Construction

4 New Square Chambers, which maintains a strong construction law team, is "very smart, slick and able to deal with very complex issues with ease." Its strong team of barristers, described by one source as "very knowledgeable, experienced and excellent at advising on legal and technical issues," are highly sought after by contractors and developers to handle the full spectrum of construction disputes, and the set's strong reputation for professional negligence and insurance issues complements the construction law offering. Barristers at the set have acted in notable cladding cases, including Tesco v Willmott Dixon and Willmott Dixon v Prater. Chambers also has a reputable international construction disputes practice, in addition to its extensive TCC and domestic ADR expertise.

"The clerks at 4 New Square are excellent. They're responsive and helpful at all times."

"The clerks offer a fantastic service. Lizzie Stewart, senior clerk, is superb and quick to resolve any issue."

"They are the best clerks of all of the sets I instruct. The quality of the clerks does have an impact on which set I choose to instruct on cases, and 4 New Square's Clerks are responsive, approachable, professional and efficient."

Ben Patten KC
Ben Patten KC is a strong silk who advises on big-ticket construction matters including all manner of domestic disputes and international arbitration. His construction expertise is complemented by an acclaimed professional negligence offering. His loyal client base includes contractors, developers and insurers. He is also sought out as a mediator in construction disputes. "Ben has an ability to make complicated elements very simple. Very popular with clients and with solicitors for his robust approach." "Ben is a pleasure to work with, commercially and legally top notch on complex contractual problems." "He's extremely bright, very calm, unflappable and grasps the very complex very quickly." "A very inventive problem solver, very intelligent and very good with clients." "A brave advocate who spots the right points and takes them - he doesn't worry about the detritus."

Roger Stewart KC
Roger Stewart KC is a highly regarded senior silk with a strong reputation for work in construction-related professional negligence. He is increasingly active in high-stakes international arbitrations. He receives plaudits for his commercial and client-centric approach. His work includes complex PFI disputes. "Roger Stewart is a good advocate, strategically very sound and good with clients." "Roger has an outstanding ability to identify and focus on the key issues distilled from voluminous complex and sophisticated technical factual matters."

Hugh Saunders
Hugh Saunders has a strong reputation for his successful practice covering various kinds of construction disputes, including those concerning residential and commercial developments, and infrastructure projects. He routinely represents contractors and developers in High Court proceedings as well as arbitrations and adjudications, often appearing as sole counsel. "Hugh is a very good counsel. He's careful and meticulous on the detail and exploits important details well." "He is approachable and technically strong."

Paul Cowan
Paul Cowan is a respected junior with a broad construction practice. He is especially active in disputes concerning nuclear power and oil and gas. He represents clients in domestic litigation at the TCC and in significant international arbitration hearings. He has experience handling difficult delay and defect claims. His experience includes handling claims involving allegedly defective cladding. "Paul is able to get to the root of complex, legal issues quickly and provides clear, concise and also pragmatic advice." "He's very innovative in his ideas and a good thinker." "He's articulate and bright, and his experience in private practice is really strong because he can apply the law to the problem very commercially." "The most prepared barrister I've ever come across. He's really very good."

Siân Mirchandani KC
Siân Mirchandani KC is well regarded for her construction work at tribunal and beyond. She undertakes work on both the employer and contractor sides, handling numerous contractual issues in dispute including defects and delay claims. She has acted in an array of cases, with subject matter including the supply of cladding, concrete and steelwork. "A very astute silk who is excellent on the detail, very approachable and able to set out a strategy for complex cases." "She's a really strong advocate who has the judges' trust. Very good in the courtroom." "Siân is very good at getting into the detail and working in a team." "She's very good and is a pleasure to work with. A very good advocate with a great manner in the courtroom."

George McDonald
George McDonald is a highly regarded junior with extensive experience in major construction litigation and arbitration. He has particularly notable expertise in disputes arising from large government projects. "George has a real strength if you've got a case that requires a lot of data or technical analysis. He has a very good brain for picking apart data and technical documents, and working through the technical challenges of those cases." "Always attentive and on the button." "George instils immediate confidence in his ability. He has laser-like focus in cross-examination and is unflappable when under pressure."

Lucy Colter
Lucy Colter is a well-regarded junior who is developing an impressive construction practice. She acts on behalf of major contractors as well as engineers and real estate developers. Her capabilities include professional negligence claims as well as contractual disputes. She has particular experience of handling construction disputes in the Channel Islands. "Lucy is meticulous in her analysis of the facts and the law. She's a very capable advocate." "She's impressive, confident and has ability beyond her call. She's extremely good with clients and a reassuring presence." "She's very thorough, very well prepared and great at putting the best foot forward."

Paul Fisher has extensive experience of domestic construction litigation, regularly appearing unled in the TCC, and of international arbitrations. "Paul Fisher is very effective, extremely responsive and commercially minded in all of his work." "Paul got up to speed with many complex issues in the case very quickly."

Richard Liddell KC
Richard Liddell KC is a talented silk with a notably broad practice, who demonstrates particular strength in cases concerning contractors and engineers. He is particularly experienced in defending defect claims. He regularly acts in adjudications and arbitration and has appeared in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. "Richard Liddell is consistently excellent and is a brilliant advocate both in writing and orally." "He is very sharp and incredibly hard-working. It is impressive how quickly he can digest voluminous and complex documentation and summarise key points that require actioning."

Timothy Chelmick
Timothy Chelmick is an impressive junior barrister managing a busy construction practice. He appears in both domestic and international litigation, adjudication and arbitration proceedings. His diverse workload incorporates professional liability disputes as well as large infrastructure and energy projects.