St John’s Chambers is a ‘first-class‘ set for property and construction law work, with ‘a range of experienced barristers and upcoming juniors‘. “

The Legal 500 2024, Property & Construction

St John’s Chambers have been involved in all types of construction and engineering projects – everything from international arbitrations and large-scale infrastructure projects to residential building disputes. We act for end users, main contractors, subcontractors, and members of the professional team (including their insurers). We can provide cost-effective advice and representation from within the team at all stages of a construction, engineering or building project, however large or small.

We are also able to assist in the resolution of disputes in other ways – some members of the team are available to act as independent neutrals, and have been independently accredited as mediator or adjudicator.

We are often instructed by solicitors, but many members of the team can also be directly instructed by companies, firms or private individuals. In appropriate cases, we can provide specialist advice and representation without the need to instruct a solicitor. We can also work alongside claims consultancy firms.

Some members of the team have experience of construction adjudication and are able either to advise on specific points which arise (for example, jurisdiction or tactics) or more generally to represent clients in adjudication, either with or without a solicitor or claims consultant.

We can help. Whether you need a decision-maker, a mediator, a barrister with specialist knowledge of the Construction Act, payment and notice provisions, help with an adjudication, a barrister able to appear in an arbitration in a foreign jurisdiction, or a barrister able to appear in a County Court claim in a dispute not covered by the Act, we can provide an appropriate person.

Mediation

As the number of cases being dealt with by way of mediation increases, our mediation team is on hand to help, as advisers, advocates and mediators. Our facilities are specifically designed to meet with clients’ needs for a mediation venue. Read more.

Public Access

Some members of the team are also available to act, where appropriate, for members of the public, as well as commercial and non-commercial organisations, under the Public Access scheme. Read more.

Training

The team delivers workshops and seminars in Chambers and regional centres. We also provide training on behalf of local Law Societies and in conjunction with solicitors firms. In addition we can give tailored in-house training for particular firms. If you would like any further information please contact Robert Bocock.

Construction & Engineering Team

William Godwin QC

William Godwin KC

  • Call: 1986
  • Silk: 2017

William has over thirty years’ experience advising and acting in disputes before arbitrators and the English courts. He specialises in commercial and construction law, often with a cross border element, and international arbitration. He sits as an arbitrator...

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Richard Stead

  • Call: 1979

Richard has experience and expertise in a large variety of construction and engineering matters. Examples of his experience in specialist issues and subject matter are as follows: Commercial property and residential developments Condensation and thermal insulation Curtain walling...

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James Pearce Smith

James Pearce-Smith

  • Call: 2002

James has over 20 years’ experience as a commercial litigator, including 8 years as a commercial litigation solicitor prior to his transfer to the Bar in 2002. Throughout his career as a barrister James has regularly represented parties...

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Rebecca Taylor

Rebecca Taylor

  • Call: 2003

Rebecca is a construction lawyer, a TECBAR adjudicator, and accredited civil Mediator and a panel member at specialist mediation provider M4C. In Adjudication Rebecca acts as both decision maker and party representative.  As Adjudicator Rebecca is on the...

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Natasha Dzameh

Natasha Dzameh

  • Call: 2010

Natasha is ranked as a leading junior in commercial litigation by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.  She has a dynamic practice and is known for handling cases concerning breaches of fiduciary duty, civil fraud, insolvency, insurance (including...

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Joss Knight

  • Call: 2014

Joss frequently acts in a wide variety of residential and commercial construction matters. His recent caseload includes: A three-day trial in the Technology and Construction Court in Birmingham concerning allegations of defective renovation work by a building company....

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Directory Quotes

Providing advice and advocacy services to clients based across the South West and further afield.’ ‘Members are frequently instructed in contractual disputes and construction-related professional negligence claims, among other “high-value and factually complex” cases.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Construction

“The clerking is really good.”

Chambers UK 2023, Construction (Client Service)

High-quality set‘, St John’s houses a team with established strength in handling contentious property matters.’ ‘Top quality counsel with in-depth subject knowledge.’ ‘The barristers are approachable, talented and provide a first class service.’ “

Legal 500 2023, Property & Construction

Barristers at the set are highly experienced in litigation and ADR procedures and are well versed in the full range of construction cases. Members are instructed in contractual disputes and construction-related professional negligence claims, among other complex cases.”

Chambers UK 2022, Construction

St John’s Chambers is the strongest chambers in the South West for property work.”

Legal 500 2022, Property and Construction

St John’s Chambers continues to provide advice and advocacy services to clients based across the South West and further afield. Barristers at the set are highly experienced in litigation and ADR procedures and are well versed in the full range of construction cases.”

Chambers UK 2021, Construction

St John’s Chambers members appear in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the new Property and Business Courts in Bristol.”

Legal 500 2021, Property and Construction

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