Owen WilliamsManaging Associate

On a typical day I may be advising first tier subcontractors in connection with large scale civil engineering projects such as Crossrail, drafting a contract for the fit out of a commercial client’s new offices, advising on claims concerning defects in a luxury residential development for a high net worth individuals or drafting contracts in relation to large scale mixed use developments or long term repairs and maintenance.

I also regularly provide EU procurement advice as a member of the firm’s public procurement group.

I live in Oxford and work from both the Oxford and London offices. I have a degree in Electronic Engineering as well as a Masters in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution.

Dispute Resolution

I deal with a wide range of disputes relating to construction projects, especially acting in adjudications, and have particular experience of resolving complex payment disputes in adjudications.

Examples of recent work include:

• on going advice in relation to a water ingress defect and potential arbitration claims for recovery of remedial costs;
• successfully recovering a multi-million pound sum in adjudication against a main contractor for failing to pay interim payments;
• successfully defending a “smash and grab” adjudication from a contractor alleging lack of payment or pay less notices;
• I often carry out an initial risk overview for clients so that they are well informed when negotiating and can put themselves in the best position should negotiations fail.

Real Estate

I work on all manner of projects, large or small, have a particular expertise in:

• complex contracts, often NEC form, relating to large infrastructure projects (eg Crossrail) with pain/gain sharing mechanisms, unlike many lawyers I am perfectly comfortable navigating my way round detailed spreadsheets;
• contracts for long term housing stock repairs and maintenance particularly TPC or JCT Measured Term forms;
• consultants’ appointments whether bespoke or standard forms;
• commercial and retail fit out contracts; and
• secured lending due diligence for property developments.

As well as advising on the main contract or appointment I also advise on the associated contracts such as collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees, escrow or project bank accounts.