Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Construction and infrastructure

Peter is a partner in the Construction and Infrastructure team in London, specialising in construction and related insurance disputes. Recognised by The Legal 500 as 'an energetic and effective litigator', he is highly experienced in resolving disputes arising on building, infrastructure and other engineering projects. He regularly advises employers, contractors, subcontractors, professionals and insurers on claims and dispute avoidance during projects and represents clients in litigation, arbitration, adjudication, expert determination and mediation.

Peter has particular expertise in the use of adjudication to resolve disputes over interim applications, final accounts, variations, delay and other issues. Peter’s expertise in adjudication led to his client obtaining: the first ever stay of court proceedings for a final determination pending compliance with adjudication decisions in Anglo Swiss Holdings Ltd & Ors v Packman Lucas Ltd [2009] EWHC 3212 (TCC); a rare injunction preventing further adjudications pending compliance with earlier decisions in Mentmore Towers Ltd & Ors v Packman Lucas Ltd [2010] EWHC 457 (TCC); and an order for sale of two valuable properties to enforce adjudication decisions in Packman Lucas Ltd v Mentmore Towers Ltd & Anor [2010] EWHC 1037 (TCC).

Peter also acted for the successful party in Bloomberg LP v Malling Pre-Cast Ltd [2015] EWHC 2858 (TCC) relating to the interpretation of a collateral warranty and Bloomberg LP v Sandberg and others [2016] EWHC 488 (TCC) relating to cost budgeting.  

Peter advises clients on live projects, including on change and termination and on managing the consequences of major events such as fire or escape of water and following the discovery of defects post completion, dealing with the initial consequences and investigations through to any ensuing dispute. He is currently advising several clients on fire safety issues in relation to cladding.

Peter also advises clients on insurance coverage.

Trained MLM Solicitors, 2001 - 2003; Qualified 2003; Denton Wilde Sapte, 2003-2006; BLM LLP, 2006-2018; Made partner 2012; Penningtons Manches LLP, 2018 - date

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; Member of the Adjudication Society; Member of the Society of Construction Law; Member of the King’s College Construction Law Association

Aberystwyth University: LLB Law 1997 to 2000; Cardiff University: Legal Practice Course 2000 to 2001; College of Law: Diploma in Advocacy 2005; Kings College London: MSc Construction Law and Dispute Resolution 2007 to 2009