Full Profile

Chris has worked for employers, contractors, project managers and consultants advising on contract drafting, management issues, claims administration and preparation, litigation, risk analysis and dealing with dispute resolution issues relating to infrastructure and construction projects. Within Clyde & Co's Construction Group, Chris continues to focus on such matters.

Prior to joining Clyde & Co, Chris was a partner in a local practice, having spent time prior to this resolving construction issues, latterly as the Managing Director, of the Hong Kong office of a NYSE listed global project management and construction claims company.

Chris is also admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales and is dual qualified being a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (as a Chartered Engineering Surveyor) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. In addition, Chris is also professionally recognised as a member of: the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; the Institute of Surveyors Hong Kong; and the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia, and is a Past Chairman (2012-2013) of the Society of Construction Law Hong Kong.

Chris is recommended by Legal 500 in 2020.

Experience

• Commercial Redevelopment - the advising of a Japanese sub-contractor on a significant value dispute arising out of a joint venture following the supply and installation of a of a steel roof framework in Hong Kong.
• Electrical & Mechanical Works - the advising  a Japanese contractor on disputes arising out of the supply and allegedly defective installation of electrical equipment in Hong Kong.
• Fitting Out Works - the advising of an international retailer over delays and cost overruns by its contractor in the fitting out of its retail and commercial space.
• Infrastructure - the advising of a Hong Kong employer on matters arising out of the delayed installation of a bulk material handling system overseas, proceeding through to trial.
• Highways - the advising of a Hong Kong contractor on extension of time claims on a multitude of potential complex delaying events and on the potential physical and legal impossibility.
• Contractual Advice - the advising of various Hong Kong contractors and employers on: extensions of time; additional payments and valuations arising out of design changes; drawing amendments and variations; inapplicability of BQ rates rendered unreasonable or inapplicable; unforeseen conditions or utilities; omission of work executed by others; defects; rectification works; aborted work; damage/loss expense claims; cost overruns; prolongation; and preparation of claims.
• Forms of Contract - Advising employers and contractors for various projects on the bespoke drafting/amendment of relevant forms of contract available in Hong Kong in respect of: demolition and hoardings works; foundation works; sub-contractor works; and main works contracts.

• Representing and advising a Hong Kong Contractor in multimillion US dollar arbitration proceedings as a result of allegedly defective roof steelwork, which was ultimately settled in favour of the contractor.