The ‘first-rate’ construction and engineering team at Walker Morris LLP handles complex infrastructure and energy construction projects and is also competent at drafting and negotiating contracts for student accommodation projects, build-to-rent developments and modular facilities. On the non-contentious side, the team covers litigation and arbitration proceedings, including claims related to cladding and other defects. Tom Peel leads the team and frequently assists on contentious, high-value fire safety claims. Paul Hargreaves also regularly covers fire safety and warranty claims, Jules Harbage is a standout practitioner on cross-border infrastructure and energy construction projects, and Carly Thorpe is an expert in construction-related litigation and adjudications. Martin Scott left the firm in May 2023, while Alastair Robertson and Alex Jones were promoted to partner and director respectively in the same month.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Walker Morris Contraction team are extremely efficient, easy to deal with and very knowledgeable. Their construction advice is second to none, no matter what the query is its always dealt with quickly and efficiently. They are extremely commercial and understand the risks around all construction documents.’
‘Alastair Robertson and Alex Jones excel within their field, both extremely professional, commercially minded and knowledgeable. In any legal practice I haven't come across better lawyers, they go above and beyond to get the right outcome for their clients, and nothing is too much trouble for them. I wouldn't use anyone else on our construction projects.’
‘Carly Thorpe is excellent and one for the future.’
‘Tom Peel leads the team we work with. Tom is highly experienced and, with his team, provides a standout service that gets stuff done, doesn't waste time and ensures we stick to our program. Tom and the team understand risk and do an excellent job of highlighting the important items and always offers solutions to these.’
‘We have worked closely with Alastair Robertson and Alex Jones on different projects. Both lawyers have provided us with exceptionally diligent and pragmatic work and solutions. Alastair can be relied on for his vast experience in the area especially in the logistics sector, which results in sound, commercially driven advice. Alex has brilliant technical skills, and his understanding of the industry allows our business to make commercial decisions based on strong knowledge.’
‘Jules Harbage - an excellent lawyer and a very calm strategist. Tom Peel - commercially excellent and very good at client management. Carly Thorpe - extremely hard working and a pleasure to work with.'
‘They are a first-rate firm. They have excellent lawyers, with a broad depth of experience of all types of case and all types of clients. They are also a really good bunch of people to work with.’
‘This is an extremely experienced team, particularly with construction litigation. They are very knowledgeable and tactically excellent. The team comprises approachable individuals who are a pleasure to work with. They always go the extra mile to get the job done.’
Key clients
- Unite Group Plc
- MODA Living
- Caddick Developments
- Jet2.com Limited
- Celestia Management Company Limited
- RGCM Limited
- Martin House Hospice
- Wrexham AFC Limited
Work highlights
- Drafted and negotiated the construction contracts for the fit-out of Jet2's new multi-million-pound 150,000 square foot Retail Operations Centre with a value of £30m+.
- Acting for Moda Living, in relation to the design and construction of multiple new build residential BTR schemes across the UK including Leeds, York, Hove and Nine Elms, London, each being in the region of £100m-£200m.
- Advising Unite Group on all its new build developments in England and on numerous fire safety claims.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Peel