Overview Expertise Related Insights, Events & Cases
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.
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. Recent cases include:
He has extensive experience in claims involving allegations of professional negligence in the construction sector. 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.
Steven is a member of TECBAR, SCL and the LCLCBA.
“He is very well-organised, calm and methodical.”
“Steven Walker is an exceptional advocate, who is comfortable dealing with large volumes of documentation and able to distil the key facts and issues.”
“Steven is very calm and knowledgeable. He exudes class.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2025
“Steven is excellent. He provides clear and concise advice, and is always highly responsive.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar
“Steven is extremely responsive and we have no hesitations putting him in front of clients.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar
“Steven is a consummate professional. He’s really clever, considered and meticulous in his preparation. His advocacy is understated but really effective.”
“Steven Walker is an absolutely excellent cross-examiner. He is very subtle but he asks all the right questions. He has a very good grasp of extremely complex facts.”
International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering, Chambers UK Bar 2025
“Steven is an outstanding advocate. He is calm, forensic, and able to think on his feet. He prepares well and is able to explain tricky concepts and evidential points in a way that lands well with clients! He is a pleasure to work with.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2025
“An excellent leader, commercial strategist and team player.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2025
“Steven is an excellent adviser and advocate. His written advocacy is superb: he presents even the most complex legal issues in a clear and understandable way. His knowledge of PFI and PPP projects is unsurpassed. On top of all that, he is also a joy to work with.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2024
“Stephen is a persuasive, determined and tenacious advocate with the cross-examination techniques of a skilled surgeon.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2024
“Very thorough and reliable, and always delivers clear, and succinct, advice. Very smart and a pleasure to deal with – a fantastic advocate.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2024
“He has a very measured style that appeals to a lot of clients, and it works very well in international arbitration, particularly in his approach to oral delivery.”
“He is not a showboater or a table thumper, but does an exceptional job and is meticulous in his preparation.”
International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“Steven Walker is just breathtaking. He demonstrates absolute mastery of the papers and is able to turn work around of the highest quality in no time at all.”
“He provides advice which is easy to understand, detailed and clearly addresses the key issues for the client.”
“Stephen combines intellectual robustness, an attention to detail that is second to none and an utterly charming personality; clients love him.”
“A detailed advice was turned around quickly in a format that could be easily digested.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“He is super responsive, easy to work with, open-minded, pragmatic and clever.”
“Steven Walker is a very effective cross-examiner and is exceptional at reading the room and understanding the best approach in a courtroom.”
“Stephen is a very sensible, grounded advocate.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“Steven Walker often offers a fresh interpretation of a contract which is both clever and commercially astute.”
“His gift is giving cracking advice and getting to the nub of the issues.”
“Steven really understands extremely technical points and he can take things in his stride.”
Professional Negligence, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“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
Steven Walker KC will speak at a Society of Construction Law event in London, entitled…
Steven Walker KC will be speaking at White Paper’s annual conference on ‘Construction Law &…
Steven Walker KC will be chairing a session at King College London’s International Construction Arbitration…
16 members of Atkin Chambers – 9 King’s Counsel and 7 Juniors – have been…
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