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+44 20 7544 2600Chambers Review
Keating Chambers “unquestionably remains one of the leading construction sets”, according to one instructing solicitor. The set is well known for the quality of both its outstanding silks and its accomplished juniors. Members of Keating act in complex domestic cases in the TCC, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in high-profile cases and arbitrations abroad. The set acts for clients across the construction sector in projects ranging from major energy and infrastructure developments to commercial and residential schemes. The set's members continue to act in the largest pieces of litigation relating to the Building Safety Act, such as Shepherd Construction Limited v Kingspan Limited and others. A recent example of members' top-level appellate work is Augusta 2008 LLP (formerly Simply Construct (UK) LLP) v Abbey Healthcare (Mill Hill) Ltd, heard at the Supreme Court.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Keating Chambers' joint director of clerking, James Luxmoore, is one of my favourite clerks to deal with. He is very commercial, easy to work with and very astute."
"Keating has a strong clerking team who work well at building up relationships with both individuals and firms."
"There is very little chambers cannot assist with. The clerks provide exceptional service and attention to detail. They will always make you feel you are their number-one priority."
"Practice managers Jade Clark and Amy Barrie provide an excellent level of service and in a way which is in keeping with the traditions of Keating Chambers."
"Keating Chambers' joint director of clerking, James Luxmoore, is one of my favourite clerks to deal with. He is very commercial, easy to work with and very astute."
"Keating has a strong clerking team who work well at building up relationships with both individuals and firms."
"There is very little chambers cannot assist with. The clerks provide exceptional service and attention to detail. They will always make you feel you are their number-one priority."
"Practice managers Jade Clark and Amy Barrie provide an excellent level of service and in a way which is in keeping with the traditions of Keating Chambers."
Notable Practitioners
Alexander Nissen KC is a widely praised silk who acts for prominent employers and contractors in a range of disputes spanning the breadth of the construction industry. He has vast experience in high-value, multi-party matters at both the national and international levels. He is regularly instructed to represent clients in the TCC and the Court of Appeal, as well as in adjudication and arbitration. He handles litigation involving a broad array of construction projects, including those in the energy, infrastructure and housing sectors.
"Alexander is so calm. He really supports the instructing solicitor to work for the client."
"He is extremely clever, diligent and a tough advocate."
"Alexander is undeniably one of the top silks in the country for construction disputes. He has the ability to drop into the case, get to grips with it quickly and provide the most perceptive advice."
"Alexander Nissen is one of the pre-eminent construction silks in the country. He is very good at client handling and at seeing the bigger picture when managing complex litigation."
Simon Hargreaves KC is an outstanding silk who is regularly instructed in high-profile cases across a range of sectors, such as residential and energy. He frequently acts in TCC proceedings, adjudications and Court of Appeal matters. He has additional experience in acting for clients involved in construction-related professional negligence disputes.
"Simon Hargreaves' experience brings with it unique insights, which he is happy to share with his natural charisma and flair."
"His attention to detail is second to none and his ability to get his point across makes him one of my go-to advocates."
"Simon Hargreaves is one of the best advocates of his generation."
Simon Hughes KC has a standout reputation for his sterling work on prominent cases at both the national and international levels. He receives instructions in high-value litigation, adjudication and international arbitration cases running the full gamut of construction issues. He is highlighted for his deep knowledge of construction contracts, especially within the FIDIC framework.
"Simon Hughes is our first port of call for any significant and complex matter. He truly is at the top of his game."
Adrian Williamson KC is a highly regarded silk with considerable experience in representing contractor clients in adjudications and before the TCC. He has particular expertise in cases containing a professional negligence element, and also frequently handles high-value delay and defect claims. He also sits as a deputy High Court judge in the TCC.
"Adrian Williamson always thinks strategically and has an incredible knowledge of the law."
Alexandra Bodnar is an impressive junior who is increasingly being instructed as sole counsel in highly complex construction disputes. She offers expertise across litigation, arbitration and adjudication proceedings, and regularly appears in the TCC. She offers particular expertise in insurance issues pertaining to construction projects.
"Alexandra Bodnar is able to get to the nub of the dispute very quickly and can explain it in simple terms to lay clients."
