Richard Coplin is a qualified engineer and spent several years in the energy industry working on large nuclear and alternative energy projects (wind and wave power) before becoming a barrister in 1997. He specialises in dispute resolution in the construction, engineering, energy and technology sectors. Mr Coplin acts for clients on claims in the English courts, particularly the Technology and Construction Court (TCC), but he also has extensive experience of adjudication having acted on numerous adjudication claims over the years along with matters of enforcement. He is particularly well regarded for his work on professional negligence claims relating to architects, engineers, surveyors and valuers.
Arbitration in the UK and abroad is another important element of Mr Coplin’s practice having worked on several multi million pound arbitration claims in recent years relating to large infrastructure and stadium projects in the UK and ICC arbitrations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, including DIAC arbitrations under UAE law.
Richard has particular strengths in understanding and advising in respect of legal issues arising out of complex engineering issues, particularly in the fields of mechanical and structural engineering and in areas such as energy, and power, acoustics, manufacturing, materials science, corrosion and transportation.
Richard’s extensive experience of complex construction contracts has seen his career develop into related commercial fields, successfully arguing cases as diverse as the proper construction of election rules for an unincorporated association, the effects of promises not to sue, and the application of the Football League and Football Association Rules to a transfer dispute before an FA tribunal.
Recommendations
Consistently listed as a leading junior in Chambers & Partners
“his background as an engineer is a clear asset to his practice. His meticulous eye for detail and his open manner are particularly appreciated by commentators”
Chambers and Partners, A Clients Guide to the Legal Profession 2012
"Another who brings invaluable industry experience to his construction practice."
“A firm favorite with instructing solicitors.”
“His drafting is very good, he has an eye for detail and he is very much a team player.”
"A barrister of choice for market leaders."
"Impresses with his extensive industry knowledge."
“Impressing solicitors with his drafting skills, speed of response and overall approachability."
"The engineering side of things comes as second nature"..."very thorough in his pleadings and totally committed to the cause."
"A very sound performer who sticks to the point and gets to grips with cases very quickly."
"A joy to work with thanks to his practical and quick delivery of advice."
“One of the set's more junior stars.”
"Highly regarded for his work on negligence claims against architects, surveyors and valuers."
"Straight down the middle and gets to the point."
"Expertise in relation to claims against architects, engineers, surveyors and valuers."
“Numero uno”...“able to get stuck in.”
Chambers and Partners, 2005 - 2013
Recent Work
Construction & Engineering
- Acted in the UAE on behalf of a main contractor in relation to an AED 50,000,000 dispute under the DIAC arbitration rules and UAE law regarding termination of a sub-contract following the cancellation of a large government infrastructure project.
- Acted on behalf of the geotechnical engineers in relation to a surcharging scheme in defeating a substantial multi million pound claims for delay, disruption and other losses based on settlements between the main contractor and sub-contractor.
- Acted on behalf of a sub-contractor in recovering interim payments through Part 8 proceedings.
- Acted on behalf of a funder in striking out a substantial claim for loss of profit arising out of the alleged negligence of contractors.
- Acted on behalf of an insurer and successfully resisting the appeal in the Court of Appeal in relation to the proper construction of a compromise agreement.
- Acted on behalf of a residential occupier in obtaining a significant payout for a crane over sailing the resident’s property.
- Acting on behalf of contractors in an arbitration where significant losses were claimed by a developer/employer relating to the alleged substantial devaluation of its property.
- Acted for the main contractor joint venture in multi million pound ad hoc arbitration proceedings relating to the construction of a new runway at an international airport in Western Europe.
- Acted for the employer in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to the construction of a shopping complex in Poland.
- Instructed and advised in relation to the development of luxury properties in Barbados.
- Represented a residential developer in a two-week trial relating to alleged defects in the construction of a large residential property.
- Represented the main contractor in the TCC courts on a claim relating to a profit sharing agreement.
- Acting for the employer on several High Court actions relating to the construction of two floating production storage and off loading (FPSO) Vessels.
- Advised on claims arising from power station boiler corrosion.
Sports Stadiums
- Instructed by a major international architectural practice in an arbitration of a £2.5 million dispute relating to alleged professional negligence in the provision of a grandstand at a world famous racecourse.
- Acted on behalf of structural engineers and advised extensively in relation to a dispute regarding a national football stadium. This case involved highly complex and technical structural engineering matters and the interfaces between various engineers’ scopes of responsibility leading to the successful mediation of a multi-party dispute.
- Instructed in relation to a dispute relating to the design of a training facility for a well known football club.
Professional Negligence
- Instructed by Architects in relation to waterproofing issues at Britain’s only natural thermal spa facility.
- Acted for a major supermarket chain in TCC proceedings relating to claims against arising from subsidence of the main floor slab at a new supermarket development.
- Defending Surveyors against claim of negligence relating to commercial property valuations.
- Defending engineers against claims of alleged negligence relating to the failure of a commercial property's foundations.
- Defending various consulting (mechanical, structural, geotechnical, civil and electrical) engineers against in proceedings relating to alleged negligence.
- Representing various claimant main contractors on claims of negligence against consulting engineers.
- Defending various surveyors, quantity surveyors, architects, valuers in various types of proceedings (court, arbitration, adjudication).
Publications
- Contributor, Keating on Construction Contracts - Ninth Edition (2012)
- Contributor, Keating on Construction Contracts - Eighth Edition (2006)
- The Engineer’s Dispute Resolution Handbook
Education and Professional Career
BA in Engineering Science, Exeter College, Oxford
Diploma in Law, City University
Called to the Bar (Middle Temple)
Pupillage, Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers
Public Access Training |
1989
1996
1997
1997-98
1998
2008 |
Memberships
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Society of Construction Law
Other Information
Richard plays football regularly and follows West Ham United. He enjoys climbing and walking in the countryside.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss ways in which Keating Chambers can assist you or your organisation, please contact 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.
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