The Hon James Allsop AC joins Atkin Chambers as a door tenant
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18th Apr 2023
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Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Silk 2008
"She is a very modern barrister, who is very commercial and obviously very smart, and knows how to deal with clients."
Chambers & Partners
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC is the Head of Atkin Chambers and a former Chairman of the Bar of England and Wales. She has a wide-ranging practice in domestic and international commercial dispute resolution, with particular emphasis on energy and natural resources, construction, engineering and infrastructure projects, joint ventures, professional negligence, shipbuilding, and IT and telecommunications.
As well as being instructed on a number of significant domestic project and energy disputes, she has a busy international practice. Cases have included disputes arising in Asia (China, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Singapore), Europe (Germany, Lithuania, Norway and Switzerland), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Qatar), South America (Costa Rica and Peru), CIS (Russia and Azerbaijan), and Ukraine. She is bilingual in German and English.
She has been identified by the legal directories for many years as a leading practitioner in energy and natural resources, construction, professional negligence, and international arbitration. She is also identified as a leading practitioner under international arbitration and construction (Asia-Pacific region) and construction (The Middle East). She is co-editor in chief of the International Construction Law Review.
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC was elected as an Honorary Fellow of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge in 2021.
ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Chantal-Aimée has extensive experience in these sectors, including in connection with disputes relating to FPSOs, FPUs, MOPUs, drilling platforms, jacking up systems, LNG terminals, gas pipelines, energy recovery projects, mono ethylene glycol recovery, biorefinery offshore and onshore, desalination projects, power stations (including nuclear, combined cycle gas turbine, coal fired thermal and diesel engine), wind farms (offshore and onshore, turbines, substations, pricing), geothermal wells, aluminium smelter, power purchase and gas supply agreements and contracts for electricity, water and sewerage supply.
Her clients come from a range of players in these sectors and include operators, suppliers, contractors, public bodies, insurers and designers, with a range of disputes concerning construction, design, commissioning and performance, as well as operation and maintenance, tariffs (fuel and operation and maintenance), termination, LDs, warranty claims, insurance claims, bond claims and contractual indemnities and provisions concerning pollution, fines and penalties.
A “formidable” opponent and a “charming and very effective advocate.”
A “class act.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers and Partners
“She’s great – as well as being good on the law she is very user-friendly, has a quick turnaround and is a pleasure to work with. Her drafting is elegant and concise, and she reads a tribunal really well.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers and Partners
CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Her cases span a wide range of technically and legally complex projects (including schools, hospitals, sports facilities, power plants, PFI, EPC/turnkey, contaminated ground, laboratories, a fire station, transport, factories, office blocks, prestigious museums, listed buildings, roads, retail, sewage and water treatment) and various works (including earthworks, demolition, piling, drainage, concrete, structural works, steelworks, cladding, M&E). Clients come from across the industry including government, contractors/subcontractors, employers, professionals, and insurers.
“A top-flight barrister with an incisive legal mind who is capable of instinctive strategic thinking.”
Construction, Chambers & Partners
“Measured, calm and authoritative.”
Construction, Legal 500
“She is absolutely excellent and really commercial. She got to grips with the paperwork very quickly and was very good at flagging up the risks.”
Construction, Chambers & Partners
INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION
Chantal-Aimée has considerable experience advising/representing parties in international arbitration. Recent examples include arbitrations concerning commercial transactions and projects in Norway, Singapore, Philippines, Africa, the Gulf, CIS, South America, Korea and China under various different rules including ICC, LCIA, LMAA, SIAC, SCMA, UNCITRAL and Swiss Rules, as well as ad hoc arbitrations. She is an experienced arbitrator, with appointments as Chair and as Co-Arbitrator. In addition to being ranked in the UK directories for international arbitration and international arbitration/construction, she is ranked as a notable practitioner by Chambers and Partners for Arbitration (International) – The English Bar – Asia-Pacific Region.
