Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Construction: Contentious

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Based in London, Hong Kong and Dubai, our dedicated team provides specialist advice on construction and engineering projects around the world. We act for a diverse client base of contractors, government bodies, public authorities, private developers, funders and other stakeholders involved in high value construction and engineering work.

We have advised on a broad range of projects including commercial, industrial, retail, hotel and leisure, energy, utilities and other major projects such as large engineering schemes and infrastructure projects. We have extensive experience of the principal standard form contracts including FIDIC, JCT, NEC, RIBA, ACE, IChemE and IEE as well as many types of bespoke contract. 

Our approach is to drive projects forward and ensure that obstacles are resolved quickly and efficiently. Whenever the project requires, our team can draw on other specialists to advise in areas such as real estate, planning, finance, public procurement, insurance, employment and tax. We identify risks early and manage them as far as possible.

As well as advising on procurement routes and contract drafting, our team is also relied upon by clients during the construction phase to manage problems on live projects and to prevent disputes arising where we can. Through a combination of tactical advice and timely letters and notices, we put our clients in the best possible position where disputes cannot be avoided.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction: Contentious - London (Firms)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For
Stephenson Harwood offers a substantial construction practice with significant strength in representing major developers in the leisure, residential and infrastructure sectors. The firm also has experience of significant construction mandates for clients in the energy, education and health sectors, including representing facilities management contractors in disputes. The team frequently assists with claims concerning allegations of design and construction defects, as well as termination, payment and delay issues.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephen Harwood advised BNP Paribas Depositary Services on a legal dispute against Briggs & Forrester over the latter's repudiatory breach of contract in suspending the works and purporting to terminate using the termination provisions of a JCT Design & Build contract.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood's team stand out for their rare combination of legal precision, commercial awareness and genuine client commitment, which allows them to provide technically sound legal advice.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK
  • Stephenson Harwood demonstrate robust legal reasoning, impressive understanding of technical detail and capability in navigating high-value, multiparty disputes with confidence and clarity.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK
  • The Stephenson Harwood construction team distinguish themselves for being highly knowledgeable, proactive and available to the client.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK
  • Due to their excellent industry knowledge, the team at Stephenson Harwood are able to turn their hands to the most complex and unusual matters with ease.

    Construction: Contentious respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Paul Thwaite
    Band 4Paul Thwaite

    Paul Thwaite

    Paul Thwaite has extensive experience representing prominent contractors and developers in a range of construction claims, including delay, disruption and building defects cases. He regularly advises on claims concerning fire safety issues and cases involving listed buildings.

    • Paul is an excellent strategist and is able to break down complex situations into their constituent parts and provide a route to resolution. He is calm and considered.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    • Paul is a fantastic lawyer to have on your side in a dispute. He has a calm bedside manner and provides sensible, consistent guidance and advice.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
  • Band 6Charlotte Heywood
    Band 6Charlotte Heywood

    Charlotte Heywood

    Charlotte Heywood advises on contentious construction matters for contractors and developers on significant commercial and residential development projects. She has a strong knowledge of claims concerning allegations of defects, additional costs and delays.
    • Charlotte is an excellent litigator and is a joy to work with.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    • Charlotte provides an excellent all-round service. She is thoughtful and considered in everything she does and is able to make the complex simple.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    • Her ability to navigate technically complex, multiparty disputes with clarity, speed and commercial judgement is outstanding. She is calm under pressure.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    • I know we are in safe hands when Charlotte is supporting us. She has excellent industry knowledge and attention to detail.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
    • Charlotte is very thorough, strategic and robust. She resources her projects well.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK
  • Up and ComingNavpreet Atwal
    Up and ComingNavpreet Atwal

    Navpreet Atwal

    Navpreet Atwal is well versed in a variety of non-contentious, transactional construction matters. She is adept at advising on both domestic and international projects.

    • Navpreet delivers advice with clarity and commercial foresight. She combines technical precision, strategic thinking and emotional intelligence.

      Construction: Contentious respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (3)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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