Department profile
Dentons

Construction: Contentious

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

Share profile

Dentons

Rankings

About

Provided by Dentons

Dentons is one of the world’s premier construction and engineering law firms and is consistently ranked by the main legal directories as a leading law firm for energy, transport and infrastructure work. From our UK offices in London, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh and Glasgow we advise our clients on a wide range of domestic and international construction and engineering projects. Our global network consists of construction lawyers who are experienced in all the Firm’s core sectors. We understand the critical issues our clients face in large projects and we have the experience to help minimise risk and exposure, and to achieve favourable outcomes on their behalf.

The group advises on construction issues in the following areas: UK build and development; UK energy and infrastructure; international infrastructure; international energy construction; and disputes arising in each. This broad focus enables the group to advise a wide range of clients including UK build and development and PPP contractors. Sectors of experience include retail, rail and freight projects, solar projects and wind projects (both on and offshore). We have also advised on major international projects including Africa.

Industries (13)

  • Charities / Not for Profit
  • Construction & Materials
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Real Estate
  • Retail
  • Sports
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Utilities

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction: Contentious - London (Firms)

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Dentons has a talented team with considerable strength across a number of practice areas including energy, transport and commercial development. The team is noted for its expertise in disputes concerning delays, disruption and defective design for renewable energy and oil and gas projects, as well as transport infrastructure and mixed-use developments. This practice primarily represents domestic and international developer clients, as well as funders and contractors. It carries out significant international work and has considerable experience of claims involving large projects in CIS countries and the Middle East.
View ranking table

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Dentons represented Alexander Maltby in multiparty Technology and Construction Court litigation regarding works composed of various alterations at the employer's property in London.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Dentons contentious construction team are first class. The practitioners are responsive and proactive.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • The construction team at Dentons are very responsive, well versed in all construction matters and provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice. They are the real go-to for construction disputes.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

  • The construction team at Dentons are creative in developing solutions to difficult and complex issues, as well as practical communicators of complex information.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Esther McDermott
    Esther McDermott

    Esther McDermott

    Esther McDermott assists clients with the resolution of construction disputes in various settings, including adjudications, arbitrations and proceedings before the Technology and Construction Court. She primarily advises on delay, defect and termination claims arising out of residential and mixed-use developments in the UK and CIS countries.

    • Esther combines a strong grasp of the technical and legal detail with real commercial nous. She’s also an excellent strategist and is able to see the bigger picture while managing granular tasks.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Esther is highly respected in the industry. She has a strong profile, is a great litigator and knows her subject inside out. She is very strategic and knows what's important.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • She responds to queries promptly and advises clearly when giving instructions. She is extremely knowledgeable in the construction disputes arena.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Esther is a detailed and thorough partner who is quick to respond.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Esther is a really quite knowledgeable and forceful lawyer who gets what she wants and is very comfortable dealing with technical disputes.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    View profile
  • Akin Akinbode
    Akin Akinbode

    Akin Akinbode

    Akin Akinbode has strong experience representing developers, contractors and funders in construction disputes. He has expertise in claims arising out of commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.

    • Akin is stellar.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • He is incredibly experienced and realistic on issues that may arise.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • A highly effective strategist, Akin brings a calm authority to even the most high-risk disputes. His ability to distil complex technical legal issues into clear, pragmatic advice is exceptional.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • He has a very calm manner.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

    • Akin is a detailed and thorough partner who is quick to respond.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    View profile

Ranked Individuals at Dentons (2)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Dentons

Dentons has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership