CMS has a comprehensive contentious construction offering, representing clients from a variety of industries regarding high-end real estate, energy, and data centre developments. The practice demonstrates a proven track-record in international arbitrations and Supreme Court disputes. The team is jointly steered by Adrian Bell, who receives mandates from an array of leading international and domestic clients, and Steven Williams, who brings ‘immense experience’ across a range of high level disputes, including in the Supreme Court. Emma Schaafsma remains a key port of call for high-value and complex disputes across the energy and transport sectors. Further notable individuals include experienced international arbitrator Philip Norman and Catherine Gelder, who is a key contact among property developers.

Fenwick Elliott LLP‘s multi-faceted contentious construction practice regularly represents clients in international arbitrations, litigation, and adjudications. The team boasts an extensive client list encompassing domestic and international contractors, developers, and investors. Managing partner Tony Francis acts for a diverse client base across the real estate, utilities, and transport sectors. Leading the contentious offering, Karen Gidwani is relied on for her vast experience in international arbitrations and at all levels of the UK courts. Simon Tolson has an established practice representing clients at the Technology and Construction Court and in international arbitrations, while Richard Smellie specialises in disputes arising out of high-value energy projects. Nicholas Gould acts for domestic and international clients as a mediator, adjudicator, and arbitrator. Katherine Butler supports the firm’s advice to contractor and developer clients.

Noted for its ‘strategic understanding of complex, cross-border matters’, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP‘s contentious construction practice is regularly instructed by leading players across the energy, mining, and real estate sectors. The team has a broad client offering, demonstrating specialist expertise across litigation, adjudication and international arbitration. Practice chair James Doe is a first-choice expert on domestic and international arbitrations within the energy sector. Mike McClure KC is geared to handle international arbitrations and litigation at all levels of the courts. Raeesa Rawal is experienced in handling mandates from a diverse manner of stakeholders in the energy sector, while Xavier Milne is regularly instructed in cross-border disputes.

With a proven track in high-value and complex international arbitrations, adjudications, and litigation, the contentious construction team at Mayer Brown International LLP acts for leading contractors, insurers, and engineers. The cross-sector team particularly receives instructions on major infrastructure disputes from the energy and real estate development sectors. The practice is jointly led by Michael Regan, who is noted for proficiently handling ‘technically complex' disputes, and Sally Davies, who has extensive experience representing clients in domestic and international arbitrations, mediations and adjudications. Kwadwo Sarkodie is an authority on disputes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Jonathan Stone acts for insurers on an array of matters including professional indemnity, public liability, and CAR policies, while James Morris is adept at representing clients in High Court litigation, international arbitrations and adjudications.

Pinsent Masons LLP is well placed to handle complex and high-stakes disputes across the domestic and international construction landscape. The team is competent in handling both international arbitrations and litigation for a wide client base from the energy, transport, and real estate development sectors. Charles Blamire-Brown leads the team and is a key contact for both European and global international contractors facing arbitration. Neal Morris acts on major infrastructure disputes from the transport and energy sectors and is also an authority on fire safety disputes. Zoe de Courcy co-leads on disputes concerning PPP infrastructure projects, while Elizabeth Harwood deals with a variety of high-value delay and defects claims. Nicholas Brown, as a commercial arbitrator, adjudicator and mediator, regularly works on energy disputes across Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Vinson & Elkins RLLP has a proven track-record acting on major construction disputes across the energy, transport, and technology sectors, including high value and complex ICC arbitrations and bet the company cases. Practice head Roberta Downey handles a mix of arbitrations and litigation related to novel technologies. Nick Henchie has a notable proficiency in handling high profile energy and infrastructure disputes and is regularly supported by Scott Stiegler. Angus Rankin is a key name to note for the practice's Asian client base, while Rupert Coldwell acts on highly technical construction and engineering disputes. Jarrod Gutsa has amassed considerable experience across all forms of dispute resolution, including arbitrations, adjudications, and litigation.

Addleshaw Goddard’s contentious construction practice supports clients through adjudications, litigation, and international arbitrations. PFI disputes remain the core expertise of the practice, which also spans the energy and transport sectors. Practice head Jonathan Tattersall remains a key port of call for both PFI and PPP disputes, particularly in relation to the health sector. Caroline Pope‘s notable proficiency handling litigation and alternative dispute resolution sees her win instructions from a variety of high profile contractors. Julia Court and James Shackleton routinely support developers navigate the implications of the Building Safety Act, while Rob Easton acts most regularly for private equity funds.

