International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering | UK Bar

Atkin Chambers has attained a commanding stature in the market as a result of both the depth of its expertise and the strength of its advocacy across the full gamut of construction arbitrations. The set continues to be highly active, acting on large-scale and sensitive arbitrations around the work, involving significant transport, construction and energy projects in regions such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The barristers are highly experienced in acting under a range of arbitral institutions, including the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, DIFC, HKIAC and LMAA. In addition to acting as counsel, members here also take appointments as arbitrator. An interviewee praises the set for its "experience, commitment and huge industry knowledge." Another source states: "Atkin Chambers has specialist construction expertise with top quality advocates familiar with the industry."

Justin Wilson is the senior clerk.

Keating Chambers continues to be considered one of the first and finest ports of call for complex construction and engineering disputes, with an instructing solicitor noting the set "excels at handling complex cases with ease and offering a highly responsive and approachable service". The set calls upon a highly talented roster of silks and junior barristers to act under a wide range of arbitral rules, and has experience in ICC, DIAC, LCIA, SIAC and HKIAC arbitrations. The set is well equipped to handle high-value shipping and infrastructure-related disputes, and demonstrates particular prowess in the energy sector. Members offer clients the benefit of a wealth of international experience and attract a steady stream of instructions across Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa and Europe. An interviewee praises the set: "They have a reputation as being top of their field for this type of work and they are outstanding." Another adds: "Keating Chambers is at the pinnacle in the International Arbitration industry due to their very impressively competent barristers."

Will Shrubsall and James Luxmore are joint directors of clerking.

4 Pump Court is a highly respected set with well-honed expertise in construction and engineering disputes. The set regularly handles arbitrations arising in emerging markets. The barristers at 4 Pump Court operate on a truly global basis, having been instructed in arbitrations concerning construction projects in Europe, The Americas, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. The barristers represent an impressive roster of contractors and subcontractors in high-value ICC, SIAC, DIFC-LCIA, UNCITRAL and DIAC arbitrations. A market source praises: "The barristers at 4 Pump Court are extremely committed, hardworking and have excellent attention to detail. Their ability to cut through a complex case is exceptional." Another interviewee adds: "4 Pump Court barristers excel in understanding complicated matters and finding ways to clearly and simply engage and unpack those complexities before the Tribunal."

Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are the joint senior clerks.

39 Essex Chambers is a go-to set for international arbitration. Its barristers have impressive international expertise, receiving high-value and complex instructions in disputes arising in the Caribbean, South-East Asia, Australia and South Africa. Barristers here represent contractors, subcontractors and individuals in a range of disputes, often conducted under the arbitral rules of the LMAA, ICC, DIAC and HKIAC. Members of 39 Essex Chambers are particularly adept at handling arbitrations for clients in the shipping and engineering sectors. An interviewee notes: "With a knack for mastering the intricacies of each matter and a friendly and flexible attitude, 39 Essex Chambers is a superb choice for any legal challenge." Another source says: "It is an excellent chambers with rich talents."

Lewis Walker is the director of clerking.

4 New Square Chambers enjoys a strong reputation for its international arbitration offering. The barristers advise contractors, project owners, architects, engineers and government parties on disputes. The team has notable experience representing parties in arbitrations concerning megaprojects, such as traditional and renewable energy platforms and civilian infrastructure projects. The team has conducted proceedings under the auspices of the major institutional authorities, such as the ICC, UNCITRAL, the LCIA, DIAC and ADCCAC. Regional expertise includes the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. An interviewee reports: "4 New Square Chambers has a broad range of silks and juniors who have a proven record in complex infrastructure arbitrations involving construction and engineering."

Lizzy Stewart is the senior clerk.

Barristers at Crown Office Chambers are highly proficient in international arbitration and are regularly instructed to appear in construction-related disputes. The set is noted for its strong grasp of arbitrations relating to big-ticket infrastructure projects, including transport and energy developments. An interviewee comments: "Crown Office Chambers has specialist construction expertise with top quality advocates." Another adds that the barristers are "incredible personable, never afraid to roll up their sleeves and become a real part of the team." The barristers wield significant expertise in cases arising from projects in the Middle East, regularly handling arbitrations governed by LCIA, ICC, DIAC, LMAA or ADCCAC rules on behalf of contractors, subcontractors and joint venture partners.

James Wilkinson is the senior clerk.