Shoosmiths LLP

Real Estate - Construction

Gemma is a Principal Associate in the Construction and Engineering Team. Gemma advises developers, contractors, sub-contractors and other construction and engineering professionals across a broad range of contentious issues, including payment disputes, loss and expense claims, claims for defective workmanship and design, and professional negligence claims. She advises primarily in relation to dispute resolution including conducting mediations, adjudications and court proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC). Gemma also has a background in insurance litigation and has experience in dealing in a range of disputes, including property damage related disputes.

Her recent experience includes: 

Acting for an international main contractor in defending a multi-party, multi-million pound proceedings in the TCC in respect of alleged management, design and workmanship failings, and alleged defects relating to cladding, fire safety and Building Regulations breaches. The proceedings were successfully resolved through mediation. Acting for a logistics and housebuilding developer in defending procedurally complex, multi-party, multi-million pound proceedings in the TCC in respect of the defective construction and design of a ground floor slab and its associated foundations. The proceedings were successfully resolved through mediation. Acting for a Diocese in respect of allegations of professional negligence made against its structural engineer relating to defects in the design of a podium slab. The matter was successfully resolved through mediation. Assisting in advising a large retailer in respect of various issues arising out of an NEC3 form of contract with its contractor, including payment, compensation events, delay, defects and other third party claims. Acting for a leading developer and manufacturer of 3D/4D simulation attractions and special effects cinemas in a high value adjudication dealing with a number of issues relating to payment, delays and extensions of time, and defects. Acting for a regional contractor in an adjudication commenced by its subcontractor relating to a final account dispute, which required the commencement of enforcement proceedings in the TCC by our client.  Acting for a high net worth individual in respect of major landscape restoration works undertaken at a Grade I, 18th century estate which were part funded by English Heritage and Natural England. The dispute related to defects in the design and construction of a restored water cascade, and was successfully resolved through mediation.

Gemma qualified in 2014 and joined Shoosmiths in 2016, having previously worked at DAC Beachcroft as a newly qualified solicitor