Specialising in contentious construction in the public sector, the ‘exceptionally bright’ team at Sharpe Pritchard LLP is well equipped to handle contractor disputes and adjudications. Justin Mendelle, Rachel Murray-Smith, and David Owens jointly steer the team, advising local and international government clients on major infrastructure projects. The team also counts private sector PFI disputes and energy sector work among its areas of focus. Melanie Blake is another key contact in the team, assisting with delay, design, and payment disputes on large projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Justin Mendelle has a wealth of legal knowledge and experience in commercial and construction disputes. He is highly recommended.' 

  • ‘Provide an excellent service with expert knowledge and advice.’

  • ‘The team is made up of some exceptionally bright lawyers and have a great depth that has been consistently deployed across a very detailed and complex dispute.'

  • 'Their understanding of both the commercial and contentious aspects of construction makes for informed procurement and operational advice on PFI projects.’
  • ‘Simply good lawyers with a high expertise in construction disputes.' 

  • ‘Ability to guide clients through complex legal matters in a clear and concise manner which helped to avoid a potentially costly dispute.’

  • 'Sharpe Pritchard LLP consistently provide top-quality legal advice on varied construction disputes across all dispute resolution forums. That, coupled with a strong commercial awareness and astute approach to legal and commercial strategy make Sharpe Pritchard LLP a highly recommended firm for contentious construction matters.'

  • 'Justin Mendelle has a wealth of legal knowledge and experience in commercial and construction disputes. He is highly recommended. Melanie Blake has proven to be a very able and capable solicitor providing Justin with excellent legal support.'

Work highlights

  • Advising the Ministry of Justice on several simultaneous claims brought by administrators of an insolvent contractor under a substantial framework for prison refurbishment.
  • Advised a council on a long-running £250m dispute with the operator of its energy from waste plant over the division of a third-party income generated by the plant with proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court.
  • Advising a local authority on a claim for defective works on a contract for the design and construction of a primary school.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Justin Mendelle, Rachel Murray-Smith, David Owens

Other key lawyers

Melanie Blake