18 May 2023: Members and door tenants discuss “Expert evidence in construction ADR” for LIDW23
Events
Jonathan Acton Davis KC; Steven Walker KC, Rupert Choat KC and Sir Robert Akenhead will join a stellar line-up discussing […]
“Brilliant advocate, very difficult to beat.”
Legal 500
Steven Walker KC specialises in advising and representing parties to complex commercial contracts relating to a wide range of subject matter including the design and delivery of buildings, oil and gas installations, power generation plant, process and engineering plant, ships, IT systems, telecommunications systems, PFI/PPP, facilities management and professional services.
Steven has extensive experience in the energy sector having been heavily involved in a number of projects concerning the design and construction of offshore wind farms, energy from waste plants and other forms of renewable energy.
Transport-related projects have formed an important part of Steven’s practice over the past 25 years. His first case in the sector concerned the Eurostar high-speed train sets and since then he has been involved in numerous projects in the road, rail and air sectors including the construction of the HS1 high-speed rail link, airport runways and other airport infrastructure, overground and underground rail and tram systems, road construction/extension, and communication systems.
He has appeared as advocate in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC), the Court of Appeal, numerous arbitrations (including ICC, DIAC, UNCITRAL, HKIAC, LCIA and LMAA) and adjudications, and in expert determination and mediation. His arbitration experience includes substantial international experience.
“A “very impressive and very clever” advocate, who handles TCC and Court of Appeal cases. He focuses on a diverse range of contractual disputes including those relating to the construction of buildings, oil and gas installations, and ships.” (Construction, Chambers & Partners)
“Very user-friendly and great at analysing the facts. He’s very cool and calm under pressure.” (Construction, Chambers & Partners)
“He is responsive, user-friendly, approachable and quite direct in ensuring he does what needs to be done.” (Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers & Partners)
Steven is instructed by employers, contractors, sub-contractors, consultants and insurers on all aspects of construction and engineering contracts, including PFI/PPP projects, and claims involving allegations of professional negligence. Recent cases include:
Steven has acted for owners, EPC contractors, subcontractors and insurers in relation to disputes in the power generation and oil and gas sectors for many years. In more recent years he has worked on numerous projects in the renewable energy sector.
He has extensive experience in claims involving allegations of professional negligence in the construction sector. Recent examples include Goldswain & Anor v Beltec Ltd [2015] BLR 300 which involved allegations of professional negligence against a firm of engineers in relation to the design of temporary works for the construction of a basement under existing premises which collapsed. Steven successfully defended the claim. Other recent cases include:
Steven is instructed by purchasers and suppliers in numerous cases relating to the provision of advanced technology, either on its own or included as part of package of other works and services. His experience includes the following:
Biosol Renewables UK Ltd v Lovering [2021] EWHC 71 (Comm) – successful claim for payment and damages for repudiation.
PBS Energo AS v Bester Generacion UK Ltd [2020] EWCA Civ 404 – successful defence of appeal against the decision in PBS Energo A.S. v Bester Generacion UK Ltd [2019] EWHC 996 (TCC) [2019] BLR 350.
PBS Energo AS v Bester Generacion UK [2019] EWHC 996 (TCC); [2019] BLR 350: adjudication enforcement – summary judgment refused where decision arguably procured by fraud.
Gosvenor London v Aygun Aluminium [2018] EWCA Civ 2695; [2019] BLR 99: adjudication enforcement – stay of execution – applicable principles regarding fraud allegations raised to support a stay application.
R G Carter v Kier Business Services [2018] EWHC 729 (TCC); [2018] BLR 441: the proper construction of section 10 of the Limitation Act 1980 (claims for contribution under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978).
Sutton Housing Partnership v Rydon Maintenance [2017] EWCA Civ 359; [2017] 1 All ER (D) 126): the proper construction of KPI and Minimum Acceptable Performance levels in a term contract for the maintenance of local authority housing.
Balfour Beatty Regional Construction v Grove Developments [2016] EWCA Civ 990; [2017] BLR 1: the proper construction of payment provisions in an amended JCT Standard Form Design and Build 2011.
Goldswain v Beltec and anor [2015] EWHC 556 (TCC); [2015] BLR 300: professional negligence and a professional’s duty to warn where harm may occur.
Doosan Babcock v Comercializadora De Equipos Y Materiales Mabe Limitada [2014] BLR 33 – Injunction to restrain call on bonds – approach to injunctions in cases where beneficiary may be in breach – principle that no party may benefit from its own wrong.
SABIC v Punj Lloyd [2014] BLR 43: Delay – Obligation to carry out works “with due diligence” – Meaning – Implied terms – Whether implied term not to hinder or disrupt – Whether implied term to do all necessary to bring about completion of contract – Exclusion clauses – Limitation clauses – Whether clause limiting aggregate liability of contractor applied to claim for payment under termination provision – Whether claims for lost revenue and interest excluded by clause excluding liability for consequential and indirect loss, expense or damage and for loss of production or profit.
