Chambers Global

Catherine Piercy is a quality junior whose diverse practice includes regular appearances in adjudications, ADR and high-value litigation. She is regularly instructed by a client base of contractors, insurers and other insurance professionals. Her recent work includes disputes concerning allegedly defective cladding.

“She provides creative solutions to legal problems.” “An incredibly able junior and forceful advocate whose written work is fantastic.”

Recent work: Instructed in a case concerning the construction of the Bolton bus exchange. The case is significant in defining the scope of duty of a checking engineer where there is a specialist subcontractor with a specialist subconsultant designer.

David Pliener is a highly regarded senior junior who regularly acts in litigation, arbitration and adjudications nationwide and abroad. He has advised on disputes in sectors as diverse as renewables, structural engineering and leisure. Clients that typically instruct him include contractors, construction professionals and property owners. He is strong in construction-related insurance and property damage litigation.

“He is a superb construction barrister – very analytical and gets into the detail on a case.”

Recent work: Instructed by 70 leaseholders in a £20 million claim arising from defective redevelopment works to The Lancasters, a landmark development overlooking Hyde Park.

Ebony Alleyne has a strong construction practice covering TCC proceedings, as well as adjudications and arbitrations. She acts for the full range of construction industry clients including employers, contractors and other related professionals.

“A talented junior.” “She is commercial, enthusiastic and hard-working.”

Helena White has a practice covering a broad array of construction and engineering disputes, including cases involving related insurance and professional negligence issues. She has particular expertise in cases arising out of water and waste disposal-related projects.

“Knowledgeable, technically excellent and very well prepared.”

Recent work: Acted for the claimant owners of a house in Devon when it transpired, after purchase, that it suffered from many defects, including extensive water ingress and various apparent breaches of building regulations, arising from refurbishment works carried out by the previous owner.

Michael Wheater is a strong junior with a UK-focused practice who represents clients from across the construction industry, including developers and contractors. He is particularly proficient in construction disputes involving professional negligence claims, and also has experience of advising on insurance mandates.

“He is an all-round excellent barrister – very bright, user-friendly and very commercial.” “A solution-orientated and user-friendly barrister whose written work is highly impressive.”

Recent work: Instructed in a delay claim concerning the refurbishment of two Grade II listed buildings in Liverpool to provide new accommodation for the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.

Nigel Jones QC skilfully handles complex construction claims on behalf of developers, contractors and public authorities, among others. His practice is international in scope, with a focus on Malaysia and the Middle East, and is complemented by his significant experience in insurance-related disputes.

“He is outstanding on his feet and grasps the issues that turn a case.”

Recent work: Acted for AIG as Balfour Beatty’s professional indemnity insurers in relation to flaws in the design and construction of a school in Oldham built under the PFI initiative.

Paul Reed QC is a popular silk with a quality practice both domestically and in the Middle East. His construction offering is enhanced by his acknowledged expertise in the insurance sector. His client base includes contractors, insurers and developers.

“A leading figure in the sector on all things construction and insurance.”

Recent work: Acted in a claim against geotechnical engineers for £6 million arising out of the collapse of a housing association development due to an undiscovered cavity in the ground.

Sarah McCann acts on a variety of domestic disputes including TCC claims and adjudications, with a particular focus on professional negligence and insurance-related construction work. She has a strong track record of handling complex cases, both led and unled, and is particularly well versed with handling defect claims.

“Accessible, approachable, commercial and willing to take time to talk through both legal and commercial issues.”

Recent work: Acted for an electrical installation and security systems service company in its dispute with the defendant integrated housing services provider. The case concerns concerning alleged defects and non-payment.

Very thorough, good on the law and courteous.” “He provides excellent service, shows very good attention to detail and is a very effective advocate.”

Recent work: Acted for the first defendant in Hanson & Others v Carlino & Another in proceedings concerning, among other things, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and trust connected with several central London property investment vehicles.

“Really prepared to get stuck in and is blessed with the art of persuasion.” “David adopts a determined approach and has great tactical insight. His experience and input are highly valued. He is certainly someone you want on your team rather than on the other side.”

Recent work: Acted for the fourth defendant, Ms Wheeler, in a claim brought by Gregory John Rollingson alleging that the firm Rollingsons, of which he was the ex-senior partner, was brought down by former partners and senior associates through an unlawful means conspiracy.

“Very client-friendly and really sharp-witted.” “She is calm and has the ability to persuade a judge round to her way of thinking.”

Recent work: Acted for the defendant in Andersson v Kamran, a GBP60 million shareholder dispute.

“His advice is clear and well reasoned, and he has the ability to get his message across.” “He is an impressive advocate, with excellent attention to detail, who is able to explain complex legal principles to lay clients.”

Recent work: Acted for the liquidator of Enterprise Insurance in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in a claim against the company’s former directors for breach of duty. The case also involved acting in the London Commercial Court in a claim against Greek brokers for unpaid commissions.

“Very thorough, good on the law and courteous.” “He provides excellent service, shows very good attention to detail and is a very effective advocate.”

Recent work: Acted for the first defendant in Hanson & Others v Carlino & Another in proceedings concerning, among other things, alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and trust connected with several central London property investment vehicles.

A well-regarded insolvency junior, noted for her expert handling of both corporate and personal insolvency work. She is regularly instructed to act on behalf of parties including debtors, creditors and insolvency practitioners. She is also noted for her expertise in civil recovery.

“She’s a very good advocate and is very switched on.”