Comprising of ‘very skilled and knowledgeable lawyers across all seniorities’, Blake Morgan LLP‘s Cardiff team acts on its own as well as often alongside other lawyers from offices throughout the network on high-profile domestic and UK-wide projects for developers and contractors. Team head Joanna Rees has vast experience advising on construction issues throughout the life cycle of a project (from tender through the build phase and on any subsequent disputes which may occur) and regularly works alongside public procurement expert Simon McCann on matters where there is involvement with a public sector entity, including on infrastructure and health projects. ‘Exceptionally capable’ senior associate Kate Howell has developed a strong reputation handling contentious matters before the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) as well as in adjudications and risk management assessments, including as it relates to managing large cladding and defects cases in high rise buildings.
Construction in Wales
Blake Morgan LLP
Practice head(s):
Joanna Rees
Other key lawyers:
Simon McCann; Kate Howell; Charlotte Neads
Testimonials
‘They have an excellent understanding of the issues that arise in construction cases. The team comprises very skilled and knowledgeable lawyers across all seniorities, and their high reputation in this field is thoroughly deserved.’
‘The team is widely experienced in construction; I found them to be practical and quick to grasp difficult technical issues.’
‘The team has been running some of the leading claims in the TCC over the past few years, including one of the early cladding claims (a huge multi-party dispute in the TCC).
‘Kate Howell managed a hard-fought and highly complex TCC trial with enormous skill and dedication. She was completely on top of the huge amounts of documentation and the complex issues, and managed the case with composure and good humour.’
‘Kate Howell is an exceptionally capable and experienced lawyer. She is smart, organised and innovative in dealing with all levels and industry disputes in construction – completely in control even in the most pressured of situations.’
‘Charlotte Neads is commercially aware and focused on delivery.’
Key clients
Transport for Wales
The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames
SPTS Technologies UK Limited
Ascent Development Limited
Carmarthenshire County Council
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership – Specialist Estates Services
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
South East Wales Highways Framework managed by Cardiff City Council
Platform Housing Group
Premier Inns/Whitbread
Work highlights
- Advised Transport for Wales (TfW) on all construction issues including on the procurement of contractors for railway works for the Core Valley Lines, Alliancing agreement, environmental and carbon conscious drafting and preparing a bespoke suite of NEC4 construction contracts for use across all TfW projects in 2022.
- Advising the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames on its “Transform Kingston” programme which is the regeneration of Kingston City Centre – this includes the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Guildhall One and Guildhall Two and the future regeneration of the Cattle Market car park.
- Advising SPTS Technologies Limited, the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer based in Newport on the procurement of a new state of the art factory with clean room technology.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Drawing upon an ‘in-depth knowledge of the construction sector’, gleaned from many years’ experience in the field, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has the ability ‘to solve complex issues utilising legally sound and commercially practical advice’. Team head Alison Short provides ‘exceptional legal and commercial advice’ to stakeholders involved in a range of projects relating, in particular, to nuclear, water, renewable energy and transport projects, both domestically and internationally. As well as working alongside colleagues from other key offices in the network, including Birmingham and London, Short is also assisted out of Cardiff by senior associate James Molland , who regularly runs his own caseload focusing more on construction issues associated with traditional commercial property projects.
Practice head(s):
Alison Short
Other key lawyers:
James Molland
Testimonials
‘The team provides in-depth knowledge of the construction sector, providing their client with both detailed and excellent legal advice about matters such as contracts, warranties etc., but also detailed information about the wider construction market and the changing legal framework so that the client can best position and protect itself.’
‘Excellent construction law knowledge and experience. Able to solve complex issues utilising legally sound and commercially practical advice.’
‘Alison Short provides exceptional legal and commercial advice to her clients ensuring they are able to make considered decisions having weighed all the arguments.’
‘Alison Short displays great attention to detail and is able to simplify complex legal issues quickly that works both commercially and technically.’
Key clients
Dwr Cymru Cynyngedig (Welsh Water)
Stena Line Limited
Annington Property Limited
Wales and West Utilities
G4S
Work highlights
Geldards LLP
The 'very approachable' team at Geldards LLP has an excellent reputation in the Welsh market and beyond, as a result of its 'strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills'. The success of the team is firmly centred around team head Tony Norris, whose contractual drafting capabilities and knowledge of the sector is such that the framework agreements that he has drafted, including for Carmarthenshire County Council, have become the industry standard and are used in relation to the majority of local authority and police capital projects in the South West of Wales. Norris is also recognised as 'outstanding construction litigator', which manifests itself not only in the context of risk management in contract drafting but also in any attendant disputes which may arise. Senior associate Claire Laviers is also a key resource to clients on transactional construction matters, in light of her contract drafting and negotiation expertise.
