Overview
I have worked in transactional construction for nearly 20 years, gaining experience in London and Birmingham before joining Michelmores in 2017. During those years I have gained experience of all major standard forms of contract, from NEC to JCT to FIDIC and everything in between, working for clients including banks, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and professional consultants. I have a particular interest in construction management procurement in the energy and development sectors, and have been able to help clients save time and cost using this under-used methodology.
I’ve always enjoyed working in construction law – it is great to be involved right at the inception of a project which you then get to see ‘in the flesh’ when it’s finished. I like to go with my clients to visit their sites pre-contract where possible – that gives me a much clearer insight to potential contractual or site-driven issues than just looking at plans or pictures in the office.
The best thing about the team here at Michelmores is its collaborative working approach. We have some market-leading lawyers but the team has fostered a culture in which everyone can ask questions and ask for others’ opinions. We can often be found discussing a difficult clause or talking through some complex drafting in order to make best use of everyone’s talents to get our clients a great outcome.
Michelmores’ agile working approach also gives me the time to fulfil my voluntary work as an on-call rescuer and search dog handler with Dartmoor Rescue Group. Knowing that I can (where client commitments permit) re-schedule my working hours if a call-out comes in is invaluable – both to me and to those I am called out to assist.
I am listed as a Rising Star for Construction in the South West by the Legal 500.
Areas of expertise
Recent experience
Advising on the development of the new, Courtyard by Marriott™ hotel at the Sandy Park rugby ground in Exeter, using construction management procurement
Leading on a complex, FIDIC silver-book based EPC contract for a new gas peaker plant as an adjunct to an existing power generation site, together with an O&M contract for ongoing maintenance
Advising on the procurement and contractual structure of a high-end residential development with a contract value in excess of £30 million
Assisting with contract documentation for a series of energy from waste plants, using both IchemE and NEC contracts for different elements of the build
Developing a number of bespoke professional services frameworks for a client, to streamline how they work with their consultant team and reduce contractual debate for each project
