Matthew Smith
K&L Gates LLPK&L Gates LLP’s contentious construction team of ‘bright and attentive lawyers’ regularly provides advice to major international clients on complex delay claims, particularly against joint ventures. The team’s other key strengths include cladding defects on luxury residential projects, contract termination arbitrations, and design and supervision claims. Global co-head and ’first-rate construction lawyer’ Matthew Smith jointly leads the team with Kevin Greene, while Inga Hall assists with arbitrations and domestic infrastructure disputes. With a focus on energy and EPC contracts, Jeremy Farr is another key member of the team, while Clare Kempkens handles offshore construction issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Matthew Walker has a vast amount of experience and gives considered, informed and pragmatic advice. He understands the industries he works in and is a commercial lawyer with a great eye for detail who gets to the core of a dispute quickly.'
- 'Matthew Walker leads his team with aplomb and is a great communicator and tactician who always has on eye on the bigger picture. He leaves no stone unturned and gets results for his clients.'
- 'Matthew Walker is a first-rate, knowledgeable construction lawyer, He has excellent client management and communication skills. Matthew has considerable experience in the Middle East. He thrives on understanding and unpicking the factual matrix so he can put the best case possible forward.'
- 'Inga Hall has extensive experience and gives excellent, considered advice. She understands the detail of the matter, is never flustered and works tirelessly for her clients.'
- 'Inga Hall quickly grasps difficult and complex concepts.’
‘Strong focus on achieving the best possible commercial position for their clients.’
‘The team consists of bright, attentive lawyers who are led by seasoned, experienced practitioners. They quickly get to the nub of the issues involved, which enables them to give timely, sound, practical, commercial advice.'
'They understand the various dispute resolutions and give clients excellent advice to navigate them. The team is responsive and a delight to work with.’
Key clients
- Far East Façades Limited
- Nuveen Real Estate
- Halcrow Ltd
- Transport for London
- Crossrail Ltd
- Qatar Rail
- Crown Commercial Services
- Ferrovial Construction UK
- Jacobs
- GE Renewables
- Westinghouse
- Engie
- ALEC Construction
- Trojan Construction
- Qatar Foundation
- Besix
- ZF Devco
Work highlights
- Representing Far East Façades Limited in two proceedings issued urgently out of the High Court’s Technology and Construction Court and Insolvency and Companies List.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Matthew Smith, Kevin Greene