Construction: International Arbitration | UK

King & Spalding has a respected practice with a noteworthy ability to handle construction-related international arbitrations. The team frequently represents clients in ICC, LCIA and ICSID hearings concerning various infrastructure assets, particularly projects in the energy and transport sectors. The firm possesses particular expertise in relation to disputes in Australia, South-East Asia and the Middle East.

Vinson & Elkins has a well-regarded construction disputes practice with a particularly strong reputation for its work on international arbitration proceedings. The team is especially active on contentious aspects of energy and infrastructure sector projects, acting for both developer and supplier-side clients. It possesses notable expertise in handling claims relating to projects across the entirety of the oil and gas value chain.

White & Case is widely admired for its work on large, high-end projects worldwide, including transport infrastructure, downstream oil and gas developments and nuclear power plants. The team regularly assists clients with delay and disruption claims, as well as procurement strategy and contract negotiation. It offers extensive expertise in the handling of international arbitration proceedings. The firm's clients include major international developers, state-owned entities and prominent contractors.

Debevoise & Plimpton has a respected team that is proficient in a diverse range of construction arbitrations. The team regularly assists with proceedings conducted under the rules of leading institutions, including the ICC, the LCIA, SIAC and HKIAC. Its lawyers are particularly adept at assisting with claims involving energy and transport infrastructure developments in North America, Australia and the Middle East.

Mayer Brown has a heavyweight practice that wields considerable strength throughout the entirety of the construction market. The firm assists major insurers, employers and contractors with both transactional and contentious issues. The team possesses a wealth of experience in Middle Eastern and African projects and also handles significant domestic mandates. The firm advises on notable work in the energy, transport and retail sectors, as well as significant residential and mixed-use developments. The construction team continues to act on a number of complex international arbitrations.

Pinsent Masons has a formidable construction practice with market-leading capabilities in domestic disputes, complemented by a strong presence in non-contentious matters and international arbitrations. The team is regularly instructed to assist with contract negotiation and dispute avoidance across the UK and in a variety of other jurisdictions. It is particularly active on significant infrastructure projects and on the construction aspects of energy schemes, including oil and gas, renewable and nuclear power developments. This team primarily acts for significant contractor clients, along with project sponsors and lenders.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld has a prominent international arbitration practice with a strong reputation for advising top-drawer clients on large infrastructure and oil and gas projects worldwide. The firm is also capable of representing foreign governments in disputes arising out of major projects. Akin frequently assists with delay and defect claims and cases concerning contract termination. It is able to handle matters in challenging overseas jurisdictions including Iraq and Taiwan.

Clifford Chance fields a market-leading department with a robust domestic offering that is complemented by a significant international presence, including impressive experience in Africa and Europe. The firm frequently assists with contract negotiations and procurement strategy, as well as providing representation in international arbitration proceedings. Its lawyers are adept at advising on large-scale matters such as residential developments, infrastructure schemes and oil, gas and renewables projects. The construction team has additional strength in assisting with major nuclear power projects. Its client base is composed of major funders, sponsors, contractors and developers. The team is ably supported by outstanding real estate and project finance teams.

Fenwick Elliott has an acclaimed contentious offering, tackling high-profile disputes in the UK, Asia and North Africa. The team's clients include industry-leading contractors as well as significant owners and developers. Its lawyers are adept at assisting with claims arising from defects, delays and terminated contracts. The firm is particularly active on major renewables, power and infrastructure projects. The team possesses strong knowledge of FIDIC contracts and regularly advises on their drafting and on disputes arising out of their construction.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is a respected firm with strong capabilities across both contentious and non-contentious construction matters, including international arbitrations. The team provides high-quality representation of clients carrying out infrastructure and development projects worldwide. Its lawyers are highly adept at advising on matters in the nuclear and natural resources sectors, as well as PFI work. Freshfields' construction practice regularly handles work on behalf of government departments, contractors and energy companies. The team is also skilled in advising on construction-related insolvency matters.

HFW offers a diverse supplier-side practice that counts a number of prominent contractors as clients. Its lawyers are equipped to advise across the entirety of a construction project, from procurement and contractual issues to risk management and dispute resolution. The firm possesses noteworthy expertise in relation to work in the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors, as well as transport infrastructure assets. The team principally assists clients with domestic construction projects alongside additional capabilities in relation to Asian and Middle Eastern developments.

Hogan Lovells has a strong practice with acknowledged strength in the full range of construction work. The team commands significant experience acting on contentious and non-contentious matters for both contractors and developers. It acts on big-ticket matters in the UK and around the globe, often advising on energy and property development issues. The firm's London team is complemented by an extensive global network of offices. Hogan Lovells regularly acts for an impressive range of employers, contractors and funders.

Howard Kennedy has a solid bench of construction specialists who focus their practice on contentious matters. The team is well versed in defect claims, as well as disputes arising from cladding works and related fire safety issues. The firm is known for its expertise in FIDIC contracts and operates across the globe, including Asia, Africa and the Middle East.