6 Dec 2022: Construction law – an introduction for aspiring barristers

Tuesday 6 December 2022 | 5.30pm – 6.30pm

Virtual event (Zoom)

Applicants often ask us if they can make an application to Atkin Chambers even though they have not done any “construction law” and don’t have any “construction experience”.

The aim of this seminar is to show potential applicants that they probably have done some construction law and only need to look at recent cases on their university or GDL reading lists to see that construction barristers, and in particular members of Atkin Chambers, debate some of the most fundamental principles of private law in court.

Three Members of Chambers will summarise a recent case they appeared in. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask why the Court reached the decision it did, what it is like to work on construction cases in practice as opposed to in an academic environment, and any other questions they have about the cases or life at the commercial/construction bar.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 6^th December 2022.

Cases (click through for a copy of the judgment)

Hirst & Another v Dunbar & Others [2022] EWHC 41 (TCC): in this case, presented by Martin Bowdery KC, the High Court considered when a cause of action in breach of contract accrues for the purposes of the Limitation Act 1980 in circumstance where a contract contains implied payment terms from the Scheme for Construction Contracts.

BDW Trading Ltd v URS Corporation Ltd and another [2021] EWHC 2796 (TCC): in this case, presented by Fiona Parkin KC, the High Court considered the application of some of the most important cases in the tort of negligence from Pirelli General Cable Works Ltd v Oscar Faber [1983] 2 AC 1, Murphy v Brentwood [1991] 1 AC 398 and AXA Insurance Ltd v Akther & Darby [2009] EWCA Civ 1166 through to the Supreme Court’s very recent decision in Meadows v Khan 2021 UKSC 21.  The decision is being appealed to the Court of Appeal, with an appeal hearing listed for 2023.

Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Ltd [2021] UKSC 29: in this case, presented by Nicholas Maciolek, the Supreme Court considered the proper construction of liquidated damages clauses in cases where a contract is terminated after works are delayed but before they are completed. The Supreme Court also provided further guidance on the usual construction of liquidated damages clauses.

Registration

RSVP via email to pupillagenews@atkinchambers.com.

We will confirm your place by email. A link to the event will be sent out nearer the time.

Do you have a question?  Do please send it in advance to pupillagenews@atkinchambers.com. There will also be the opportunity to post questions on the day.