John Morris

John is highly skilled in both front end transactional work and in leading teams on resolving large construction and engineering disputes. John is recognised in Chambers and is described as a "very impressive intellect in terms of legal knowledge and – importantly – commercial common sense and practicality."

He has extensive experience of advising on, negotiating and drafting building and engineering contracts, project management agreements and EPC contracts together with all supplemental documentation, particularly in relation to international standard forms (e.g. FIDIC, NEC and MF/I) and bespoke agreements.

He acts for a broad cross-section of the industry including developers, contractors, sub-contractors, architects, engineers, surveyors, banks and insurers.

John also has experience in relation to the design, supply and installation of mechanical and electrical engineering plant, offshore structures, power stations, coal liquefaction, mining and environmental issues.

He has been appointed by the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association’s panel to act as an adjudicator on numerous occasions. He acts for clients in all forms of dispute resolution both internationally and domestically, particularly in adjudications, litigation, international arbitration and mediation.

Experience

• Drafting and negotiating a bespoke EPC contract for a USD 2 billion oil refinery upgrade in Colombia

• Drafting amendments to FIDIC contracts for a GBP 3 billion iron ore mine in Sierra Leone and the associated road, rail and port infrastructure

• Acting for the contractor on a GBP 27 million dispute relating to the building of an offshore gas pipeline in Russia

• Advising a UK developer on acquiring and developing a GBP 78 million mixed use scheme, including a four-star hotel and residential apartments

• Acting for a UK developer in an arbitration against a contractor and professional team in relation to the refurbishment of commercial property in London

• Acting for a developer on two turnkey projects for combined heat and power plants in the UK Advising a property developer on a GBP 665 million social housing scheme in Gabon

• Acting for the investors of a large construction development, with a value of GBP 225 million, in the City of London