Hugh Saunders

Hugh specialises in construction and engineering, infrastructure, energy, PFI, technology (including IT), professional negligence and property damage matters. He acts for banks and insurers (including coverage disputes), developers, purchasers, contractors and sub-contractors, professionals of all kinds (especially architects and engineers), materials manufacturers and suppliers, and property owners.

Hugh appears most frequently in the High Court, where he is usually instructed as sole counsel or leading more junior barristers, but also acts in arbitrations (domestic and international) and adjudications.

Recent examples of Hugh’s work concern the design of M&E systems for a landmark development in central London; roads and bridges; electrical cabling for offshore wind; numerous disputes regarding cladding and fire-safety issues, including for hotels, flats and student accommodation; design of processing units at a materials research facility; PFI disputes involving schools and energy projects; advising on performance bonds following contractor insolvencies; design and construction of the roof at a major warehouse and distribution centre; design and construction of an energy centre and district heating system for a large residential development; and the failure of a pallet conveyor system at a distribution centre. Hugh’s recent IT work concerned the development of a crypto-currency platform, software for vehicle “dash-cams”, and the development of an online casino platform. Hugh’s recent property damage cases include a flood-damaged hotel; an explosion during electrical works at an office block; water damage to a number of residential developments; and a scaffolding collapse.

Hugh is the co-author of Professional Negligence in Construction (2nd edition) with Ben Patten KC.