Ashurst‘s contentious construction team covers all manner of disputes from the transport, energy, and real estate sectors, including handling a wide array of matters related to distressed PFI and PPP projects, navigating the Building Safety Act, and representing clients in ICC arbitrations. Tom Duncan, who spearheads the practice, is active for developers and contractors alike in High Court litigation. Dyfan Owen is adept at handling the full range of oil and gas disputes. Madeleine Pope has established experience acting on PFI disputes, while Stefan Jammes represents clients across the full gamut of construction-related disputes. Simon Bromwich is a longstanding expert among construction and services companies.

The multi-faceted contentious construction team at Baker McKenzie houses ‘deep experience’ in handling a diversity of disputes, demonstrating expertise across arbitration, litigation, and ADR processes. The practice is a regular choice among multi-nationals in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Steve Abraham leads the team and acts for domestic and international clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors, and is regularly supported by Anjuli Patel. Kate Corby is a key contact for construction and engineering disputes arising out of the Middle East.

Noted for its experience in handling highly complex disputes, Clyde & Co is well-placed to represent clients the full spectrum of disputes in English and international courts, as well as in arbitration. The practice accommodates clients in the energy, infrastructure, and commercial real estate development sectors. Practice chair John Morris is well-versed in high-profile international and domestic arbitrations for both developers and contractors. Victoria Peckett handles a steady stream of disputes from the transportation, infrastructure, and defence sectors. Anthony Albertini has acted extensively on arbitrations, expert determinations, and adjudications, while Christopher Leadbetter works regularly on commercial real estate development disputes. Chris Kerr acts for a roster of developers and contractors within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP houses a robust contentious construction practice, servicing clients across the commercial and residential real estate sectors as well as in high profile energy related disputes. The broad team’s capabilities span both High Court litigation and international arbitration. The practice is led by Jonathan Douglas, who focuses on high value residential sector disputes. Jessica Neuberger handles a steady stream of litigation and adjudications. Nick Pinder‘s practice centres around disputes arising from oil and gas and renewable energy projects, while Mariya Rankin regularly represents clients in mediations, international arbitrations and Technology & Construction Court litigation.

The contentious construction team at HFW has amassed considerable experience acting for contractors on high profile mandates in the transport, energy, and commercial real estate sectors. The group also handles a regular volume of high value international arbitrations. Leadership is shared between Max Wieliczko, who specialises in disputes arising out of renewable energy projects, and Michael Sergeant, who has extensive experience in international arbitration. Adjudication expert Richard Booth acts for a roster of international contractors. Tom Hutchison is routinely tasked in delay and defects claims, while Tanya Chadha has an established cross-border disputes practice.

Howard Kennedy LLP covers a breadth of construction disputes from major global infrastructure projects to residential real estate developments. The diverse practice serves a range of industry stakeholders including contractors, employers, and consultants. Jeffrey Brown spearheads the team, counting contractors, subcontractors, and developers amongst his clients. Both public bodies and project companies rely on Victoria Tyson for her extensive arbitration expertise. Jonathan Pawlowski acts for an array of domestic contractors, while Joanne Clarke focuses on international construction disputes across the transport sector. Mark Pritchard is the key contact for Building Safety Act matters and Jenna Volkwyn acts for a growing volume of international employers, contractors, and consultants.

Noted as a ‘go to firm for major construction disputes’, K&L Gates LLP handles a broad client base of investors, contractors, and sub-contractors. The practice is jointly led by Kevin Greene and Matthew Smith, who leverages his vast experience to receive instructions from the energy, transport, and real estate sectors. Matthew Walker‘s practice demonstrates expertise across both High Court litigation and international arbitration. Nicola Ellis handles a steady stream of disputes arising out of the energy sector, while Inga Hall is capable on both domestic and international mandates.

King & Spalding LLP possesses a robust contentious construction offering, working across a number of international mega-projects. The team is relied upon for their litigation and arbitration expertise by roster of international clients spanning the energy, industrial, and transport sectors. Shareena Edmonds and Vincent Rowan jointly assume leadership responsibilities; Edmonds' practice focuses on the major international energy and infrastructure disputes, while Rowan is sought-after by an array of high profile international contractors. Andrea Stauber handles an array of disputes related to the oil and gas sector and Martina Antosova has an established practice acting on high profile construction disputes in the Middle East.

Praised for its ‘clear understanding of complex matters’ across the construction industry, Macfarlanes LLP acts for an array of developers, PFI investors, and manufacturers. Noted for its prowess in cladding disputes, the team is active across the healthcare, energy, and commercial and residential real estate sectors. Doug Wass leads the practice and is well-placed to advise on high value, complex disputes arising out of PFI projects. Mark Lawrence‘s litigation expertise sees him regularly instructed in cases before the High Court and Court of Appeal, while Andy Mather is active across the commercial real estate sector.

