Birketts LLP has a construction and engineering group that ‘has strength and depth in both contentious and non-contentious business, and consistently takes a pragmatic approach’. The ‘very commercial and responsive’ Stefan Harris-Wright in Cambridge leads the practice, in which Ipswich-based Catherine Andrews is an emerging partner talent. The firm handles all aspects of construction work from development funding and contract documentation through to dispute resolution. In Cambridge, legal director Patrick Cooney and senior associate Katrina Bretten (who is ‘extremely calm under pressure’) are key members of the practice. Bretten assisted Grovemere Property Limited with a Pre-Construction Services Agreement for a £15m project.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘John Fawcett was clear and precise with his advice. He was also able to respond to legal queries in a timely manner.’
‘Stefan Harris-Wright is very commercial and responsive. He has a wide breadth of knowledge of different forms of construction contracts. They provide good value.’
‘Katrina Bretten has been a key contact with the construction team, she is extremely calm under pressure and creates reassurance. Katrina knows exactly what is required to get a transaction completed and will chase down warranties until they are all in place. It is great to know she is on your side.’
‘Birketts have a very thorough and efficient team that instils confidence. I have found them to be responsive and always available. ’
‘Sophie Thornley is excellent; very approachable and friendly and always gets the work done to a high standard and in a timely manner. Sophie is also well supported by Stefan Harris-Wright and the wider team.’
‘Really enjoy working with the Birketts team. They are extremely client-focused and make themselves available to action requirements at short notice. We have a broad range of issues and Birketts make sure nothing is missed or overlooked.’
‘Very personable and patient when explaining issues to colleagues. Both Catherine Andrews and Emma Chiaramello have looked after us brilliantly making sure our interests are protected.’
'We used Birketts to represent us in a time-critical dispute involving a claim arising from the insolvency and liquidation of one of our suppliers. Their ability and willingness to respond to extremely tight timescales was most impressive, as was their expertise in this specific area.'
Key clients
- Slough Urban Renewal Community Projects LLP
- O&H Properties
- Moor Bio-Energy Limited
- This Land Development Limited
- Grovemere Property Limited
- Churchmanor Estates Company Plc
- A prominent Adjudicator
- Welcome Break Services Limited
Work highlights
- Advised the renewable energy developer, Moor Bio-Energy Limited, (part of the Future Biogas group) on the suite of engineer, procure and construction management (EPCM) contracts for the design and construction of a new anaerobic digestion renewable energy plant at Gonerby Moor, Grantham.
- Advised the commercial developer, Grovemere Property Limited, in relation to a Pre-Construction Services Agreement, full suite of design and management consultant appointments and subsequent JCT Design and Build contract for the design and construction of a c. £15m new hybrid office and manufacturing facility, with bespoke fit out pursuant to an agreement for lease which included development obligations in favour of the Tenant.
- Advising Welcome Break Services Limited on the extensive suite of construction and planning documents for a new c. £50m motorway services area at Rotherham, to include negotiations with the multiple Contractors being appointed on the scheme, the Borough Council and National Highways.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stefan Harris-Wright