"She never does anything other than astonish. Her clarity of thought and ability to convey complex issues to clients are extraordinary."
David Thomas KC is a top-class silk with a sterling practice both in the UK and overseas. He is acknowledged as a leading expert on NEC contracts, and has significant experience in appearing before the Court of Appeal, TCC, ICC and Dubai World Tribunal. He has been instructed in landmark construction cases in the UK, the Far East and the Middle East.
"David is a superstar. He is brilliant on paper, brilliant on the documents and brilliant in advocacy."
"David Thomas is an excellent oral advocate. He is very much at ease before a tribunal."
"He has great vision and is able to cut to the key issues."
Jonathan Selby KC is an impressive silk who draws praise for his top-notch work in high-value matters, particularly before the TCC but also regarding adjudications and international arbitration. He has appeared before both the Court of Appeal and the Privy Council. He is singled out by clients for his excellent technical ability and strategic insights.
"Jonathan is a very good tactical leader. He is hands on, aggressive for the client and personable and nice to work with."
"Jonathan Selby is incredibly cerebral. The standard of his written work is of the highest order."
"He is super bright, hardworking and a real pleasure to work with. He is also brilliant at making himself part of the 'client team'."
Piers Stansfield KC is a noteworthy silk whose practice includes frequent instruction in large and complex TCC cases. He is particularly active in disputes pertaining to infrastructure construction. He receives instructions from major contractors as well as employers in the public and private sectors.
"Piers Stansfield is extremely intelligent. He provides really carefully thought-out drafting."
Richard Coplin is an excellent junior with a growing practice in both domestic and cross-border matters. His prior employment as an engineer allows him expert insight into professional negligence cases. He is also well versed in adjudication claims, and particularly enforcement issues. He is sought out to handle a wide array of construction cases, including those arising in the energy sector.
"Richard Coplin's advice and approach are always first class, as is his strategic input."
"Richard cares about getting the right results for the client. He is committed and engaged."
Vincent Moran KC is an excellent practitioner with a reputation for producing high-quality trial and tribunal work. His practice includes a focus on construction-related professional negligence and he regularly acts in large-scale cases in the TCC. He is particularly active in construction disputes involving energy and PFI projects.
"Vincent is a sophisticated KC, able to adeptly manage a large team and complex litigation. He has a direct and no-nonsense approach."
"He is incredibly calm and analytical. His written advice is outstanding."
"Vincent Moran is a tenacious leading counsel who really drives the team."
Alice Sims is a quality practitioner who acts in high-profile cases in the TCC and before international tribunals. Her practice spans a wide range of matters across the construction sector, with clients in the energy and commercial development spheres, among others.
"Alice's drafting is clear and persuasive, and her strategic advice perceptive. She cuts through issues easily to get to what is important."
"Alice Sims is a great mind. She is also very personable and great with clients."
"She brings an air of common sense and she has the client's interests in mind."
Charles Thompson is an impressive junior specialising in construction contract disputes, in addition to his insurance practice. He has already gained expertise in cases relating to major infrastructure projects domestically as well as experience in Middle Eastern work.
"Charles is great with pleadings and he is commercial."
"He is clear in his advice and very approachable."
"Charles Thompson is very personable and down to earth."
Lucy Garrett KC is an acclaimed silk who is regularly instructed on high-value construction litigation and arbitration worldwide. Her sector expertise includes areas such as energy and shipbuilding, and she has also been active in disputes involving property development. She impresses clients and peers alike with her persuasive advocacy.
"Lucy finds the off-piste, curveball analysis points that help everyone see the case in a different way."
"Lucy Garrett is extremely intelligent and her submissions are very compelling. She is a fierce advocate."
Rachael O'Hagan is a gifted junior who is regularly instructed in high-value litigation and arbitration for a diverse client base, including major contractors and government bodies. Her body of work includes significant matters in energy, infrastructure and residential development. She is increasingly active as sole counsel in large disputes. She offers specialist expertise in nuclear projects.
"Rachael has the ability to pick up detail very quickly and she has a pragmatic approach."
"Rachael possesses an impressive ability to quickly grasp and navigate complex legal challenges, process vast amounts of information and articulate this in a manner that is both concise and persuasive."