Acting for prominent contractors across the UK, Beale & Co regularly handles arbitration, litigation, and dispute avoidance arising out of high profile domestic construction projects. The team is co-led by Sheena Sood, who is regularly tasked with navigating complex insurance-related construction disputes, and Anthony Smith, who heads the firm’s arbitration offering. Michael Salau‘s practice encompasses arbitration, adjudication, and mediation processes, while Nathan Modell acts for a roster of engineers, contractors, and architects. David Nitek joined the team in May 2025 from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP.

Praised for its ‘depth of experience’ and ‘practical knowledge’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP demonstrates a strong book of work on high value disputes, representing contractors, sub-contractors, and international governments. Group head David Savage is sought-after by public bodies, employers, and contractors for his broad expertise across arbitration, litigation, and dispute avoidance. Steven Carey is active both domestically and internationally for a roster of high profile contractors, engineers, and sub-contractors, while Kevin Forsyth is advising on a growing volume of mandates from the energy sector. Michael O’Connor is a further key contact.

Fieldfisher covers a myriad of construction disputes spanning the energy, transport, and real estate development sectors. The team has amassed considerable experience acting in PFI and PPP disputes and handles a steady stream of litigation related to the Building Safety Act. Well-versed with the intricacies of high value construction projects, practice head Dan Preston remains a first port of call among high profile contractors. Jamie Key‘s diverse practice sees him represent clients across both the transport and real estate development sectors, while David Thorne has acted extensively in major TCC litigation and adjudications, often supported by Samantha Thompson and Sarah Shafiq.

Acting across the full spectrum of construction disputes, Gowling WLG routinely represents an array of contractors, investors, and developers. Clients count on the team for its capabilities to handle disputes arising out of the energy, real estate, and infrastructure sectors. Leadership is shared between Jessica Tresham, whose practice centres on energy and infrastructure disputes, Mike Stewart, who is instructed in a growing volume of disputes from the Middle East, and arbitration specialist Gordon Bell. Sue Ryan is frequently tasked with fire and building safety disputes.

Praised for its ‘profound knowledge of construction’, Jones Day is sought-after in litigation and arbitration by a diverse client base that spans the residential real estate development and energy and natural resources sectors. Practice head and arbitration specialist James Pickavance is routinely instructed by contractors, developers, and consultants. Julian Bailey‘s experience covers the oil and gas, transport and mining industries. John Crowley‘s practice spans the real estate development and renewable energy sectors, while Annabel Treadgold has amassed considerable experience in both court litigation and arbitration.

Kennedys has a breadth of disputes experience, regularly receiving instructions from both domestic and international clients across the real estate, transport, and infrastructure sectors. Insurance-related disputes remain at the heart of the practice, though the team also handles mandates from an array of contractors and consultants. Head of contentious construction Iain Corbett is highlighted for his know-how by both insurance and construction clients. Tom Stapleton‘s practice encompasses disputes arising from international energy and infrastructure projects, while Louis Foscolo acts for an array of consultants, contractors, and reinsurers. Felicity Ingram is active on a number of policy disputes concerning cladding.

Norton Rose Fulbright regularly represent major domestic and international clients from the energy, real estate, and mining sectors across a full array of disputes work. Their breadth of construction knowledge is exemplified through their diverse client base of contractors, financiers, and developers. Leadership is divided between Donald Warnock, a key contact among employers, contractors, and funders, and Simon Ramsden, who specialises in disputes arising out of PPP and PFI projects. Amy Armitage regularly represents clients in High Court litigation, international arbitration, and mediation.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP‘s contentious construction team demonstrates a strong practice representing international clients from the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. The team is well-versed in all manner of international disputes, routinely handling both arbitrations and adjudications. Co-head Elizabeth Wilson is a key port of call for both project owners and contractors in disputes arising out of energy, mining, and infrastructure projects. Fellow practice head Adam McWilliams is regularly instructed by renewable energy players. The team also draws upon international arbitration specialists Peter Hillerstrom and Lucy Hirsch.

Recognised for its ‘experience and expertise in construction disputes both domestic and international’, Watson Farley & Williams LLP handles disputes arising from the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors. The group’s portfolio of work covers instructions from contractors, employers, and developers. Practice head Rebecca Williams regularly receives mandates from major corporates in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Theresa Mohammed has an established practice handling disputes concerning residential and commercial real estate developments. Ryland Ash is well-versed in all forms of dispute resolution including arbitration, adjudication, and litigation, while Barry Hembling supports clients at all levels of the UK courts.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner handles a wide range of mandates arising from the real estate, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The practice regularly supports clients across High Court proceedings, adjudications, and arbitrations. Practice head Shy Jackson is an authority on domestic high-end real estate developments and international infrastructure projects. James Clarke brings experience on a number of adjudications and international arbitrations, while PFI disputes and building safety work are key areas of focus for Jennifer Varley.