“Absolutely fantastic.”
“Very approachable and commercially savvy.”
“She is a very modern barrister, who is very commercial and obviously very smart, and knows how to deal with clients.”
International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE
Chantal-Aimée is frequently involved in professional negligence cases concerning construction and engineering professionals, although her practice goes beyond this industry. She acted for the engineers in the Wembley litigation, reputedly the largest professional negligence claim issued out of the Technology and Construction Court in London.
“A brilliant lawyer, with commercial nous.”
Professional Negligence, Legal 500
“She is proactive, pugnacious and her language skills prove extremely helpful when she’s dealing with international clients.” “She is very bright, but not overly academic in presentation, which means that the client always feels comfortable that they understand what she’s saying.”
Professional Negligence (Technology & Construction), Chambers & Partners
SHIPBUILDING
Chantal-Aimée has been instructed on a number of disputes relating to the construction, refurbishment and commissioning of vessels include cases relating to an ultra-deepwater drillship engaged in oil exploration services, a very large crude carrier motor vessel, anchor handling tug supply vessels, FPSOs, FPUs, a MOPU, drilling platforms and pontoons. She has advised shipyards, ports, suppliers of specialist equipment, operators, buyers and funders, and has advised on contracts for ship construction and option agreements.
“A real pleasure… she is commercial and very good with clients.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers & Partners
GENERAL COMMERCIAL
Chantal-Aimée is also instructed in relation to wider commercial disputes, frequently connected with the other sectors she has expertise in. This has included advising and representing clients in relation to disputes relating to joint venture agreements, share purchase agreements, bonds and guarantees, insurance cover, sale of goods, investment management agreements, fraud, jurisdiction, misfeasance and breach of fiduciary duty.
TECHNOLOGY
Chantal-Aimée has been involved in a number of disputes relating to the provision and suitability of complex technology. Examples include disputes in relation to the supply, installation and commissioning of telecommunications equipment for national networks, the fitness for purpose of a radio frequency based defence system (software and hardware), the supply and installation of fibre optic cables, the provision of internet services and network access, the provision of station surveillance equipment for a major public transport network, and the provision of computerised systems for factories and storage facilities.
TRANSPORT
Chantal-Aimée has experience of a number of substantial transport disputes. These include cases concerning the operation, management and maintenance of a high-speed railway, road and railway stations construction, London Underground including in relation to surveillance equipment, signalling systems for a national public transport system, the renewal, maintenance and remedying of rail tracks, ferry terminal construction, and the supply of a tram system.
“A top flight barrister with an incisive legal mind who is capable of instinctive strategic thinking.”
Construction, Chambers & Partners
LEGAL TEXTS
International Construction Law Review (Co-Editor in Chief)
Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts 12th, 13th & 14th Ed. (Contributing Editor)
Building Law Reports (Joint Editor 1999-2020)
QUALIFICATIONS AND AWARDS
- 2021:Korean Commercial Arbitration Board International Arbitration Committee
- 2018: International Academy of Construction Lawyers Fellow
- 2016: Chairman of the Bar of England and Wales
- 2016: Debrett’s 500 People of Influence in the UK (under Law)
- 2011-2015: Chairman of the International Committee of the Bar Council of England and Wales
- 2010-2013: Chairman of the Technology and Construction Bar Association
- 2009: The Lawyer’s Hot 100
- 2008: Queen’s Counsel
- 1992: Major Harmsworth Entrance Exhibition, Middle Temple
- 1990: Diplock Scholarship, Middle Temple
- 1990: Gertrude de Gallaix Achievement Award for study of law, FAWCO
- 1987-1991: Cambridge University, New Hall (now Murray Edwards College)
- 1989: President of the Cambridge Union Society
- 1986-1987: University of Pennsylvania, USA
RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS
“One of the first names you would turn to for a high value construction arbitration. Very thorough and well-prepared for hearings.”
