Construction and engineering dispute resolution

Strategic and straightforward advice. We have a track record in winning the most complex and difficult cases. Our dedicated team of specialists match extensive industry knowledge with highly regarded technical expertise and a reputation for commercial and practical problem solving.  
  • Profile
  • Experience
  • Key contacts

Based in London, Hong Kong and Dubai, our dedicated team provides specialist advice on construction and engineering disputes around the world. We act for a diverse client base of contractors, government bodies, public authorities, private developers, funders and other stakeholders involved in high value construction and engineering work.

We are experienced in using alternative dispute resolution techniques such as adjudication, dispute boards and mediation alongside arbitration and litigation. We resolve difficult and complex disputes quickly and efficiently. We create effective dispute management strategies at the outset of a case in order to narrow the issues and promote an early resolution of the dispute. Clients value our strategic approach and our straightforward commercial advice.

We have advised on a broad range of projects including commercial, industrial, retail, hotel and leisure, energy, utilities and other major projects such as large engineering schemes and infrastructure projects. We have extensive experience of the principal standard form contracts including FIDIC, JCT, NEC, RIBA, ACE, IChemE and IEE as well as many forms of bespoke contract.

This gives us a unique perspective on the factors that promote successful projects.

Our team is also relied upon by clients during the construction phase to manage problems on live projects and to prevent disputes arising. Through tactical advice and timely letters and notices, we put our clients in the best possible position where disputes cannot be avoided.

“Sound, honest, commercial and practical advice. Comparable to the best lawyers recently engaged with in this market.”
The Legal 500 UK 2020

Accolade Wines

Acting for a global drinks company in a £160 million claim in connection with the defective design and construction of the largest wine production and distribution facility in the UK involving multi-party proceedings in the English High Court.

Walter Lilly

Acting on this leading construction case on global claims, notices, extensions of time, loss and expense and disclosure arising from the development of a £60 million private home in London.

Kajima Construction

Advising on multi-party proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court concerning the defective design and construction of an affordable housing development in Leeds.

Contractor for gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi

Acting for the contractor on a series of disputes with the main employer and subcontractor relating to a gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi leading to a mediation and ICC arbitration.

NHS Foundation Trust

Acting in relation to disputes arising out of the development of a new £130 million PFI hospital including contractor claims for delay and disruption and additional works.

Leading global engineering contractor

Acting on a major dispute on the London Underground and advising on two adjudications and the subsequent court case successfully overturning the adjudicator's first incorrect decision.

Flagship hotel in London

Acting for a major international hotel group on the significant High Court litigation arising out of the fit out of their flagship hotel in London.

South African contractor

Advising the contractor on its dispute with its employer under a bespoke contract for power station works and advising on the inadequate extension of time provisions and application of the prevention principle.

Olympic Park

Advising on construction contracts and concession agreements for the development of the Olympic Park for the London 2012 Games including the primary electricity sub-station, the district energy network and a major sporting venue.

Italian contractor

Advising the Italian contractor on an international arbitration arising out of the construction of a large New Town mixed-use development project in Hong Kong.

Lawyer

Charlotte Heywood Partner

T:  +44 20 7809 2039
M:  Email Charlotte | Vcard Office:  London

Lawyer

Ron Nobbs Partner

T:  +44 20 7809 2280
M:  +44 7831 245 682 Email Ron | Vcard Office:  London

Lawyer

Paul Thwaite Partner

T:  +44 20 7809 2341
M:  +44 7881 913 246 Email Paul | Vcard Office:  London

Latest news & insights

13 Nov 2023

From News

Simon Palmer joins Stephenson Harwood as consultant

Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its construction disputes practice with the arrival of consultant Simon Palmer, who joins the firm in Dubai.

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21 Sep 2023

From Insights

Current spotlight - Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete ("RAAC")

The current spotlight on the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete ("RAAC") started with concerns raised in relation to schools and the subsequent guidance on ..

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24 Aug 2021

From Insights

The Building Safety Bill and liability for defects

On 5 July 2021, the Government published the draft Building Safety Bill, following much consultation. The draft bill contains three changes that will have a significan..

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06 Aug 2021

From Insights

Assignment under JCT: a costly lesson for beneficiaries

In a recent judgment the TCC has taught a costly lesson to the beneficiary of a purported assignment who was seeking to pursue a claim against a contractor under a JCT..

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02 Aug 2021

From Insights

Back to the start: Supreme Court restores orthodox approach on liquidated damages

The Supreme Court has handed down its long-awaited judgment in Triple Point Technology, Inc v PTT Public Company Ltd [2021] UKSC 29.

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12 Jul 2021

From Insights

When an independent expert has 'unfettered and unsupervised access' to the client - A cautionary tale

The TCC has found a defendant in breach of a Pre Trial Review Order, CPR Part 35 and the Guidance for the Instruction of Experts in Civil Claims 2014 (the "2014 Guidan..

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26 Mar 2021

From Insights

High Court comprehensively rejects Bechtel’s procurement claims against HS2

In the recent High Court judgment Bechtel Ltd v HS2 Ltd [2021] EWHC 458 (TCC) delivered on 4 March 2021, Mr Justice Fraser ruled that HS2 did not breach the Utilities ..

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06 Jul 2020

From Insights

Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act received royal assent on 25 June 2020 and comes into force immediately.

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© Stephenson Harwood LLP 2016. Any reference to Stephenson Harwood in this document means Stephenson Harwood LLP and/or its affiliated undertakings. Any reference to a partner is used to refer to a member of Stephenson Harwood LLP.