Practice head(s):
Tony Norris
Other key lawyers:
Claire Laviers
Testimonials
‘The team’s creativity, ability to negotiate in complex situations, along with their strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills are standout attributes.’
‘Best in class advice and service.’
‘They are very approachable and have excellent knowledge of the sector and the issues that we face in social housing.’
‘Tony Norris is an outstanding construction litigator. He is a go-to in the market. Widely respected, commercial and really knows his stuff.’
Key clients
Carmarthenshire County Council (Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin)
Storage Giant Limited
Sutco (UK) Limited
OGI (Spectrum Fibre Limited)
Welsh Government & Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council (JV)
Western Power Distribution
Cadarn Housing Group Limited
Redrow Homes Limited
Natural Resources Wales
Wales & West Housing Association
United Welsh Housing Association
R & M Williams Limited
Pembrokeshire County Council
Pembrokeshire College
London Borough of Merton
Wandsworth Borough Council
BlueEarth Construction Limited
William Hare Limited
Bowmer & Kirkland Group
Walgreens Boots Alliance
CWC Group / Clowes Developments (UK) Limited / Dove Valley Park Limited
Miller Birch/Cedar Investments Limited
BioCity Group
Sheffield City Council
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Nottingham City Council
Derby City Council
The Council of the City of Carlisle
Chesterfield Borough Council
South Derbyshire District Council
Warrington Borough Council
Julian Hodge Bank Limited
The Development Bank of Wales
Principality Building Society
Lloyds Bank
PPH1 Ltd & DPK East
Nottingham Regeneration Limited
Synergy Health Managed Services Limited
Chrysalis Supported Association Ltd
SDL Group / Wise Living Homes Limited
Nottingham City Homes
Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire
J W Simpkin Ltd
Sacyr UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Continuing to work with Carmarthenshire on innovative and client-centred framework agreements, including on a number of leisure projects under the Alliance Leisure Framework.
- Continue to support Sutco with it’s recycling, renewable energy and waste needs.
- Appointed by Sacyr UK Limited on the first major health project utilising the Welsh MIM PPP model – a new £0.5bn cancer care centre at Velindre.
Hugh James
Drawing upon ‘excellent knowledge and experience’ at handling regional mandates, as well as increasingly work located in London, Hugh James provides a ‘prompt and responsive service’ to public, private and public sector stakeholders, across a wide array of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has ‘detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector’, an area that both Matthew Stevens and Iwan Jenkins have been particularly active, advising housing associations, including Pobl, across a wide range of matters. Team head Ioan Prydderch is also recommended, both in the context of contractual drafting in relation to the construction and engineering sector, as well as on litigation, where clients benefit from his deep knowledge of alternative dispute methods of resolution.
Practice head(s):
Ioan Prydderch
Other key lawyers:
Iwan Jenkins; Matthew Stevens; Alun Tobias
Testimonials
‘The team has excellent knowledge and experience, and provides a super service.’
‘They are friendly yet remain totally professional at all times. The communication is first class.’
‘They provide a prompt and responsive service. The firm has detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector.’
‘The team has exceptional levels of experience particularly in the context of Welsh Housing-related contracts. They are accommodating, flexible and personable.’
‘The practice has unrivalled expertise in construction law, specializing in disputes and also contract law/ training insolvency’s etc. They always find the resources to cater for our needs, large or small.’
‘Matthew Stevens is always professional and produces work in a timely manner, keeping us up to date with progress. He provides commercial advice and clearly outlines the pros and cons when giving advice.’
Key clients
Pobl
Welsh Power
Ely Mill Development Company Limited
Welsh Government
Platform Housing Association
Celsa UK
Swansea Council
WRU
Willmott Dixon
Brackley
Work highlights
- Advised the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on the flagship redevelopment of the previous post office and county court heritage buildings on Westgate Street in central Cardiff into a 175-bed luxury hotel that includes fifteen VIP suites, two restaurants, a luxurious spa with a rooftop infinity pool, comprehensive meeting facilities and a ballroom for 400 guests.
- Advising the Celsa Group companies in the UK in their negotiations with the main contractor joint ventures (BYLOR (Laing o Rourke and Bouygues), BBV (Balfour Beatty and Vinci)) in connection with the HS2 and Hinkley Power Station projects.
- Advising Pobl, Hafod, Melin, Newport City Homes, Rhondda Housing Association and Tarbed, as well as another five social housing providers and two local authorities, in relation to the use of Project Bank accounts on their multimillion-pound development projects.
Acuity Law
Drawing upon ‘a great mix of experienced and young lawyers’, including former construction head at Douglas-Jones Mercer Philip Graham , who joined in April 2022, Acuity Law displays ‘a can-do attitude’ on behalf of developers and contractors throughout a project life cycle, on matters ranging from complex infrastructure projects to city centre regeneration schemes. Historically better known for its transactional and advisory expertise, Graham’s arrival adds more balance to the team, in light of his ‘very pragmatic approach to the resolution of construction disputes’. James Williams takes the lead on the non-contentious front and continues to spearhead the firm’s efforts for leading developer Rightacres on construction issues arising in relation to its ongoing work in Cardiff city centre.
