Ian Pennicott’s practice covers a broad spectrum of advisory, drafting and advocacy work related to construction, engineering, energy and technology disputes along with professional negligence claims involving architects, engineers and surveyors. He also advises on alternative dispute resolution, and is active in adjudication (as advisor, advocate or adjudicator) and arbitrations (as advocate or arbitrator). Mr Pennicott has particular expertise in claims relating to off-shore oil and gas assets, railway infrastructure, power station construction, environmental and regulatory work and shipbuilding contracts.
As well as being a Contributor to Keating on Construction Contracts (5th to 8th Editions), Mr. Pennicott is the Consultant Editor of Volumes 19(1) to (3) (Fuel and Energy) and 39(1) (Cross-Country pipelines) of Halsbury’s Laws of England and has recently been engaged by LexisNexis as the Consultant Editor on the Building and Building Contract titles of Halsbury’s to be published in 2010.
Mr Pennicott has recently acted for clients in disputes concerning a water transmission scheme in Abu Dhabi, a large infra-structure project in Hong Kong, a large scale commercial and residential development in Hong Kong and a complex infra-structure project in Thailand, as well as his mainstream domestic construction and engineering work.
Between 1984 and 1989 Mr Pennicott practised as a barrister in Hong Kong and he retains full rights of audience in the Hong Kong Courts. He continues to act for clients in Hong Kong and Asia on numerous arbitrations and litigations relating to substantial building and engineering disputes in the region.
Recommendations
Construction
“when he makes a point it is invariably worth listening to”...“a charming performer”..."the high esteem in which he is held by clients"..."hardworking and very approachable”...“unstuffy and informal”...“trusted performer.”
Chambers and Partners
Recommended for international arbitration
Chambers & Partners Asia 2008
Examples of recent work
Construction & Engineering
- Acted for the developers of a large scale mixed use commercial and residential complex in multiple arbitration proceedings against the main contractor.
- Acted for a sub contractor on its claims against the main contractor relating to the construction of Wembley Stadium.
- Representing the Hong Kong Housing Authority in a substantial ‘short piling’ dispute in Hong Kong concerning residential tower blocks.
- Acting for a University in relation to contracts concerning extensive new student accommodation.
- Advising a local authority in relation to its term maintenance contracts.
- Acted for the residents of two residential blocks in London in a defects claim against the main contractor.
- Acting for a UK plc in disputes concerning a complex and specialist infra-structure project in Thailand.
- Acting for the Hong Kong SAR Government in a large scale infra-structure project in arbitration proceedings against a main contractor.
Professional Negligence
- Representing a ferry operator in a dispute with a shipbuilder concerning defects in a passenger carrying vessel.
- Representing a contractor in a dispute with insurance brokers and engineers following the partial subsidence of an industrial building.
- Representing an architect in disputes with a contractor arising out of a design and build contract.
Energy & Natural Resources
- Advising in relation to an open cast mining dispute subject to arbitration proceedings.
- Advising the employer on Bond issues relating to upgrade works at a nuclear power station in the United Kingdom.
- Acted for a major US Corporation defending claims in the English Courts (Technology and Construction Courts) concerning alleged breaches of contract relating to the construction of a natural gas liquification plant in Africa.
- Advised the employer on contractual issues arising from a pipeline expansion project in the Far East.
- Acted for a Japanese engineering company in UNCITRAL arbitration proceedings over its claims against the main contractor relating to the construction of a desalination plant and water transmission scheme in Abu Dhabi involving the FIDIC Contract and Sub-Contract.
PPP/PFI
- Advising an educational establishment on a PFI project.
Arbitration and Adjudication Appointments
- Several appointments as adjudicator relating to the construction of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (High Speed 1).
- Party appointed adjudicator on a contractual adjudication related to the construction of Topsides of an oil rig.
- Disputes relating to construction of a water treatment plant.
- Professional negligence dispute relating to a large scale residential development.
Reported cases
Mr. Pennicott was also junior counsel in the well known cases of
Wharf Properties Ltd v Eric Cumine Associates [1991] 52 BLR 1 and
Balfour Beatty Building Ltd v Chestermount Properties Ltd [1993] 62 BLR 1.
Publications
- Consultant Editor of Halsbury’s Cross-Country Pipelines Volume 39(1A)(February 2008).
- Contributor, Keating on Construction Contracts - Eighth Edition (2006) and first supplement (2008).
- Editorial team, Keating on Building Contracts (5th, 6th and 7th editions) and First Supplement to the 7th Edition (2003).
- Joint Editor Halsbury’s Laws of England, Volume 4(3) Building Contracts (2002) and engaged as Consultant Editor for forthcoming Building and Building Contracts titles.
Ian Pennicott has lectured to various firms of solicitors and others, most recently conducting seminars on "strike out" applications under Part 24 of the Civil Procedure Rules, the Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol and global claims
Professional CV
BA in Law, Kingston Polytechnic
Ll.M., Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
Called to the Bar (Middle Temple)
Called to the Hong Kong Bar
Practised at Hong Kong Bar
Keating Chambers
Queen’s Counsel
TECBAR Accredited Adjudicator
Public Access Training | 1980
1981
1982
1984
1984-89
1989
2003
2003
2004 |
Membership
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Other Information
Ian is a keen golf player and supporter of Southampton Football Club.
Contact UsIf you would like to discuss ways in which Keating Chambers can assist you or your organisation, please contact the Senior Clerks,
John Munton and
Nick Child, in the first instance, on +44(0)20 7544 2600. They and their teams of Clerks will be pleased to advise you on the member of Keating Chambers appropriate to your requirements.
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