Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Construction

Located in High Wycombe, Lewis Cohen heads the construction and engineering team at Blaser Mills Law. Cohen has a wealth of experience handling both contentious and non-contentious construction matters.
The construction team at CooperBurnett LLP is spearheaded by David Brown in Turnbridge Wells. Brown stands out due to his longstanding expertise, and regularly advises developers, housebuilders, and contractors.
The construction and engineering team at Mills & Reeve LLP is headed by Dominic Jones in Oxford, who joined the firm in January 2023 from Blake Morgan LLP. Jones regularly advises clients within the education sector on a variety of construction projects.

Construction in South East

Blake Morgan LLP

Blake Morgan LLP houses strong constructions teams in both Oxford and Southampton, which regularly act for clients across a broad range of sectors, including retail and leisure, real estate, and education. Richard Wade is known for his longstanding experience, routinely advising developers, contractors, and suppliers. James Bessey is skilled at handling construction disputes, particularly in relation to building defects. Noted for his expertise in the transactional components of construction projects, Edward McMullen routinely assists with building contracts, warranties, and consultant appointments. Simon Lewis is also recommended for handling both contentious and non-contentious construction mandates.

Practice head(s):

Richard Wade; James Bessey; Edward McMullen


Other key lawyers:

Simon Lewis; Gemma Hill; Kirsteen Mace


Testimonials

‘They provide high quality advice.’

‘I would recommend Edward McMullen to anyone who needs a construction lawyer.’

‘Everyone at Blake Morgan has been easy to deal with and provides clear advice that is easy to understand balances.’

‘They are practical, commercial, and very experienced.’

‘Richard Wade and Kirsteen Mace are both standout individuals.’

Key clients

IWG


Sutton and East Surrey Water


Whitbread


University College Oxford


Diamond Light Source Limited


St Edmund Hall Oxford


Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council


St John’s Winchester


Beard Construction


Oxford University Developments


Work highlights


  • Advising Whitbread on its issues regarding tall buildings and ACM cladding following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
  • Advising Sutton & East Surrey Water Limited on a dispute relating to the payment provisions under a £20m contract for the filter replacement and upgrade of the water treatment works.
  • Advised Diamond Light Source Limited on non-contentious matters relating to several projects.

Cripps

The construction practice at Cripps is co-headed by Nitej Davda and James Lee in Tunbridge Wells, routinely advising clients on safety requirements under the Building Safety Act. Davda leads on the contentious side, 0ften handling claims of professional negligence and issues arising out of contractor insolvency. Lee is recommended for non-contentious issues, regularly advising on construction contracts and development agreements; he also has a particular expertise with advising on projects within the life sciences sector. The team is supported by Iain Benson, who regularly assists clients with construction insurance and bespoke contracts.

Practice head(s):

Nitej Davda; James Lee


Other key lawyers:

Iain Benson


Testimonials

‘The advice was great and we managed to get the desired outcome expediently. The team at Cripps are open and friendly.’

‘Iain Benson was easy to deal with, understood what we needed, and provided good advice.’

‘Iain Benson is able to provide invaluable insight about the negotiating position of the other side, due to his previous experience of working for contractors.’

‘Iain Benson is extremely pragmatic and is able to make complicated situations relatively simple.’

Key clients

The Cadogan Estate


Harrow School


Federated Hermes


Kadans Science Partner


Kennedy Wilson


Endurance Land


Peer Group


FGS Agri Limited


The Eyre Estate


South East Water


Work highlights


  • Advising Cadogan on a range of construction projects across their London estate.
  • Acting for Kadans Science Partner, a life sciences real estate developer and operator, on the development of its substantial UK property portfolio.
  • Acted as the main construction advisers in relation to the development and maintenance of Harrow School’s 300-acre estate on Harrow-on-the-Hill.

IBB Law

The construction team at IBB Law regularly acts for contractors, developers, and engineering companies, as well as clients within the housing sector. The practice offers a broad range of expertise in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, including adjudication proceedings, building contracts, and remediation work. Paul Brampton heads the ‘highly experienced’ team in Uxbridge, and has extensive experience advising on construction matters across the manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and hospitality sectors. Based in Reading, Caroline Cowley is a key member of the team who handles claims under the Building Safety Act.

