Career
When in full time practice as Counsel, my practice covered a broad spectrum of advisory and advocacy work related to construction, engineering, energy, technology, mining, process plant and insurance disputes, along with professional negligence claims involving architects, engineers and surveyors. I also advised on alternative dispute resolution and arbitrations in the UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Korea (as advocate or arbitrator). I have particular experience in claims relating to off-shore oil and gas assets, railway infrastructure, power station construction, environmental and regulatory work and shipbuilding contracts.
In 2015/2016 I appeared at a well-publicised public inquiry in Hong Kong concerning the investigation of levels of lead in potable water at Housing Authority developments. From 20018 to 2020, I was Counsel to the Commission in another construction related public inquiry in Hong Kong. My clients included the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, MTRC, tertiary educational establishments, numerous listed and privately owned companies both in Hong Kong and elsewhere (developers, joint ventures, main contractors, sub-contractors and plant hirers), various Incorporated Owners and insurance companies.
Between 1984 and 1989 I practised as a barrister in Hong Kong (from what is now Des Voeux Chambers). From 1990 to 2010 I was in full time practice in London at Keating Chambers, the well-known specialist construction set. I was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2003. In June 2010 I re-joined Des Voeux Chambers on a full-time basis and became an International Tenant at Keating Chambers. I was appointed Senior Counsel in Hong Kong in 2014. I was made a Bencher of the Middle Temple in 2018. On 31 December 2025, I retired from practice as Counsel both in England & Wales and Hong Kong, ceased to be an international tenant at Keating Chambers and joined the List of Neutrals at Des Voeux Chambers. I continue to accept arbitral and other alternative dispute resolution appointments.
For more information, please refer to https://www.dvc.hk/neutrals/ian-pennicott
