Chris is recognised as a leading disputes lawyer with a track record of success in large and complex commercial disputes. He has national recognition in two areas – the Rail Industry and Health & Safety. He has been closely involved in policy, strategic and operational work (and in developing the firm's strong specialist practices) in both areas and chairs the firm's Rail Sector Group.
Chris's extensive experience includes procurement, rail disputes, rail regulation and complex and business critical commercial litigation. He advises on regulatory and criminal investigations as well as commercial disputes across a range of industries. He is experienced in managing civil, criminal, regulatory, and insurance aspects in an integrated way
His experience includes:
- Leading the team advising Eurostar on its successful defence of a procurement challenge by a large train manufacturer. This related to the purchase by Eurostar of a new generation fleet of cross border very high speed trains.
- Advising the owning company on the successful insured and uninsured recoveries relating to destruction by fire of the Weston Grand Pier Pavilion.
- Advising on the majority of major UK rail accidents since privatisation and related public inquiries and (EU and UK) legislation.
He is a Solicitor Advocate and has regularly appeared as advocate in public inquiries, arbitrations, mediations, court proceedings and inquests. He regularly provides training to directors and senior management on legal and regulatory risk. Chambers has commented that Chris:
"is applauded by clients for his considered strategic advice" and "elicits praise for his excellent speed of response when dealing with technical matters." (Chambers UK 2012).