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Charles Russell Speechlys

Construction: Contentious

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Charles Russell Speechlys

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About

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

Led by Steven Carey, our Construction team provides a complete range of transactional, procurement, live project advice and dispute avoidance/ resolution services for large scale construction and engineering projects, in the UK and internationally. Our wider Construction group consists of 35 construction lawyers, the majority of whom are based in our London office, with separate teams in Guildford, Cheltenham and the Middle East.

Our clients include some of the UK’s largest commercial developers and housebuilding and urban regeneration companies, including Derwent London plc, Countryside Properties and Crest Nicholson. We have a strong, established, track record of involvement on international construction and infrastructure projects, especially in the Middle East, in Doha, Dubai and Manama. We are also involved on many schemes in Africa, including roads projects, process engineering facilities and commercial construction developments.

We are commercial and pragmatic in our approach, focussing on maximising the net recovery for our clients when bringing claims, and minimising or extinguishing their exposure when defending them.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction: Contentious - London (Firms)

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Charles Russell Speechlys has a prominent domestic practice with talented practitioners across the full breadth of construction law. The team acts for significant purchasers and suppliers on major transactions and disputes, with particular prowess in commercial and residential development matters. Its domestic offering is complemented by experience handling international infrastructure projects, including renewable energy schemes and transport developments.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Russell Speechlys acted for Derwent on the procurement of two major projects, Holden House and 50 Baker Street.

  • Charles Russell Speechlys advised the United Living Group on High Court proceedings seeking remediation costs for the Velfac façade system and structural steelworks at the Wenlock Building.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team are highly knowledgeable and give us total confidence.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • They have a strong ability to break down complex matters into manageable and understandable issues, which allows us, as a client, to understand the risks and commercial impacts to our organisation.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • Charles Russell Speechlys work extremely well under pressure and can get to the crux of the issue quickly.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • The Charles Russell Speechlys team has a deep bench which works seamlessly. They know our business and projects well.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • The multidisciplinary nature of Charles Russell Speechlys' advice brings rounded advice on complex and sophisticated matters.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Fiona Edmond
    Fiona Edmond

    Fiona Edmond

    Fiona Edmond frequently assists developers with procurement and contract negotiations in relation to domestic construction projects. She has a deep knowledge of issues affecting transactions concerning various properties, including office, mixed-use and hotel developments.

    • Fiona's understanding of us as a client is good. She makes judgement calls early on, so we save time and efficiency. She is very experienced and knowledgeable.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Fiona has provided an excellent service.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • David Savage
    David Savage

    David Savage

    David Savage possesses a wealth of experience advising on contentious and non-contentious construction law issues. He advises developers, contractors and consultants on the full range of work, ranging from front-end procurement and contract negotiation to back-end disputes over defects and final accounts.

    • David is a good and likeable lawyer.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • I have only good things to say about the way he worked with us.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Francis Ho
    Francis Ho

    Francis Ho

    Francis Ho is a well-respected construction lawyer with strong experience advising on redevelopment transactions in the private rental sector. He regularly advises clients on the construction aspects of a wide variety of development schemes, including residential property, student accommodation and office buildings.

    • Francis has quite a name in the industry and is very good.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Francis works hard on everything he does. I really rate him.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Kevin Forsyth
    Kevin Forsyth

    Kevin Forsyth

    Kevin Forsyth regularly advises supplier-side clients, including contractors, insurers and engineering firms. He is noted in particular for his expertise in residential development schemes and renewable energy sector projects.

    • Kevin provides a high level of service to the client while being able to review complex and often extremely technical matters.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • He is an excellent leader.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Kevin's ability to manage and steer a steady course through complex matters, bringing commercial reasoning to the matter, gives us confidence at all times when dealing with contentious matters.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Kevin is very calm and measured.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • Steven Carey
    Steven Carey

    Steven Carey

    Steven Carey is a highly regarded construction specialist who handles a range of advisory work on contracts, procurement strategy and risk management. He represents major contractors and employers involved in a variety of projects, including office, transport and leisure developments.

    • Steven is aware of commercial practicalities, including maintaining client relationships and attempting to avoid lengthy disputes, providing strategic advice and a pathway to reaching solutions.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Steven has a very hands-on approach. His background in construction gives him an advantage.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Steven's ability to pinpoint the risks and strengths of any matter brought to him is outstanding. His commercial acumen sits in the same light as his legal advice.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
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  • James Worthington
    James Worthington

    James Worthington

    James Worthington has a growing reputation in the construction sector. He often advises developers and house builders on renewable energy projects.

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Ranked Individuals at Charles Russell Speechlys (6)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Charles Russell Speechlys

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