England - London • Real estate
K&L Gates LLP
K&L Gates LLP excels in resolving complex disputes related to major projects both in the UK and internationally, leveraging varied resolution procedures like adjudications, international arbitrations, mediations, and expert determinations. The firm is proficient in advising on UK infrastructure projects and real estate developments, along with a growing international practice spanning the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The team is led by Matthew Smith, whose expertise is advising on UK and international transport, energy, and infrastructure disputes, and Kevin Greene, who acts for institutional investors, developers, owners, funders and contractors. Jeremy Farr stands out with his focus on offshore energy and EPC, while Clare Kempkens offers her expertise as an experienced offshore construction lawyer. Matthew Walker’s practice extends to the Middle East, working from both the London and Doha offices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘K&L Gates provide a premium service with genuine sector expertise and international reach.’
'Matthew Smith is a genuine construction law expert in both the international and UK domestic markets. He is also a pleasure to deal with.'
‘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 resolution and give clients excellent advice to navigate them. The team is responsive and a delight to work with.’
‘Matthew Smith 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 leads his team with aplomb and is a great communicator and tactician who always has an eye on the bigger picture.'
- '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 understands the laws and culture. He thrives on understanding and unpicking the factual matrix, so he can put the best case possible forward.'
- 'Excellent client communication and prodigiously hard-working team. Good "hands on" partner involvement.'
- 'Matt Smith is a powerhouse on construction disputes. Compared to other firms, I think the team's strongest point is how efficient they are.'
- 'The team was professional, skilled and experienced.'
Key clients
- Nuveen Real Estate
- Edinburgh St James Limited Partnership
- Halcrow Ltd
- Augusta Ventures
- General Electric
- Nuveen
- Hitachi Rail Ltd
- Transport for London
- London Underground Limited
- LUL Nominee SSL Ltd
- LUL Nominee BCV Ltd
- Rail for London
- Crossrail Limited
- Qatar Rail
- Laing O’Rourke Group
- Renfe
- Corinth Pipeworks Holdings S.A
- Angola LNG
- Crown Commercial Services
- Patrizia
- Jacobs
- GE Grid Solutions
- GE Renewables
- Ferrovial Construction UK
- Breakshore Limited
- Far East Façades (UK) Limited
- Westinghouse Electric Company
- Engie
Work highlights
- Advising Westinghouse on its AP1000 nuclear projects across Europe.
- Advised Breakshore, a developer, in relation to disputes with its contractor in relation to a residential development project in Kent.
- Representing FEFUK in two proceedings issued urgently out of the High Court’s Technology and Construction Court and Insolvency and Companies List.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kevin Greene, Matthew Smith