With a client offering that spans the renewable energy, infrastructure, and real estate development spaces, Burges Salmon LLP is a recognised authority in contentious construction work among both public and private sector clients. Richard Adams fronts the practice and is regularly instructed in the energy, transport, and utilities sectors. Jessica Evans has amassed considerable experience of contentious construction cases across arbitrations, adjudications, and litigation, while Gregor Hayworth‘s practice centres on disputes arising out of energy projects.

Clifford Chance LLP covers a myriad of major construction and infrastructure disputes spanning the renewables, oil and gas, and mining sectors. The team boasts robust cross-border expertise, handling instructions from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The team is jointly led by Alex Panayides, who is well-versed in handling English court proceedings, adjudications, and international arbitrations, and Sachin Trikha, who acts for domestic and international clients across the energy and mining sectors. Arbitration specialist Rob Lambert regularly represents international energy companies, while Sam Brown is relied upon for his litigation experience.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP supports clients in a wide range of construction disputes, handling instructions from the oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure sectors. The team is led by Lord (Peter) Goldsmith KC, whose expertise spans both litigation and arbitration; Tony Dymond , who handles disputes arising from large-scale energy and infrastructure projects; and arbitration specialist Jeffrey Sullivan KC. Samantha Rowe is experienced at handling cross-border disputes out of Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

Praised for being ‘well-versed in technical matters’, the contentious construction team at Dentons leverages its wide domestic and international presence to support high value and complex disputes arising out of major construction projects, particularly within the aviation, rail, and energy sectors. Practice head Esther McDermott’s client base spans employers, contractors, and developers. Akin Akinbode ’s practice centres on PFI disputes, while Michael Wright has amassed considerable experience in both domestic litigation and international arbitration.

The contentious construction team at Devonshires Solicitors LLP regularly acts for a range of clients from both the public and private sectors. Building Safety Act disputes remain a key focus of the group’s client offering, representing social housing developers at all levels of the courts. The contentious practice is jointly steered by Mark London, who serves a client base consisting of contractors, developers, and local authorities, and Matthew Cocklin, who specialises in handling disputes related to cladding and fire safety defects. Kathryn Kligerman is well-versed in disputes which reach the Technology & Construction Court, adjudication, and mediation.

With a ‘deep understanding of the construction industry’, Fladgate LLP has a diverse practice that serves an array of investors, contractors, and developers. Practice head David Weare is relied upon for his ‘wealth of experience’ by both domestic and international clients. Olivia Bateman is well-versed with the intricacies of disputes arising out of commercial real estate developments. Christian Charles‘ practice covers termination, delay, and defects claims, while Digby Hebbard acts for an array of contractors and developers, and cultural institutions.

Drawing on ‘vast practical and varied experience’, Mantle Law houses broad capabilities on contentious cases across the energy, infrastructure, and real estate sectors. The group operates across the full spectrum of disputes, regularly handling litigation, adjudication, and arbitration processes. Practice head Gurbinder Grewal acts for a varied client base of contractors and developers. Alexander Slade handles a range of arbitrations related to the energy sector, while James Pratt is a key contact among domestic contractors.

Mishcon de Reya LLP possesses a robust contentious construction offering, with high-value disputes in relation to the real estate, life sciences, and technology sectors being key to the practice. The team supports a wide range of clients including developers, investors, and contractors. Richard Gerstein leads the team and specialises in representing owners, developers, and consultants in significant cases. Alexandra Clough regularly represents clients in litigation, arbitration, and adjudication processes, while Greg Falkof is a leading choice for clients from the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors.

Noted for being ‘adept at running complex, high value disputes in the construction field’, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is entrusted by a range of clients including developers, insurers, and contractors. The real estate, leisure, and manufacturing sectors are three of the key focuses for the group. Practice head Peter Stockill handles a range of matters related to delay, defects, and termination. Chris Bates‘ experience spans the real estate, transport, and industrial sectors, while Sam Mullender and Jamil Sanaullah are advising on a growing volume of Building Safety Act claims.

