Shadbolt among top construction law firms

A client base of "traditional contractor clients" helped lift legal practice Shadbolt & Co into the elite tier of construction law firms, as compiled by Legal 500.

The annual independent study of UK commercial law*, which includes a section dedicated to construction, shows several new faces in the top tier, with a few more established names dropping down a level.

The boost to Shadbolt's standing was helped by one blockbuster case the practice dealt with in 2005, Birse Construction -v- Citigroup Properties, under partners Peter Sheridan, Anthony Albertini and Philip Adams. The firm has recently stretched its practice to include developers, consultants and subcontractors.

Also promoted to the top tier were CMS Cameron McKenna and Fenwick Elliott.

The former was described by clients as a "true specialist", with highlights including Caroline Cummins advising Alfred McAlpine in complex High Court proceedings relating to defects in the cladding on a Guildford office development.

Fenwick Elliott has continued to grow its reputation since the high profile Laing -v- Great Eastern Hotel dispute, and is carrying out increasing volumes of work in the education sector under partners Julian Critchlow and Victoria Russell.

Pinsent Masons remained at the top of the pile, having advised on major claims relating to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Wembley Stadium. Andrew Hibbert heads up the UK division.

Berwin Leighton Paisner, Clifford Chance and Linklaters dropped down into the second tier, joining Lovells, Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, and Herbert Smith.

*Note: The Legal 500 study is independently compiled.

Based on more than 3,000 client interviews it is recognised by the Law Society of England and Wales.

[Contract Journal, 20 September 2006, p 4]