Carson McDowell

Carson McDowell has a strong offering of contract, planning, and procurement advice. Stuart Murphy leads the practice. Murphy is particularly well-known for his disputes practice, often representing contractors in claims concerning collateral warranty, disputed liability, and extensions of time. John Dugdale excels in drafting and negotiating the full suite of construction contracts which developers require, such as building contracts, professional team appointments, and collateral warranties. Senior associate Gavin Kerr regularly supports the practice on matters regarding construction due diligence and negotiating various supply contracts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘A very knowledgeable, capable and reliable team. On major projects, it is extremely helpful that the in-house teams in Carsons collaborate so effectively without too much input from the client. This leads to a more responsive and agile legal team. ’
‘Stuart Murphy gives very clear and strong advice, especially in disputes. I wouldn't want to be in a dispute without him.'
‘Carson McDowell in our experience are a one-stop practice with expertise in all the different types of law which keeps everything in house and in turn tends to make working with them more personable.’
‘John Dugdale is professional, yet friendly with a very good way of explaining legal terms to someone with no legal training, he also appears to keep up to date in all construction law matters. We have no hesitation in recommending John to anyone requiring advice or help with construction law.’
‘Commercial foresight. Provision of easy understandable legal advice. Quick response. Always willing to help.’
‘John Dugdale has excellent knowledge of construction contracts, pleasant disposition, and commercial foresight.
‘We have followed John Dugdale from his previous employers as we find him a leader in his field. John provides clear, robust and consistent legal advice in easily understood terms. John responds quickly and has an engaging positive attitude. ’
‘Carson McDowell have an extremely knowledgeable team who fully understand every facet of a construction project from the individual team members, their appointments and their involvement in any construction project.’

Key clients

Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Translink
McAleer and Rushe
GRAHAM
Gilbert-Ash
Queen’s University, Belfast
Royal Portrush Golf Club
Education Authority
Ulster University
Oakland Holdings

Work highlights

Acting for McAleer & Rushe in relation to its tender for the Weavers Cross development – a 1.3 million sq. foot mixed use regeneration project in central Belfasst.
Advising Belfast International Airport in relation to the drafting and negotiation of construction contract documents for a major extension to the main terminal building, including an enhanced security area.
Acted for the main contractor (Turkington) in relation to the contract documents for the design and construction of an 11-storey student accommodation building at York Street, Belfast.

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