MATTHEW NEEDHAM-LAING
Matthew specialises in contentious and non-contentious construction and engineering law. His non-contentious practice covers drafting and negotiating all forms of construction and engineering contracts, advising on all associated bonds and guarantees as well as advising on the implications of the Building Safety Act.
Matthew also has considerable experience of advising on engineering contracts for oil and gas companies and pharmaceutical infrastructure projects.
His expertise in contentious construction and engineering law covers adjudication, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Matthew has acted as an adjudicator in numerous construction and engineering disputes.
Matthew's earlier qualification and career as an architect ensures he not only understands the law but also the technical and commercial requirements of his clients. For example, he worked as an architect on hotel, office and retail projects and this background lends unique insight into the problems associated with major construction projects.
Matthew lectures on matters relating to construction law and adjudication, and has featured in the construction and property press. He contributed to the seventh and eighth editions of the Architects Legal Handbook, and holds memberships at the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, the Society of Construction Law and the Society for Computers and Law.
Work Highlights
Acted for the Design Museum, London in relation to a dispute with their landlord over access rights during the conversion of the building from the old Commonwealth Centre and separately a dispute with their fit-out contractor over the Final Account and defective works.
Acted for International five-star hotel chain, on disputes and negotiating their construction contracts and appointments.
Acted on behalf of a multinational company specialising in luxury goods, reviewed an advised on the contract for the design, fabrication and installation of pop-up exhibition space and advising on the contracts for the design and construction new boutiques in the UK.
Action on behalf of a UK university in relation to the construction of a new Veterinary School, advising and negotiating the construction contract, advising on the acquisition of a new campus building, reviewing and advising on the construction contracts, appointments and development/sale agreement and investigating and advising on potential defects in a recently completed campus building.
Advising landlords on the impact of the Building Safety Act 2022 and the actions they are required to take to comply with their obligations under this legislation.