Practice head(s):
James Williams (Non Contentious); Philip Graham (Contentious)
Other key lawyers:
Ben Honour; Huw Roffe; Harriet Butterfield; Emma Hutchings
Testimonials
‘They always respond proactively to any and all challenges, and have a can-do attitude.’
‘The team is a great mix of experienced and young lawyers – the young lawyers being encouraged under a watchful eye to engage directly with the client.’
‘They take the time to understand the practical detail of construction developments, to ensure the contracts reflect the required outcome. They work in a collaborative way with all stakeholders.’
‘Philip Graham provides a very prompt and considered response to any query. He takes a very pragmatic approach to the resolution of construction disputes.’
Key clients
Rightacres Property Co. Limited
Principality Building Society
The Ingenious Group
Investec Bank PLC
Hodge Bank Limited
Work highlights
- The firm has advised Rightacres Property Co Limited (one of Cardiff’s leading property developers) on a number of high-profile mixed use developments in the city with a development cost of circa £300m.
- Acted for numerous funders such as Hodge Bank Limited, Investec Bank PLC, the Ingenious Group and the Principality Building Society on construction projects throughout the UK with a value of circa £100m.
- Successfully advised Nalu Homes SPV 101 Ltd in relation to serial adjudications arising from the design and construction of a sustainable homes development adjacent to a national park.
Capital Law Limited
Under the leadership of Stuart Pearson, Capital Law Limited has developed a particularly strong reputation advising on major Welsh infrastructure and energy projects. In this regard, Pearson is particularly effective at advising public sector clients, including the Welsh government, by dint of his market-leading knowledge of projects utilising the Mutual Investment Model (MIM). Pearson also handles contentious matters, as does senior associate Sam O’Callaghan, who adds particular benefit to clients by dint of his qualifications as a trained barrister. On the private sector front, the team regularly works alongside the commercial property team for developers.
Practice head(s):
Stuart Pearson
Other key lawyers:
Sam O’Callaghan
Testimonials
‘The best team in Wales – by a country mile.’
‘Stuart Pearson – the chap you want on your side in that area.’
Key clients
Welsh Government
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council
Transport for Wales
Caerphilly County Borough Council
Bridgend College
University of South Wales
AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited/ PCI Pharma Services (PCI)
Angular Directions Limited
Clarity Capital Partners Limited
The Royal Mint Limited
Hawfinch Homes Limited
Dunbia (UK)
Ascona Group Holdings Limited
Aptus Utilities Ltd
Adra (Tai) Cyfyngedig
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Work highlights
- Advised the Welsh Treasury in relation to the £3bn portfolio of Mutual Investment Model (MIM) projects.
- Advised Transport for Wales in preparing an innovative tripartite collaboration agreement for rail improvements to the Cynon Valley lines.
- Advised local authority on £30m highways infrastructure contract.
Berry Smith
Berry Smith has ‘superb technical knowledge in the field of construction disputes’, regularly acting for for contractors and employers, both as claimants and defendants. Team head Iwan Doull has ‘vast knowledge in his field’, with many of the cases involving overlapping professional negligence elements.
Practice head(s):
Iwan Doull
Other key lawyers:
Harry Moyle; Lauren Parsons
Testimonials
‘The firm is great at cutting through complex legal issues and providing sound and practical advice on how to resolve issues for their clients.’
‘I value the fee-earners’ transparency, pro-activeness, and common sense approach to matters.’
‘The team is very experienced and has superb technical knowledge in the field of construction disputes.’
Key clients
ARAG Plc
Blaenau Gwent County Council
Infuse Construction Limited
DKP Engineering Ltd
Stone Supplies (Bristol) Ltd
Welsh Government
David Griffiths
Work highlights
- Representing Blaenau Gwent County Council against a national provider of asbestos surveying services.
- Acting for Stone Supplies (Bristol) Ltd, a specialist stone supplier headquartered, in the defence of two substantial claims by two major national housebuilders making similar allegations. .
- Represented national steel fabrication company, DKP Engineering, in a multi-party dispute relating to the construction of 150 balconies on a prominent sea front apartment block in Bristol, which it was claimed, would require very extensive demolition and replacement works.
Morgan LaRoche
Led by Stephen Mundy, Morgan LaRoche has a strong reputation for handling contentious and non-contentious matters among contractors and developers across West Wales and beyond. As part of his wide-ranging expertise, Mundy is adept at advising on standard and bespoke building and engineering contracts, as well as representing clients in litigation before the TCC and in adjudications.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Mundy
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Laxton