"She is able to dive into very complex matters really quickly."
Abdul Jinadu is an experienced practitioner with a strong adjudication element to his practice. He regularly appears in litigation and arbitration, and has advised an array of clients including public sector bodies, developers and contractors. He has been particularly active in adjudication proceedings.
"Abdul is very quick and insightful. He is able to formulate difficult points quickly."
Ben Sareen is lauded by instructing solicitors for his high-quality construction practice. He frequently represents major contractors in litigation and arbitrations, both in the UK and abroad, and is especially proficient in professional negligence cases.
"Ben is a fantastic all-rounder. He has a fantastic grasp of the technical and legal issues."
"Ben Sareen is user-friendly. He gets to the heart of an issue quickly."
Brenna Conroy is a well-regarded barrister who is highly sought after for construction disputes. She is increasingly taking on significant litigation, adjudications and international arbitration. She is especially active in disputes arising from energy and transport infrastructure projects.
"Brenna Conroy is an excellent all-rounder. Her written advice is tailored to her audience and her advocacy skills are outstanding."
"She is brilliant, from both a commercial and a client management perspective."
"Brenna is adept at distilling the most important issues and assessing what can be done to provide her clients with the best possible position and outcome."
Calum Lamont KC is a highly acclaimed barrister who is frequently instructed in large construction disputes, both nationally and in the Middle East. He has experience in both litigation and arbitration proceedings. His excellent practice sees him advise on disputes arising from numerous high-profile infrastructure projects.
"Calum Lamont is a brilliant strategist and a pleasure to work alongside."
"Calum is an incredibly hard-working silk. He is very good at getting on top of issues quickly and he is always prepared to roll up his sleeves and head into battle for his clients."
"He is excellent in his oral advocacy."
David Sheard is a highly regarded junior with a broad practice covering construction law and related professional negligence disputes. He has exceptional knowledge of fire safety disputes, including those arising from cladding.
"David Sheard is very practical and pragmatic. He is very clear in what is necessary."
"David has the ability to make complex concepts very simple."
"David Sheard is very capable. He is easy to get on with and very responsive."
"He can do it all in terms of legal acumen, advocacy, commercial awareness and client service."
Gaynor Chambers offers expert representation to claimants and defendants in complex construction disputes, drawing on her additional experience in acting as an adjudicator. She is especially well versed in litigation involving water-related construction projects and disputes arising under the New Roads and Street Works Act.
"Gaynor Chambers is a great tactician."
"Gaynor's scientific background, coupled with her strong attention to detail, means she is able to reach a level of understanding of technical aspects that is unusual for counsel."
"She is very commercial and creative."
Gideon Scott Holland is an experienced junior whose practice includes frequent instruction in contractual disputes. He has been active in arbitration and litigation, and his extensive contractual expertise extends across JCT, ICE, NEC and PFI formats. As well as being an experienced advocate in the TCC, in the Court of Appeal and in arbitrations, he is frequently engaged as an adjudicator and mediator.
"Gideon is so responsive and helpful, it feels like you can phone him at any time."
"Gideon Scott Holland puts the client's position forward clearly and succinctly."
James Thompson is a strong junior who is often instructed in high-value domestic construction cases and international arbitrations. He has been active in construction cases arising in the energy and property development sectors. He is increasingly instructed as sole counsel in TCC and other ADR proceedings.
"James is excellent on strategy and advising lay clients."
"James Thompson is brilliant. He really rolls up his sleeves and gets stuck into the detail."
Jennie Wild is highly experienced in handling both UK-based and international construction disputes, especially in relation to energy, transport and infrastructure projects. She is well versed in acting as sole counsel, and her work has seen her tackle topical issues such as cladding and fire safety defects.
"Jennie Wild's client management skills are fantastic and her drafting is fantastic."
"Jennie is very diligent and thorough. Her views are always well reasoned and articulate."
Justin Mort KC is regularly sought out by major contractors in final account disputes. He is noted for his extensive experience in adjudications. He is regularly called upon in international disputes regarding energy projects, and has a wealth of experience in acting before the TCC and the Chancery Division.
