Richard Stead is a respected barrister whose construction practice includes claims concerning the professional negligence of engineers, surveyors and architects, typically acting for claimants. He also offers deep knowledge of the insurance elements of property damage cases.”

Chambers UK 2024, Construction

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
  • Defective works and other contractual disputes
  • Final account, extension of time and defect claims
  • Mundic Block and pre-fabricated concrete construction in residential buildings
  • Product liability with particular reference to building materials
  • Roads, bridges, drains and waterways
  • Sports stadia and leisure facilities

Recent work includes: 

  • Burges Salmon LLP v Temple Quay 20 Ltd – acting for the tenant claiming damages from a developer / landlord for late completion of the development prior to occupation by the tenant.
  • Al Khalaf v Brill & Owen – defending a claim against architects for the design and supervision of building works, with a claim in respect of delay in the completion of the building works.
  • Taylor Wimpey v HGH Groundworks Ltd – defending a claim in respect of defective foundations on an estate of dwelling houses.
  • Castle Building & Construction Ltd v Brake – representing the employer in a construction case.  Sued by the contractor and counterclaiming in respect of defective works and the final account in respect of a holiday development.  2 week trial in TCC.
  • Croydon Hotels v Ardmore Construction Ltd – acting for the claimant in a claim arising out of the defective installation of cladding and roofing materials and a claim for liquidated damages.
  • Denton v TH White Ltd / Delaval  – acting for the claimant farmers in a claim in respect of the defective installation / supply of a milking parlour leading to significant loss of profits – compromised following lengthy litigation including a Court of Appeal decision on relief from sanction [2014] EWCA Civ 906.
  • Leumi ABL Ltd v Tinnelly Construction Ltd  – acting for the defendant contractor in respect of a claim by debt factors acting on behalf of a building cladding material supplier suing for £500k.

Cases

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Resources

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Directory Quotes

Richard is a respected barrister whose construction practice includes claims concerning the professional negligence of engineers, surveyors and architects, typically acting for claimants. He also offers deep knowledge of the insurance elements of property damage cases.”

Chambers UK 2023, Construction

He is a strong pair of hands, easy to work with and very good with clients.”

Chambers UK 2022, Construction

He is extremely experienced and capable.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, CONSTRUCTION

Respected barrister whose construction practice focuses on claims concerning the professional negligence of engineers, surveyors and architects, typically acting for claimants. He also offers deep knowledge of the insurance elements of property damage cases. ‘He is very able in court.’ ‘He has a very loyal following.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Construction

Recommended for cases involving professional negligence or property damage incurred during construction.”

Legal 500 2020, Construction

Respected barrister whose construction practice focuses on claims concerning the professional negligence of engineers, surveyors and architects, typically acting for claimants. He also offers deep knowledge of the insurance elements of property damage cases. ‘He is excellent with clients and very easy to work with.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, Construction

Very experienced in professional negligence-related construction matters.”

Legal 500 2019, CONSTRUCTION

Richard is a respected barrister whose construction practice focuses on claims concerning the professional negligence of engineers, surveyors and architects, typically acting for claimants. He also offers deep knowledge of the insurance elements of property damage cases. ‘He has gravitas and presence.’ ‘Knowledgeable, very commercial and very good with clients.’ “

Chambers UK 2018, Construction

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • MA (Cantab), ACI Arb

  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
    • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Technology
    • Construction Bar Association

  • Richard Stead is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.