mind and ability to develop a rapport with a tribunal."

Professional Negligence
"a leading figure in the field,”..."the type of silk you want on your team"...“one of the most forceful advocates around as he is passionate, energetic and not at all dull. He makes proceedings exciting.
Chambers and Partners 2011

Construction
"Will take the time to get into a case to fully understand all the issues."

International Arbitration
"A sensible and down-to-earth approach that suits arbitration."

Energy
"Impressive cross-examiner."
Legal 500, 2008

Construction
"Hugely energetic"..."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."

Professional Negligence
"Continues to take the market by storm."

Energy
"A great fighter who is never daunted."

International Arbitration
“Enjoys a pre-eminent international reputation in construction matters.” He "excels in lateral thinking and clients think he's wonderful."
Chambers and Partners 2010

Construction Silk of the Year
Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2009

Construction
Extraordinary - his quick energy and insight in analysing a case enables him to come up with new angles."

Commercial Arbitration
"Creative and fun."

Professional Negligence
Recommended as a robust performer.
Legal 500, 2009

Construction
"Full of energy and vim,"...has risen to the heights of the profession as a result of his "perspicacious advice"..."he always gets results."..."gets very passionate about the cause but without ever letting that passion lead him astray."
Chambers and Partners 2009

"continuously achieves results"..."watching this super-sharp silk in full flow is truly invigorating."
Nominated Construction Silk of the Year, Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2008

Commercial Arbitration
“A tenacious silk.”

Construction
"One of the most tenacious barristers you’ll come across," a "relentless, passionate, persuasive advocate and a formidable fighter."
Legal 500, 2008

Professional Negligence
“powerful technical insight into the construction and energy industries”...“gets completely on your side – he doesn’t just go through the motions.”

Energy
“Is one of the most enthusiastic silks one can come across – he enjoys the cut and thrust of the fight”...“razor-sharp strategic insight.

Construction
“Someone you would want on your side in an argument”...“forceful advocacy” reaps rewards and his cross-examination skills are widely bruited.

International Arbitration
“Great on strategy and a ferocious cross-examiner”...“watching this super-sharp silk in full flow is truly invigorating.”orating."
Chambers and Partners 2008

Construction
"Swashbuckler" Marcus Taverner QC brings a touch of panache to cross examination, which wins him acolytes throughout the Bar. "He's your man for a fight," sources assert.

Professional Negligence
"Marcus Taverner in particular is "outstanding." He is "a great animal in the courtroom" and "incredibly effective at what he does." Always "knowledgeable, personable and committed to the case."
Chambers and Partners 2007

Energy
“Some clients simply wouldn’t move without him."

Recommended as a Leading Silk.
Chambers Global 2007

“If you want someone whose brain is always racing” Marcus Taverner QC is the perfect candidate.” Interviewees were hugely supportive of this “great tactician and lateral thinker” whose “pugnacious approach” has been the crucial factor in a number of successful settlements.

Marcus Taverner QC attracted plaudits from instructing solicitors who recognised him as a “leading figure for construction negligence cases, especially in relation to engineers and architects.” Marcus Taverner also impressed observers. “A smart leader, he’s commercial, astute and really clued up.”