Mi-Space (UK) v Lend Lease [2013] BLR 600: Pre-action disclosure and whether contract contained an agreement to refer disputes to arbitration.
Parkwood Leisure v Laing O’Rourke [2013] BLR 589: Whether collateral warranty amounts to a contract for the carrying out of construction operations within the meaning of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act.
Transport for Greater Manchester v Thales [2012] 146 Con LR 194: Claim for specific performance of obligations.
Transport for Greater Manchester v Thales [2013] BLR 339: Whether reports on performance subject to litigation privilege.
Durham CC v Kendall [2011] BLR 425: Enforcement of adjudicator’s decision – waiver of objection – identity of claimant – whether contract terms in writing.
John Youngs Insurance v Aviva [2012] 1 All ER (Comm) 1045: Extent of fiduciary duty owed by a contractor to the employer.
Mouchel v Van Oord (UK) [2011] BLR 492: Claims for costs under the Contribution Act 1978.
Supablast v Story Rail [2010] BLR 211: Enforcement of adjudicator’s decision – whether arguable defence there were 2 contracts.
Speymill v Baskind [2010] BLR 257 (CA): Enforcement of adjudicator’s decision where fraud is alleged.
HS Works v Enterprise [2009] BLR 378: Adjudication – natural justice – multiple adjudications and method of enforcement using set-off.
2012: Appointed Queen’s Counsel
1989-1992: LLB (Hons) (1st Class), University of East Anglia
1991: The Observer Mace Mooting Competition (Winner)
1993: Hardwicke Scholar
1993: Wolfson Scholar
1993: Called to the Bar (England & Wales)
Steven is a member of TECBAR, SCL and the LCLCBA.
“Steven Walker is a first-rate KC who gives strong, accurate and reliable advice and is also extremely personable.”
“He’s a calm and focused advocate who knows what works with the judges and arbitrators.” “Steven is understated but delivers a punch quietly. He gives excellent advice and stays calm in very difficult situations.”
“He is very smart, commercial and gives robust and sound advice and delivers on time.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2023
Steven is a top-quality KC who delivers a first-rate service and is very intelligent and approachable in equal measure.”
“He gives excellent advice, stays calm in very difficult situations and is always reliable.” “Steven is very good with clients and provides clear, commercial advice. He is our go-to when we need KC input.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar 2023
“He is sensible, calm and yet technically devastating.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar 2023
“Steven is exceptional in every aspect. He is extremely knowledgeable which coupled with his experience makes him a formidable force both in his writing and research as well as in his advocacy skills.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2023
“Steven has an excellent mind and is one of the very best around for PFI and energy matters – good on strategy and excellent in front of clients.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2023
“Very reliable, and a truly trusted adviser. Doesn’t take long to form a view on any particular issue and provides very clear advice. Great on his feed and very respected KC.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2023
“He is very impressive. He is not aggressive in cross-examination and has a very good knowledge of the construction industry.”
“He has really great client care skills.”
“His written opinions are clear for clients and his directions are very commercial.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2022
“He is very bright and good at getting on top of lots of information very quickly.” “He is down to earth and explains things in a very understandable way.”
Energy, Chambers UK Bar 2022
“He’s very efficient: he gets to the nub of the issue in a succinct fashion even when there is a lot of information to deal with.”
“He’s very clear and easy to work with.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar 2021
“His great skill is making the complicated appear simple, and communicating that clearly to clients and the courts.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2022
“Exceptionally bright, with a calm yet authoritative demeanour which helps cuts through the most difficult of issues. Brilliant on his feet.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2022
“Understated on his feet but comes with a bite, he is a master tactician who is calm under pressure but deeply forensic in his analysis.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2022
“A very good tactician with a strong eye for detail as well as for the big picture.” “He has a cross- examination style which is highly effective, whilst his preparation and attention to detail is impeccable and virtually unrivalled.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2021
“He’s really good at seeing the route to take to resolve a dispute. He has good commercial judgement and a very approachable way of dealing with lay clients.” “He was a guiding light in many disputes, brought strategic and tactical thinking and was a good, safe pair of hands to work with.” “Very good on wind farm work.”
Energy, Chambers UK Bar 2021
“He is great to work with – very prompt and reliable in turning papers around under pressure, and provides very clear advice.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar 2021
“He has the ability to provide clear and succinct advice, no matter how technically complex the matter is.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2021
“He is technically brilliant and a great strategist, very sharp and always calm under pressure.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2021
“Very thorough, dedicated, has an excellent manner with clients and is an absolute pleasure to work with. He has a cross-examination style which is highly effective.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2021
“He’s excellent at strategy, and has great technical ability and client service. He gets things done quickly and efficiently.” “Very thorough and dedicated, he has an excellent manner with clients and is an absolute pleasure to work with. He has a deceptively understated cross-examination style which is highly effective.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2020
“Steven is very assured and provides concise, effective advice. His calm and decisive manner is much appreciated.”
Energy, Chambers UK Bar 2020
“Excellent and very bright.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2020
“He is a very skilled advocate.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2020
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.