Crown Office Chambers

Isabel has a long established specialist practice in construction and engineering and related commercial and professional negligence fields. Known for combining intellectual rigour with a team working approach, analysing and marshalling vast disclosure and working effectively with experts.

Prior to silk, Isabel was the most senior specialist on AG’s panel acting in a large number of high value and politically sensitive disputes. Isabel continues to act for the government as QC, as well as for insurers and private clients.

Contractual and professional negligence claims: in relation to domestic and international construction and engineering projects on all major standard and bespoke terms.

She has extensive experience in relation to PFI and government framework agreements.

Infrastructure and energy: acts for both government and private companies in relation to construction and maintenance of roads, rail, tram systems, flood defences, prisons, court premises, MOD premises (individual and Joint Services), airfields, power and utilities (on and offshore oil and gas, wind, renewables and waste energy).

Isabel is also instructed in cases concerning shipbuilding.

IT: Isabel acts for government and private companies in relation to provision and operation of long-term hardware and software and IT support services for central and local government.

Payment and performance provision disputes under complex PFI contracts: road, infrastructure and defence.

Property damage: chemical contamination, flood, fire, collision.

Financing of construction and engineering projects: bi-furcated finance, on-demand bonds, fraud.

Insurance: coverage, fraud, valuation.

Frequent High Court trials, adjudications and arbitrations (including as arbitrator). Regularly appears in Court of Appeal.  

With academic background as lecturer at Christ Church, Oxford, frequently instructed in test cases on novel points of law including Supreme Court.

Isabel is known for commercial and strategic approach in mediations and negotiations.

MA (Oxon) (first), BCL

Called 1992 MT. Sachs LJ and Queen Mother Scholarships. Inns of Court Studentship.

Working French and German.

TECBAR, SCL, COMBAR, LCLCBA, PNBA.

Bar Council International Committee, Bar Council Middle Temple Representative

Christ Church, Oxford, (1991 MA in Jurisprudence (First Class)), BCL, Open Exhibition and Scholarship, Dixon Scholarship, Radcliffe Exhibition.