Practice head(s):

Paul Brampton


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Cowley; Andrew Olins; Ross Humphries; James Brice; Samantha Beasley


Testimonials

‘IBB is second to none when it comes to advising us on all real estate matters, including construction. I would not hesitate to recommend IBB to potential clients.’

‘Ross Humphries has such extensive experience that we have total confidence in all matters on which he gives advice.’

‘IBB offers a very personal, informative, and focused service on construction matters. They are truly a part of our business, not just outsourced lawyers.’

‘Paul Brampton goes the extra mile and often exceeds expectations.’

‘James Brice was very helpful. We were dealt with efficiently and quickly.’

‘Throughout my dealings with IBB, the firm has been doing exactly what a good law firm is supposed to do. The particulars of a case are studied thoroughly, tasks are assigned to capable staff, queries are addressed promptly, and options are explained clearly.’

‘Paul Brampton is well organized, gives clear advice, and is supported by a competent team.’

‘They are incredibly responsive and always hit the targets in order to get transactions across the line.’

Key clients

Aviva Insurance


Bellway


O’Halloran and O’Brien


LGH Hotel and Management Limited


Teenage Cancer Trust


London Square Developments Limited


Riverdale Developments Limited


Marson Property


EAB Homes


ANT Telecom


Work highlights


Sheridan Gold LLP

Sheridan Gold LLP is noted for the depth of its experience in acting for clients in adjudication proceedings, often appearing before the Technology and Construction Court (TCC). The team is also skilled at handling complications arising out of contractor insolvency. With standout, longstanding experience, Peter Sheridan co-heads the team in Reigate, and is a key name for clients facing high value, multi-party disputes. Leading the team alongside him, Jonathan Gold often acts for a diverse range of clients across the transport, leisure, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Gold; Peter Sheridan


Testimonials

‘They stand out for their specialist knowledge and experience in relation to contract law in the construction sector.’

‘Jonathan Gold was attentive, responsive, and available when needed. He progressed the matter in a most timely and efficient manner.’

‘The partners of Sheridan Gold, Peter Sheridan and Jonathan Gold, deal with matters personally. This hands-on approach ensures a high level of focused expertise.’

‘Peter Sheridan and Jonathan Gold are highly professional without over-complicating issues. They are always available and ready with straight forward advice.’

‘Sheridan-Gold provides expert and experienced partners.’

‘Jonathan Gold is a very bright lawyer. He’s able to identify and explain complicated legal points.’

‘Peter Sheridan and Jonathan Gold are hands-on partners with good knowledge of the industry and construction law. Both are practical construction lawyers.’

Key clients

Amey


Apex Contractors


Ballast Nedam


Cappagh Browne


Chapel Down


Ferdinand Bilstein UK


G2 Energy


Intrepid Civil and Marine Anguilla Limited


ITC Properties


Langham Homes


Work highlights


  • Represented RY Construction Ltd in three adjudications and associated Part 8 proceedings in the TCC challenging the validity of one of the decisions.

Stevens & Bolton LLP

The construction and engineering team at Stevens & Bolton LLP is noted for its broad expertise, which spans the life sciences, education, healthcare and infrastructure sectors. Described by clients as ‘the go-to individual for contentious issues’, Kimberley Eyssell heads the practice in Guildford, displaying vast experience in enforcement proceedings and recovery claims. The 'excellent' Stephen Rockhill is well-versed in building contracts, development agreements, and consultant appointments. Ben Willis is another key member of the team with in-depth experience in non-contentious matters, regularly assisting developers, investors, local authorities, and contractors.

Practice head(s):

Kimberley Eyssell


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Rockhill; Ben Willis


Testimonials

‘They are a great team that are always willing to give considered advice.’

‘The team are proactive and also commercial. They explain to the client the risks associated with any decision that may be taken.’

‘Stephen Rockhill is not only an excellent lawyer but also has a background in construction, so he understands the complexities and realities that need to be considered when he gives advice.’

‘Ben Willis is extremely approachable and flexible in his approach and advice. He’s a great team player and excellent communicator.’

‘Kimberley Eyssell is the go-to individual for any contentious issues.’