"Justin Mort is a highly skilled silk. He is very persuasive as an advocate."
"He is incredibly strategic in his approach and his written work and advocacy are exceptional."
"Justin is a ferociously hard worker who will interrogate every point of substance."
"He is a very effective advocate and he consistently evidences a commercial approach in his advice."
Marc Rowlands KC has a robust construction practice and particular expertise in the transport and infrastructure sectors. He is noted for his experience in advising on disputes involving rail infrastructure projects, and receives praise for his strong experience in rail-related matters. He has significant experience both domestically and abroad, and has been called to the Bar of the Bahamas, the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
"Marc Rowlands is fearsomely intelligent and straight to the point."
Matthew Finn is a specialist construction and engineering barrister who already has considerable experience in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. He has expertise in disputes arising in relation to contract terms, planning permissions and PFI arrangements.
"Matthew is very responsive and able to get to grips with complex details in no time at all."
"Matthew Finn is hugely industrious. He is always available, well prepared and on top of the detail."
Paul Bury receives instructions in a wide range of construction disputes as junior and as sole counsel. He has extensive experience in the TCC, including in cases relating to high-value infrastructure and development projects.
"Paul Bury works tirelessly for the client. He is proactive and really good fun to work with."
"Paul is very hard-working, bright and personable."
"He is very good with clients and a good advocate."
Sarah Hannaford KC is a gifted silk with a diverse practice that includes a noted specialism in construction procurement. She has considerable experience in acting for public sector bodies in disputes and adjudications. She also has a strong track record in the energy sector. Her experience includes advising on high-value delay and professional negligence claims.
"Sarah Hannaford is incredible on her feet. She knows when to push a point and she is incredibly persuasive."
"Sarah is terrifically clever. She brings her judgement and experience to bear to steer cases in the right direction."
Sarah Williams is a popular junior with a strong practice that often sees her instructed in high-value TCC litigation and international arbitration. She has niche strength in engineering design-related disputes. Her construction practice has also seen her advise on infrastructure, utilities, housing and energy projects.
"Sarah Williams is very much into the detail. She is all over the latest legal developments and how to apply them to a case."
Sean Wilken KC is a formidable silk with a diverse practice, who regularly undertakes high-profile construction disputes including complex international arbitration and litigation. His clients include public entities, contractors and developers. He regularly handles cases in the infrastructure and energy sectors, and is recommended for his intimate knowledge of PFI projects.
"Sean Wilken has a fierce knowledge of the law and a real understanding of the commercial drivers facing our clients."
"He is creative in advancing new and novel arguments, whilst relying heavily on his encyclopaedic knowledge of the law."
Thomas Lazur is a respected junior with a wealth of experience in advising on construction disputes involving transport infrastructure and energy projects. He advises on domestic and international construction matters, and receives instructions from both contractors and employers.
"Thomas works extremely hard and gets across the details very quickly."
"Thomas Lazur is very responsive and user-friendly."
Tom Coulson has significant experience as junior or sole counsel in TCC proceedings. He is also active in domestic adjudications and arbitrations, and is well versed in an array of standard form construction contracts.
"He is highly intelligent, diligent and fantastic to work with."
"Tom Coulson is very approachable and client-friendly. He provides excellent all-round advice."
"Tom is really clever. He cuts through the issues."
Emma Healiss is a rising star in the construction law field. She is a highly sought-after junior both as sole and junior counsel. She has broad experience of construction, energy and procurement law proceedings both in the TCC and at various adjudication hearings.
"Emma Healiss is a strong advocate who is able to deal with complex matters effectively."
"Emma is able to quickly assimilate and deal with the most sophisticated of matters. She also has a keen commercial awareness."
Fionnuala McCredie KC is a well-regarded silk with a notable construction procurement practice, and has acted in a number of valuable adjudications and TCC litigation. She often handles construction cases with professional negligence and insurance elements.
"Fionnuala is a brilliant lawyer and also a real pleasure to work with."
Harry Smith centres his practice on disputes in the construction and energy sectors, with work relating to infrastructure, healthcare and residential developments in particular. He is highly experienced in TCC and High Court proceedings along with adjudications.
