Burges Salmon LLP operates across a range of areas including nuclear technologies, transport, defence, and renewable energy. Leading the firm’s construction practice is Steven James, who focuses on non-contentious construction matters. Richard Adams heads the contentious practice, providing insights into disputes within the built environment, infrastructure, and energy and utilities sectors, while Jessica Evans contributes her experience in handling complex construction disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Burges Salmon team are excellent. They know their stuff and are assiduous in working to achieve client objectives.'
  • ‘I have worked closely with Jessica Evans, who is excellent.’

  • ‘Burges Salmon stands out as construction lawyers who have a growing practice due to the calibre of their team. They benefit from a very knowledgeable, highly talented and dedicated senior management team, who lead by example, all of whom are supported by experienced and particularly well-informed senior associates, associates and solicitors.’

  • ‘Richard Adams is a heavy hitter who is very highly respected inside the firm and externally. He has a great understanding of the construction industry, and is extremely professional, experienced, knowledgeable and very personable. Director Tom Weld is a very accomplished lawyer who interacts well with clients.’

  • ‘Very personable team and good to work with. Very friendly and responsive. Put the client's needs first. Work well with external experts.’

  • ‘Both Richard Adams and senior associate Karen Paley are good to work with. Very personable and responsive to the client's requirements.’

  • ‘Steven James - very calm and knowledgeable. Richard Adams - very personable and approachable, but also shrewd and technically strong’

  • 'Jessica Evans is approachable, responsive to questions even if raised on an ad-hoc basis and gives good, pragmatic advice.’

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Burges Salmon LLP
Construction & engineering Partner; a specialist construction troubleshooting and disputes lawyer with a sector focus covering Transport, Energy & Utilities and Real Estate infrastructure. Recent matters include providing strategic troubleshooting advice and acting in adjudications and arbitrations for a main contractor on a complex road infrastructure project; advising an international client on disputes relating to the construction and fit out of headquarters in central London; advising an international client involved in the nuclear industry on disputes with a specialist contractor valued in the region of €300m; advising Birmingham City Council in relation to capital projects associated with the 2022 Commonwealth Games; advising a local authority on cladding and fire safety issues in relation to two residential blocks.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Steven James

Other key lawyers

Richard Adams, Jessica Evans, Tom Weld, Karen Paley