Overview Expertise Related Insights, Events & Cases
Since retirement as a judge, Sir Robert Akenhead acts as arbitrator, adjudicator, expert, conciliator and mediator in disputes across the world. He is also appointed to Dispute Adjudication / Review Boards.
His international practice means he is involved extensively in arbitrations and disputes relating to projects inter alia in China, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fiji, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Iran, Yemen, Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Trinidad, Bahamas, Dutch Antilles, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Russia, and Poland.
In continuous practice from 1973 to 2007 as a specialist construction law barrister, Sir Robert Akenhead had an extensive UK and international workload, both in court and in arbitration. His work covered a wide-ranging field of different types of construction: buildings, power stations, dams, tunnels, roads, bridges, oil and gas installations, harbours, pipelines, dredging, reclamation, mining operations, mechanical and electrical works, airports, shipbuilding, and computer technology. He acted for employers, developers, governments, local/administrative authorities, contractors, sub-contractors, all types of construction-related professionals (e.g., architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and project managers) and funding institutions.
Within this specialist field, he acted in various cases involving disputes concerning defects, final accounts, measurement, delay and disruption claims, professional negligence, bonds and guarantees and, contractual and statutory interpretation.
Over his 8 years as a High Court Judge, he dealt with all types of construction, engineering, and technology cases, including appeals from and challenges to arbitral awards.
Examples include:
Examples include:
Examples include:
Examples of arbitrations (Counsel involvement):
Sir Robert has over 200 reported cases between October 2007 to August 2015 (see TCC cases on www.bailii.org) examples include:
“Sir Robert’s knowledge of construction law and practice is second to none. He is very hard-working, always fully on top of the detail and fearsomely well-prepared. He has a sure touch when analysing the evidence and a wealth of experience in assessing witness and expert evidence. He is always ready with a key question or observation. Nothing passes him by.”
International Arbitration: Arbitrators, The Legal 500 2025
“Absolutely top notch. He has really good judgement, works hard and is always on top of the papers.” “He is very impressive, effective and spot on with the legal procedure.”
International Arbitration: Arbitrators, Chambers UK Bar 2021
“He has a remarkable capacity to pick up a case quickly.”
International Arbitration: Arbitrators, Chambers UK Bar 2020
Atkin Chambers is delighted that eleven members have been recognised in Lexology Index and Global…
Atkin Chambers’ commanding position as a leading set for construction has been recognised by this…
Chambers is delighted that a number of its barristers and door tenants have been recognised…
Chambers is delighted that Andrew White KC, Sir Robert Akenhead and Professor Doug Jones AO…
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