Jessica Stephens was called to the Bar in 2001. She completed her pupillage with Keating Chambers and joined Chambers in October 2002 to develop her specialist practice in construction and engineering disputes.
Since becoming a member of Chambers, Jessica has advised and appeared in a range of cases - varying from disputes concerning residential premises to high value commercial premises - in arbitrations and the Courts (County and TCC). She also has significant experience in international arbitrations concerning a variety of subject matter from shipbuilding the construction of ultra-harsh environment jack-up rigs, infrastructure projects in the Middle East and the Far East.
Jessica has experience of all aspects of adjudication including enforcement hearings, and is regularly instructed in disputes concerning professional negligence of construction professionals. In addition to the above, she has developed a niche practice in the areas of party walls, rights to light and nuisance, and is the co-author of publications concerning Party Walls and Rights to Light, as well as being a contributor to Keating on Construction Contracts and Keating on JCT Contracts.
Recommendations
In 2007 she was identified by The Times as one of ten future stars of the Bar.
Construction
“impresses commentators with her incisive mind and her provision of straightforward advice and nuanced arguments”
Chambers and Partners 2012
Construction
"a very quick thinker who addresses the court fluently and cogently."
Chambers and Partners 2011
Construction
“rated highly by peers for her expertise in construction and engineering disputes.”
Chambers and Partners 2010
Construction
“confident and methodical”...“more than capable of handling cases that might have daunted others of her age”
Chambers and Partners 2009
“....notable praise from clients and peers who valued her input as a junior.”
Chambers and Partners 2008
...quick turnaround of work and " straight to the point" attitude.
Chambers and Partners 2007
“…few more popular construction juniors around…" ..a big hit with clients.
Times Online "Future stars of the Bar" 2007
Recent Work
Construction
- Advising and acting for a leading contractor in an adjudication concerning low performance damages under NEC2.
- Acting for an Indian manufacturer of process plant equipment in a dispute concerning delay and defects relating to the construction of a demineralised water treatment plant.
- Advising and acting for a manufacturer of concrete supplied for a development in Wales.
- Advising and acting for a housing trust in a dispute concerning contract administration in relation to the development of social housing.
- Acting for a manufacturer of automotive testing equipment and developer of associated software in a dispute involving specification and copyright issues relating to the supply of automotive testing equipment in India.
- Advising and acting for policyholders and the NHBC in disputes concerning the NHBC Buildmark Policy.
- Advising and acting for a large retailer in relation to its dispute with a contractor over the floor for substantial new premises.
- Advising and acting for the owner of a substantial London residence in TCC litigation against the main contractor.
- Advising and acting for a main contractor in TCC litigation against a specialist subcontractor in relation to defective fire protection in college premises.
- Advising and acting for a contractor in relation to procurement issues surrounding a property maintenance partnering contract.
- Advising a school in relation to a claim for delay and disruption brought against it by a contractor.
- Acting for an Indian manufacturer of process plant equipment in a dispute concerning delay and defects relating to the construction of a demineralised water treatment plant.
- Acting for Bovis Lend Lease Limited in disputes involving delays and loss and expense in relation to a large retail development in Warrington.
- Acting for a Korean shipyard in a US$500 million international arbitration under LCIA rules concerning specification and delay issues relating to the construction of two ultra harsh condition jack up oil rigs.
- Acting for an Arab contractor in a $45 million dollar dispute in relation to a project in Kuwait constructing oil pipelines and tanks.
- Acted for Secretary of State for Transport in claims in relation to alleged defective design and construction of the Thelwall Viaduct on the M6 Motorway.
- Acted as Junior to Mr Vivian Ramsey QC on a multimillion pound dispute relating to the Chek Lap Kok international airport in Hong Kong.
- Acting for Canary Wharf Contractors Limited on various disputes including claims arising from the collapse of tower crane and claims arising from cost overruns on several new developments.
- Appearing as advocate in the High Court on applications to enforce and oppose adjudicator’s decisions.
- Advising on disputes relating to industrial property including industrial units and warehouses.
Shipbuilding
- Acting for a Korean shipyard in a US$500 million international arbitration under LCIA rules concerning specification and delay issues relating to the construction of two ultra harsh condition jack up oil rigs.
- Acting for the Singaporean shipyard Sembawang in relation to a long-running arbitration (the largest marine arbitration ever held in London) under LMAA rules. The dispute related to the contract to convert the bulk carrier "Solitaire" into a pipe-laying vessel for the oil & gas industry.
Professional Negligence
Information Technology
- Acting for a manufacturer of automotive testing equipment and developer of associated software in a dispute involving specification and copyright issues relating to the supply of automotive testing equipment in India.
Party Walls and Rights of Light
- Advising contractors and developers in relation to rights of light disputes in relation to commercial and domestic developments.
- Advising and acting for contractors, private individuals and developers in relation to party wall disputes.
Education and Professional Career
Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) University of
Western Australia
Judicial Assistant to the Honourable Justice Lee, Federal
Court of Australia
Called to the Bar (Lincoln's Inn)
Pupillage, Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers
Public Access Training |
1998
1999
2001
2001-2002
2002
2008 |
Memberships
Society of Construction Law (SCL)
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Other Information
Jessica enjoys running and has completed the London Marathon.
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss ways in which Keating Chambers can assist you or your organisation, please contact the Director of Clerking,
Paul Cooklin, or 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.
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