"Harry Smith's submission drafting is excellent and his turnaround time is also excellent."
"Harry is very practical, pragmatic and a very hard worker."
"Harry is amazingly thorough on the papers."
James Frampton has a rapidly growing reputation and has notable expertise in contractual disputes and defect claims. He has additional experience in construction adjudications and adjudication enforcement hearings.
"James Frampton delivers excellent quality drafting. He quietly manages and churns through the work."
"James is always patient, personable, clear, informative and incisive in his approach, in both verbal and written pleadings."
"James is super-responsive and always accommodating. He often goes above and beyond to enable the client to receive the best advice."
"James Frampton has a phenomenal work ethic; he is always available. He is also brilliant with clients and great on strategic details."
John McMillan brings his experience working at a multinational law firm to the Construction Bar, to great effect. He regularly appears before the TCC on complex matters and has a strong international construction arbitration practice.
"You can really tell John was in private practice. He has a real understanding of the pressures solicitors are under and he really understands the nature of working in a team."
"He is really analytical, and practical and pragmatic in how he approaches things."
"John has a very clear and concise approach. He is very analytical."
Krista Lee KC has deep knowledge across a range of construction matters. She has extensive experience of appearing before the TCC, and is noted for her deep understanding of NEC3 contracts. She is very active in energy, transport infrastructure and large commercial developments.
"Krista Lee is extremely bright, very commercial and great to work with."
"Krista is highly intelligent. Her advice is brilliantly clear and concise."
Paul Buckingham KC is an excellent barrister whose science and engineering background informs his legal practice. He regularly acts in a range of highly technical and complex construction disputes. His sterling work in the energy and renewables sectors, both in the UK and abroad, is particularly noteworthy. He is experienced with handling international arbitration as well as proceedings in the TCC.
"Paul Buckingham is a robust and technically gifted counsel who is able to distil complex legal scenarios into simple, client-focused messages."
"Paul is very good on the detail and he is good on the technical issues within claims."
Samuel Townend KC is a gifted barrister who is increasingly entrusted to act as sole counsel on high-value disputes in the TCC and arbitration proceedings. He frequently acts on behalf of engineering companies and contractors, and is especially renowned for his expertise in construction disputes involving insurance elements.
"As an advocate, Samuel is a powerhouse. He knows how to extract the best possible evidence for the case. It also happens that he is an absolute pleasure to work with."
"He is incredibly bright and his attention to detail is phenomenal."
"Samuel Townend has impressive technical skill."
William Webb KC frequently acts in complex construction disputes. His practice includes high-value domestic litigation and international arbitration. His experience includes cases in the Court of Appeal as well as the TCC.
"William is user-friendly, with a razor-sharp legal mind and, most importantly, he is commercially focused."
"William Webb is very measured and has an excellent knowledge of construction issues."
"William is very pragmatic and he will work hard to deliver the right result."
Callum Monro Morrison is developing a strong construction practice. He regularly appears in the High Court and has experience at appellate level. He has particular expertise in complex PFI and cladding disputes.
"Callum Monro Morrison is a superb junior. He is sharp, very commercial and technically robust."
"Callum is a cool-headed, analytical junior counsel, who is wise beyond his years."
"Callum's papers are of top quality. As far as understanding and getting a good grip of issues goes, he is excellent."
Harriet Di Francesco is well versed in a wide variety of specialised legal disciplines which complement her construction practice, including adjudication and international arbitration, professional negligence and procurement. She brings to bear substantial experience at the TCC and in adjudication enforcement.
"Harriet is very good, organised and very good on the detail."
Tom Owen KC regularly appears as sole counsel before the TCC. He receives excellent feedback for his strong advocacy in construction disputes. He has experience of acting in significant enforcement disputes.
"Tom's level of service is second to none; he goes the extra mile time and again."
"Tom is user-friendly and my clients love him. He exudes calm, even in the most difficult of situations."
"Tom Owen is outstanding in his advocacy, paperwork, commitment to the cause and grasp of the law."
"Tom Owen is very calm, controlled and all over the detail."
"He is a calm, reflective thinker who can take the heat out of a tricky situation and provide sensible, commercial solutions."