Key clients

CBRE Managed Services Ltd


Gist Ltd


Kia UK Ltd


Maris Interiors LLP


Octopus Healthcare Developments Ltd


Reliance High-Tech Ltd


Royal Albert Hall


Schneider (G.B.) Ltd


Sudbury Plastering Services Ltd


VX Fiber Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising a manufacturer on construction agreements, procurement, and general construction advice for a new construction project worth approximately £600m.
  • Advising a household name in a claim against various parties for defects to a national distribution centre, mediation, and settlement negotiations are ongoing while potential High Court claims are also anticipated.
  • Drafting and negotiating a large number of framework agreements for a telecommunications business to expand its network across the UK.

Clarkslegal LLP

Working out of the Reading office, Stephen James leads the practice at Clarkslegal LLP, which handles the full spectrum of matters relating to construction projects, including procurement contracts, tender drafting, and joint ventures, in addition to issues arising out of contractor insolvency. James is recommended for his handling of disputes, including defect claims and contract time extensions. Antony Morris is noted for his experience in professional negligence claims against architects and contractors.

Practice head(s):

Stephen James


Other key lawyers:

Antony Morris


Testimonials

‘Clarkslegal has a strong business-minded approach to litigation. The construction team are genuine experts in unpacking and dissecting construction claims, from payment disputes through to the most complex of claims on large-scale projects.’

‘Antony Morris is a standout litigator. He has a very pragmatic style and distils complicated concepts in a very understandable way.’

‘Stephen James is a tough opponent who prepares a case immaculately. He is also a very impressive negotiator who is effortlessly persuasive.’

‘They always respond in a timely fashion.’

Key clients

Lumen Technologies UK Limited


Future Tech SCI Limited


Really Local Group


Glenman Corporation Limited


Frencon Construction Limited


Area Sq Limited


Mackin Construction Limited


Stanton Williams Limited


Allenbuild Limited


BSW Building Services Limited


Westford Mechanical Limited


MJL Construction Associates Limited


Fourfront Group Limited


High Firs Penthouses Limited


i-Transport Limited


Crown Packaging UK Plc


Work highlights


  • Represented the demolition contractor John Mould in relation to commercial court proceedings brought by a subcontractor.
  • Acting for Future-Tech on a range of projects for the construction of new data centres in both mainland Europe and Africa.
  • Acting for a main contractor in an account dispute with a London Borough.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell is particularly skilled at handling cladding remediation projects as well as claims arising out of defective cladding. The construction and engineering practice has broad expertise spanning the education, energy, housing, and manufacturing sectors. Practice head Mark Clinton is based in Gatwick, and handles both contentious and non-contentious matters. Robert Tunningley and Natalie Cane are integral members of the team; Tunningley has an in-depth understanding of construction documents, development agreements, and procurement issues, and Cane routinely advises developers, lenders, and contractors.

Practice head(s):

Mark Clinton


Other key lawyers:

Robert Tunningley; Natalie Cane


Testimonials

‘They ensure that instructions are adequately resourced. Both partners and associates are fully accessible and responsive.’

‘The partners are fully responsive and proactive on the instructions. The level and quality of advice is of a very high standard.’

‘Robert Tunningley gives invaluable advice on the Building Safety Act.’

‘They are highly experienced in their field of work.’

Key clients

Rula Developments Limited


Praxis Capital Limited


Estates and Management Limited


Hendy Group Limited


Mersenne Developments Limited


Kinnevik Capital Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Rula Developments Limited, a commercial development company, in respect of the construction of two large distribution units in Doncaster.
  • Advised Praxis Capital Limited, an asset management company, in connection with the purchase of an office campus in Birmingham City Centre.
  • Advised Estates and Management Limited in connection with their properties requiring cladding remediation.

Palmers

Palmers handles the full range of construction disputes through a variety of mediums such as litigation, arbitration, mediation, and adjudication, often acting for a diverse client list of contractors, sub-contractors, private individuals, and construction companies. Based in Rayleigh, Adam Davis heads the team, often advising on the full spectrum of construction matters, including JCT contracts, warranty claims, and insurance-related issues. Layna Thompson stands out due to her experience in delay and disruption claims, payment disputes, and bespoke contracts.

Practice head(s):

Adam Davis


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Attewell; Layna Thompson


Testimonials

‘This is a go-to regional firm for specialist construction disputes. They are really outstanding and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Adam Davis is an exceptional lawyer. He is extremely hard working. He has a tremendous work ethic and will do everything he can to get the best possible result for the client.’

‘Palmers offer a great alternative to city firms for construction claims.’

Key clients

LFF Glamal Limited


LFF (Scotland) Limited


The Lady Eleanor Holles School Limited


City Lifting Limited


Vertical Transportation Limited


Ryan and Walsh Limited


Eden Facades Limited


TPS Interiors Limited


Emerson Crane Hire Limited


EEStairs (UK) Limited


Arti Structural Waterproofing Limited


TMT Steel Limited


J B Building Essex Limited


Grangewood Group


Redbrooks Specialist Design and Build Limited


Hollmark Limited


Munday and Cramer Architectural and Building Surveyors Limited


Technocrates Construction Limited


Work highlights


Thomson Snell & Passmore

Located in Tunbridge Wells, Chris Whittington heads the ‘excellent’ team at Thomson Snell & Passmore. Whittington utilises his longstanding experience to advise property developers, retailers, contractors, and funders. The ‘exceptional’ Chris Kirby-Turner is recommended for his strong focus on construction disputes, regularly handles claims before the TCC. The team was strengthened by the addition of Caroline Watkins, who specialises in non-contentious construction matters. Watkins joined the firm from EMW Law LLP in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Chris Whittington


Other key lawyers:

Chris Kirby-Turner; Caroline Watkins


Testimonials

‘The construction team at Thomson Snell & Passmore is excellent. They are diligent, hardworking, and always on top of what needs to be done.’

‘Chris Kirby-Turner is truly dedicated to his clients and getting the best outcome possible.’

‘An astute, reliable, and realistic team.’

Key clients

Nicholas James Care Homes Ltd


Ferns Group


OFP Timber Framed Homes Ltd


Siri Guru Nanak Darbar


Work highlights


  • Acted for a developer in obtaining freezing injunctions.
  • Acted for a client in a complex series of high value disputes, in which a settlement was achieved.
  • Acting for Siri Guru Nanak Darbar on the full suite of required construction documentation for the redevelopment of its old Gurdwara into residential units plus a library.

BDB Pitmans

The team at BDB Pitmans has broad expertise in infrastructure and transport projects, including roads, bridges, and railways. David Gwillim has since left the firm.

Work highlights


Birkett Long LLP

Birkett Long LLP houses a broad team which handles a vast array of matters, including JCT contracts, consultant appointments, project agreements, and collateral warranties. The team also has in-depth experience in adjudication proceedings, mediation, and litigation before the TCC. The practice is co-led by Peter Allen and Suryen Nullatamby, with Nullatamby standing out due to his skill in handling defect and delay claims, payment disputes, and issues arising out of insolvency.

Practice head(s):

Peter Allen; Suryen Nullatamby


Testimonials

‘They have a strong and deep expertise of construction law, especially for a provincial office.’

‘Peter Allen is a very experienced partner. He’s also very hands on.’

‘They are always available and are extremely knowledgeable in their field.’

Key clients

Navigator Terminals


University of Essex


Writtle University College


Essex County Cricket Club


Engineer.ai Global Limited


Connells


Sequence Estate Agency Group


BEW Electrical Distributors Limited


Countrywide Estate Agents


Fortress Developers Limited


Work highlights


Clarke Willmott LLP

The practice at Clarke Willmott LLP regularly acts for a diverse client base of developers, investors, contractors, and government entities. Hayley Steel leads the ‘responsive, pragmatic, and efficient’ team in Southampton, and has deep experience in renewable energy projects, retail developments, and commercial developments.

Practice head(s):

Hayley Steel


Testimonials

‘The team is responsive, pragmatic, and efficient.’

‘The team is responsive and solution oriented.’

Key clients

Retirement Village Group Limited


Homes England


CLC Group Limited


Triodos Bank


Lloyds Bank


PGS Logistics Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Retirement Villages Group Limited on the development of a series of retirement facilities across the UK, including recent developments in Chester, Exeter, and Thames Valley.
  • Advised Triodos Bank on a number of development finance facilities, including due diligence and negotiating suitable construction packages on behalf of the Bank.
  • Advised CLC Group Limited in relation to contract terms for a potential portfolio of project.