The multifaceted contentious construction team at RPC acts for a roster of clients, including consultants, contractors, and architects. The group’s varied case load includes disputes from the transport, real estate, and energy sectors. The team is led by experienced litigator Alan Stone, who is sought after by architects, engineers, and contractors. Tom Green is praised for his work on fire safety and cladding matters. Felicity Strong has an established practice acting for insurers on cladding and fire safety claims.

Possessing a ‘range of experience’, Sharpe Pritchard LLP fields a public sector-focused offering that spans the real estate, healthcare, and energy sectors. The team regularly handles the full breadth of disputes, including adjudication, litigation, and mediation. Practice head Justin Mendelle's areas of expertise include adjudications, arbitrations, and litigation. David Owens is routinely instructed in PFI and PPP disputes, while Rachel Murray-Smith receives mandates on disputes arising out of the healthcare and real estate sectors.

Sought after for its ‘combination of deep industry expertise, practical commercial awareness, and a truly client-focused approach’, the contentious construction team at Stephenson Harwood acts for a roster of contractors, developers, and funders. The team’s broad experience is focused on disputes arising out of projects from the public and private sector. Charlotte Heywood and Paul Thwaite jointly lead the team and represent clients in a range of PFI disputes and delay and disruption claims, respectively. Ron Nobbs is routinely instructed by clients in the energy and transport sectors, while Oliver Sangster holds experience in both High Court litigation and internaitonal arbitration.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s contentious construction team is well-positioned to handle a diverse array of mandates from the public and private sector. The practice is regularly tasked with representing clients in arbitrations, mediations, and court proceedings. Practice chief Tim Hillier brings deep knowhow in disputes arising out of the real estate, transport, and energy sectors. April Baynes acts for a roster of employers, contractors, and subcontractors, while Helen Stuart is particularly experienced on disputes related to the Building Safety Act.

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s contentious construction team is well-versed in representing clients in disputes across both the public and private sectors. The group is regularly called upon by a roster of contractors, insurers, and public authorities. Tim Claremont leads the team and specialises in engineering disputes for both domestic and international clients. Matt Jones has an established practice handling PFI disputes, while Nick Cook‘s experience incorporates both adjudications and arbitrations.

Leveraging ‘deep legal expertise, commercial awareness, and a genuinely collaborative approach’, Hill Dickinson LLP covers a myriad of construction disputes concerning the energy, transport, and logistics sectors. The team is led by David Rintoul, who is experienced in court proceedings, adjudication and arbitration. Amanda Burge’s practice covers engineering, professional negligence, and insurance disputes, while Sarah Emerson assumes a central role in the team’s arbitration, adjudication and litigation offering.

Keystone Law regularly handles construction disputes in the energy, residential real estate, and transport sectors. Louise Garcia supports a diverse client base of contractors, employers, and consultants. Louise Elmes‘ portfolio of work covers the real estate, hospitality, and leisure sectors, while Ronan Speers regularly receives instructions from developers, contractors, and subcontractors.

With ‘significant global experience’, the contentious construction team at Reed Smith LLP is well-positioned to act across a broad spectrum of disputes. The cross-sector practice is capable of acting for clients in the energy, real estate, and aerospace sectors. The team is led by Liam Hart, who leverages a wealth of court experience to represent a diverse client base of manufacturers, engineers, and contractors.

With specialisations in the energy, infrastructure, and mining sectors, the contentious construction practice at Taylor Wessing LLP brings experience across a full spectrum of disputes. The team is led by Jonathan Hutt, who is sought after for his experience representing clients in litigation, adjudication, and arbitration processes. Rebecca May counts both domestic and international disputes within her offering, while David Franklin acts for an array of clients in the real estate, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Acting for an array of manufacturers, investors, and owners, the contentious construction team at Wedlake Bell LLP is well-versed in all manner of disputes related to the commercial and residential real estate sectors. Practice head Natalie Pilagos has an established practice advising on dispute avoidance as well as representing clients in adjudications and litigation. Alex Beech receives instructions from a roster of clients from the education and real estate sectors.

Recognised as a ‘go-to team in London for offshore and ship construction disputes’, Wikborg Rein has established experience across adjudications, arbitration and litigation. Rob Jardine-Brown leads the contentious offering and remains a key port of call for offshore energy disputes. Shawn Kirby is well-versed with the intricacies of cross-border arbitrations, while Chris Grieveson regularly handles a myriad of delay, insurance, and defect claims related to the shipping sector.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP handles all manner of disputes arising out of major construction projects in the commercial and residential real estate sectors. Practice head Eleanor Kilminster acts for a diverse client base of developers, contractors, and employers. Building Safety Act claims remain the cornerstone of Charis Beverton‘s practice, while Greg Carter is well-versed with the intricacies of High Court litigation.