Robert Evans began his career as a civil engineer, working for international consultants and contractors in the UK and in Hong Kong. He was admitted as a corporate member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1985 and was made a Fellow in 2008.
Robert was called to the Bar in 1989 and as a member of Keating Chambers, he specialises in construction, engineering and energy disputes and professional negligence work in the UK and abroad . He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
His practice covers a wide variety of advisory work, drafting and advocacy, both in the High Court and in arbitration (both domestic and international). He has acted for national and local governments, public authorities, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, architects and engineers.
Notable recent cases include the British Coal Respiratory Diseases Litigation contribution claim against Coal Mining Contractors and a substantial arbitration in Mexico relating to a petrochemical plant. Robert has also been involved in a major contractor/sub-contractor dispute in Hong Kong on a resort complex, as well as a highway dispute in Dubai, and a lengthy arbitration in relation to an architect’s fees claim, with cross-claims for professional negligence. He has also recently represented a major government department in an arbitration arising out of a long running dispute over a 25 year PFI contract.
Robert Evans has acted for clients at all stages of the adjudication process (advising, drafting, representing clients at hearings and enforcement proceedings) and in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation. He accepts appointments as arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator.
In addition, he has a particular interest in yacht and boat design and construction.
Recommendations
Construction
“a strong contender in professional negligence and construction cases”
Chambers and Partners 2009
Construction
“on the ball and very well prepared.”
Chambers and Partners 2008
"exceptionally hard working and always willing to go the extra mile."
Chambers and Partners 2007
“real drive and sense of purpose”
Chambers and Partners 2006
“…readiness to fit into a team ethos and roll up his sleeves…”
Chambers and Partners 2005
Examples of recent work
Construction and Engineering
- Representing a member of the design team for the B of the Bang Sculpture in multi-party proceedings brought by the Local Authority.
- Instructed by the Treasury Solicitor in relation to adjudication and arbitration proceedings against multi-disciplinary consultant arising out of the refurbishment of one the Parliamentary Estate buildings.
- Acted for a Government department on disputes relating to 25 year contracts for the provision of water and sewerage services for over 3,000 sites in England, Wales and Scotland.
- Representing a firm of architects at all stages of an arbitration relating to its fee claim and the local authority employers professional negligence counterclaim over a lottery funded arts venue refurbishment project (the arbitration ran for some 100 days).
- Representing motor insurers in proceedings commenced by Network Rail in relation to bridge strikes.
- Representing a Japanese developer in an arbitration relating to defects in a commercial development.
- Representing a local contractor in an arbitration over the construction of a highway in Dubai.
- Representing the UK government in an arbitration over the construction of new office accommodation near Bristol.
- Representing and advising the UK government in respect of a number of motorway and other highway construction and maintenance projects.
- Acting for a NHS Trust in relation to a dispute over defects with construction of a hospital.
Energy
- Representing the British Coal Corporation (the Department of Trade and Industry) in the contribution claims against Coal Mining Contractors in the British Coal Respiratory Diseases Litigation, with particular reference to the contracts and contractual claims.
- Advising and drafting pleadings on a major ICC arbitration relating to a petro- chemical plant in Mexico.
- Acting for a mining contractor in a dispute relating to an open-cast mine in the United Kingdom.
- Acting in a dispute about wind turbine component failures.
- Acting in a dispute over defective pipe work materials in a major oil processing plant.
Examples of recent Tribunal Appointments
- Named Adjudicator for a schools PFI contract in Croydon relating to the provisions, servicing and maintenance.
- Appointed by the parties as Adjudicator in a dispute relating to a defective concrete slab in a factory warehouse.
- As a member of a Construction Panel of Adjudicators for a PFI Project, acted as Adjudicator in a dispute arising from an agreement for the demolition and new build of sheltered & warden properties.
- Party Appointed arbitrator in a dispute relating to the contract for equipment and services for a Solvent Extraction Plant
- Party appointed Determinator in a dispute between a Housing Association and contractor relating to fire damage.
Publications
Author of the Chapter on Mediation, Engineers Dispute Resolution Handbook (2006) Thomas Telford.
Contributor, Keating on Construction Contracts - Eighth Edition (2006).
Editorial team, Keating on Building Contracts, 7th Edition (2001).
Robert Evans regularly lectures to audiences including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Institution of Civil Engineers and firms of solicitors.
Professional CV
BA in Engineering, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge (MA 1985)
Member, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (MHKIE)
LL.B. University of London
Called to the Bar (Gray’s Inn)
Keating Chambers
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
CEDR Accredited Mediator
Public Access Training
Fellow, Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE) | 1981
1987
1988
1989
1990
1998
2004
2007
2008 |
Memberships
Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR)
Commercial Bar Association (COMBAR)
Law Society Panel of Arbitrators 2006
Other Information
Robert Evans is interested in international off-shore yacht racing and is a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and Royal Institute of Navigation. He has sailed at representative level for Great Britain and Hong Kong. Robert Evans was born in Jamaica and holds a Jamaican passport.
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.
<< Back to Barristers profiles