Construction: The South

This firm undertakes both contentious and non-contentious work for a mix of local, national and international clients. It is currently advising Lend Lease on its involvement in the Olympic Athletes' Village and the new £60 million Bluewater Events Venue. The team's work has been described by sources as an “excellent, enabling influence.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the construction and engineering team David Savage has been lauded for his “formidable command in the field.” Stephen Rockhill is credited with a “profound understanding of the construction industry” gained from his background of working within this sector.

This firm represents a variety of public and private sector clients on a range of construction matters and is praised for its “understanding and responsiveness.” It has recently advised the UK Border Agency on a large-scale refurbishment project, as well as carrying out work for social housing and retail bodies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bill Mackie heads the team.

This firm conducts a range of contentious and non-contentious work, including dispute resolution, contractual and strategic project work for commercial clients. The firm continues to impress locally with its non-contentious practice, while attracting national clients such as private developers and contractors in the rail and waste sectors.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Matthew Needham-Laing has a real pedigree in the construction field having qualified as an architect prior to his move into the law. He has a broad range of expertise including drafting and reviewing contracts, construction litigation and arbitration.  

This team is praised for its “straightforward and direct” commercial legal advice. It represents both contractors and developers in disputes and non-contentious matters and it is particularly strong in the educational sector. The team has recently advised Worthing College, Bexley College and South Essex College on campus redevelopment projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Clinton heads the construction practice and is commended for his outstanding experience and capability in this sector. Kim Teichman has good experience of international arbitration, adjudication and litigation. Clients appreciate her “flexibility and responsiveness.”

This team acts for a broad client base of contractors and developers, as well as other public and private organisations. It has recently advised The Mary Rose Trust on the construction of a new museum at Portsmouth's historic dockyard.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of team Richard Wade specialises in construction law and deals with a range of contentious and non-contentious work.

This firm maintains a reputation for high-quality construction work covering procurement and contractual issues. It undertakes work for organisations in both the public and private sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Royle leads the team and is a specialist in non-contentious construction law.

This firm has a strong reputation for its handling of construction matters. Clients value its “clarity of communication” and “competence across the board.” It has recently represented Sevenoaks School Foundation and Gravesham Borough Council in their respective development projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chris Whittington heads the department and works on both contentious and non-contentious matters, while Chris Kirby-Turner focuses on construction disputes.