Construction Energy & Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023
“She’s a tenacious but fair opponent who doesn’t take any prisoners.” “She’s well known for having strong cross-examination skills, and she’s very well prepared and hard- working.”
“Chantal is a fantastic advocate with a lightning intellect.”
“She is smart and assured in giving advice.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2023
“She’s extremely able and great with clients. She works hard and is on top of everything we give her.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar 2023
She’s highly regarded with a strong reputation, and she’s well known for having a strong cross-examination skill. She’s very well prepared, hard-working and clearly knows her stuff.”
“She’s excellent to work with, extremely able and very user-friendly.”
International Arbitration, Chambers UK Bar 2023
“An excellent barrister who produces very sophisticated work and is commercially aware.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar 2023
“Chantal is absolutely top-flight. She is a brilliant advocate, both in writing and on her feet. She takes a commercial approach to solving problems and identifying courses of action, manages to explain complex issues in a straightforward manner, and is blessed with a real feel for which points to make to tribunals and how they should be made in order to win.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2023
“Very thorough, with no airs, she will roll up her sleeves and muck in with the team.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2023
“One of the first names on the list for big ticket construction disputes. Very well respected as counsel in Asia.”
International Arbitration: The Legal 500 2023
“Chantal is a delight to work with. She is intelligent, friendly, and very quick to see issues to be addressed”
Construction The Legal 500 Middle East 2023
“Very thorough, meticulous and in high demand for Asian disputes.”
Construction, Energy and Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022
“She is a very capable advocate and knows how to get on the right side of tribunals.”
“She is an extremely eloquent advocate and a very personable and capable silk.”
Construction, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2022
“She very quickly gets to grasp with the key issues on matters from both a legal and commercial standpoint and gives excellent advice.”
“She is very thorough and has a ‘roll up her sleeves’ approach to cases.”
Energy, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2022
“She has a lot of gravitas and is an extremely eloquent, personable and capable silk. Not only is she good with clients, but she understands strategies, is technically able and can see both the wood and the trees.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2022
“She is very thorough and masters the details.”
International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2022
“Clearly an expert in her field, with the ability to provide strong technical and commercial advice in a complex area of law that the client was able to understand and appreciate.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2022
“Technically exceptional, she exhibits market-leading responsiveness and availability and is always an absolute pleasure to instruct.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2022
“One of the go-to counsel for complex cross-border construction disputes. She has an active international practice, especially in Asia. She understands what clients want and exceeds their
expectations.”
International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2022
“She has all the qualities one would expect, she is confident and articulate and speaks with enormous
gravitas.”
Construction, Energy and Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021
“Fantastic reputation” a “very thorough opponent” and “punchy advocate” with enviable cross-examination skills, and for the “good mix of counsel and arbitrator work” in her caseload.”
International Arbitration – The Bar, Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021
“An absolutely class act, highly intelligent with fantastic technical knowledge and excellent with clients.” “She gets 100% on top of a case, making her points clearly and effectively bridging the mood of the court.”
Construction, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021
“She mastered the details and built a good rapport with the tribunal.” “Clearly on top of her game – she’s fantastic.”
Energy, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021
“Excellent with complicated cases – she can get to the core issues and gets results.” “She’s very thorough and clear.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021
“Chantal is my leading counsel of choice for construction disputes. Her responsiveness, attention to detail and excellent client facing skills make her an absolute star in my opinion.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2021
“She shows clarity and creativity and her competence pervades everything that she does.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2021
“Absolutely fantastic and a punchy advocate.”
International Arbitration, Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021
“Able and willing to get into the details of the case, rolls up her sleeves and mucks in with the team, and has an excellent rapport with the arbitrators.”
International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2021
“She has a very strong reputation and a clear analytical mind.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2021
The above are a selection of recent client endorsements from the leading legal directories, both UK and internationally. For a complete list of endorsements, please contact the practice management team at Atkin Chambers.