Field Seymour Parkes LLP

With James Palmer leading the team in Reading, Field Seymour Parkes LLP is noted for its growing strength in contentious construction matters. Palmer has vast expertise in adjudication cases and high-value construction claims, while Catherine Ripley has notable experience in advising on non-contentious matters such as JCT contracts and warranties, and the negotiation of professional appointments. Key clients for the practice include property developers, local authorities, contractors, and individuals.

Practice head(s):

James Palmer


Other key lawyers:

Cathrine Ripley; Bill Dixon


Testimonials

‘They are very responsive. They are also understanding of their client’s needs.’

Key clients

WAKMoor Limited


Vaccine Manufacturing & Innovation Centre


Work highlights


Holmes & Hills

Holmes & Hills houses a ‘strong' team of 'dedicated professionals'. Heading the practice from the Marks Tey office, Sam Bawden is recommended for payment disputes, time extension claims, and issues of professional negligence. Lawrence Pearce is a standout member of the team, and Abbie Chisnall is also noted for her expertise in construction contracts and adjudication claims.

Practice head(s):

Sam Bawden


Other key lawyers:

Lawrence Pearce; Abbie Chisnall


Testimonials

‘They are brilliant, user friendly, and loved by clients.’

‘Sam Bawden is analytical and razor sharp in his approach. A standout lawyer in the industry!’

‘The key strengths of the construction team at Holmes & Hills are collaboration and a clear understanding of the roles of the members of the legal team. I’ve found the team to be particularly excellent in client management and in their understanding of the law and procedural rules.’

‘Lawrence Pearce is a standout partner. He always has a good grasp of the details of the case whilst never losing sight of the bigger picture, which is quite refreshing in this industry!’

‘They are a strong team of dedicated professionals with particular expertise in construction, planning law, and contracts.’

‘The Holmes and Hills construction team is brilliant at its job. The team has in-depth knowledge in the construction sector. They are diverse, flexible, and have commercial awareness.’

‘They are a team of exceptional professionals who consistently distinguish themselves through their expertise, dedication, and client-focused approach.’

‘Samuel Bawden is caring and understanding in stressful situations. He has a knack of explaining legal stuff to someone who doesn’t have legal training. He is trustworthy, reliable, and professional.’

Key clients

CFE Installations


Munro Building Services Ltd


National Association of Shopfitters


NT Killingley Ltd


ScaffTeq Limited


Westgreen Construction Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advised Munro, a mechanical and electrical contractor, in relation to a disputed final account in respect of a £2.8 million JCT design and build sub-contract for mechanical and electrical works at a Primary School in Kent.
  • Acted for Westgreen in numerous construction law matters, including drafting contracts and providing bespoke training to team members at Westgreen.
  • Advised NT Killingley Ltd, a landscaping contractor, in relation to a payment dispute.

Lester Aldridge LLP

The team at Lester Aldridge LLP handles a variety of mandates, including site acquisitions, procurement strategies, construction contracts, and safety requirements under the Building Safety Act. Key clients for the practice include house builders, residential developers, contractors, and lenders. Izabela Arnold leads the practice in Southampton, and Amy Lewis regularly assists with building contracts, collateral warranties, and development finance matters. Located in Bournemouth, Rachel Gimson is another notable member of the team who is skilled at handling construction disputes.

Practice head(s):

Izabela Arnold


Other key lawyers:

Amy Lewis; Rachel Gimson


Testimonials

‘They have good knowledge through all levels of management.’

‘They offer a very personal and friendly service.’

‘Good support is on hand whenever it is needed.’

Key clients

Graham Care Group


Captiva Homes Limited


McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited


Care South


Work highlights


  • Advised Graham Care Group during the construction of the two-phase development of an acute care home and integrated community health centre.
  • Advised Captiva Homes and prepared documentation in relation to a major housing development on the Isle of Wight, comprising both open market and affordable units.
  • Advised McCarthy Stone on the allocation of design responsibility under the construction documentation for a 10-storey harbourside retirement housing project.