Specialisms and expertise
- Advising employers (including developers of commercial and residential property, major retailers, education and healthcare bodies, leisure and fitness providers, chemical manufacturers), contractors, sub-contractors and consultants.
- Advising on procurement methods; drafting, vetting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, collateral warranties, bonds, guarantees and other similar associated documentation as well as professional appointments for consultants.
- Disputes in litigation through the courts (mainly TCC), arbitration and adjudication.
- Disputes concerning interpretation of contracts, quantum meruit claims, defects, payment, determination, loss and expense and delay.
Past and present projects
- Financial close of a 25 year pathfinder PFI contract for the upgrading and maintenance of the road network of Portsmouth with a value of £500 million (acting for the Contractor, Colas).
- The construction of a 350,000 square foot high-bay automated distribution warehouse, financed through the first use in the UK of a synthetic lease (project value c£50 million).
- The construction of a 12-storey hotel with conference and leisure facilities in London (c£50 million).
- The construction of a mixed use development in the City of London (hotels, offices, retail c£30 million).
- The construction of a centre of medical excellence in the treatment of cancer (‘The Ark’) in Basingstoke (c£4 million).
- Acting for The Royal British Legion in connection with a major construction dispute in relation to a large care-home facility. The claim was pursued through the Technology & Construction Court and was settled very favourably for an undisclosed sum.
- Acting for a regional health authority in the defence of a £15 million claim in arbitration for loss and expense brought by a major contractor.
- Acting for a specialist BMS sub-contractor in a £1.8 million claim in quantum meruit brought against an M&E contractor (Serck Controls Ltd v Drake & Scull Engineering Ltd).
Achievements and other appointments
Chris is acknowledged in leading independent guide to UK law firms, Chambers UK, as a leader in his field and is praised by clients for being “client-focused, hard-working and he delivers a quality outcome. He describes things in a straightforward manner and gets his point across succinctly and coherently” (Chambers UK, 2015). The Construction team are described as being “down to earth” and “they handle the pressure of a situation and the technical and legal aspects well” (Chambers UK, 2015). Chris is chairman of the TSP+ Property & Construction Club, a regular breakfast event offering an opportunity to network for those involved in this sector in the Thames Gateway region.
Profile
Chris joined Thomson Snell & Passmore in 2003 having previously worked for Fenwick Elliott, a London construction law practice. Prior to that Chris was partner and Head of Construction for the Southern regional offices of Shoosmiths.
Chris is a member of TeCSA (Technology & Construction Solicitors Association).
I just wanted to say you have been accessible, attentive, extremely helpful and fundamentally delivered what you said you would do – so thank you as this has enabled me to relax a little in the knowledge I have been in safe hands. It has been a pleasure working with you on this and I will have no hesitation in offering you first refusal on all things legal as we grow and mature as a business.
Client
"He is an experienced lawyer who knows his way around the market."
Chambers UK 2019
Chris Whittington is a straight-talking legal representative who guides clients through a range of construction issues.
The Legal 500 2020
Chris Whittington always made himself available to us; we felt secure that we were getting the right advice from him.
The Legal 500 2020
He has a lot of experience in the construction sector. His explanations are clear and concise, making the decision-making process much easier.
Chambers UK 2020
He's an extremely knowledgeable and efficient lawyer who explains things in plain English.
Chambers and Partners
He's very experienced, hard-working and completely understands client needs.
Chambers and Partners
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