SCL Council Election 2024: candidates
The following are the candidates standing for election to Council. For each candidate the names of their proposer and seconder are given, along with their election statement. Voting closes at 7PM on May 1st, 2024.
Ordinary Member Candidates
Members may vote for up to 6 of these 14 candidates
Murray Armes, Expert, Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Mediator, DAB Member
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: Hamish Lal
The SCL is one of the longest standing and most important organisations promoting the principles of Construction Law across all disciplines. I served on Council 2014 - 2017 in which time I was able to contribute only from the perspective of a technical expert. Since then, I have been instructed as arbitrator, dispute board member, adjudicator and mediator, increasingly focussed on projects outside the UK. If elected I will now be able to bring a wider range of experience to Council for the service of all Members where my aim would be to expand SCLs geographical influence, connections and Membership.
Amy Armitage, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Proposer: Matthew Taylor, Seconder: Sean Brannigan KC
I am Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) focused on international construction arbitration. I want to join Council to further support current efforts to increase collaboration across various international SCLs and facilitate the comparative law sessions which I can do with support of SCL colleagues across NRF’s global footprint. I am also keen to help with the (excellent) London Lectures; and work with the current team to increase the number of workshops / seminars focused on shared learning between experts & claims consultants, and lawyers. I would like to “give back” and make a real contribution to SCL’s future endeavours.
Bill Bordill, Chartered Surveyor
Proposer: Fraser Askham, Seconder: Matt Molloy
I would be honoured to serve the membership by committing the necessary time and becoming a Member of Council. I work across the UK and beyond, from offices in London, Manchester and Dubai, and I am passionate about resolving disputes. As a Chartered Surveyor (QS) I now primarily practice as an Adjudicator, Expert Witness and Expert Determiner. I have held directorships within start-up, SME and PLC organisations. Without being a politician, I am sufficiently politically aware to be effective in groups and I retain the energy required to help modulate the society to best serve its members.
Katherine Butler, Solicitor, Fenwick Elliott
Proposer: Claire King, Seconder: Nicholas Gould
I am passionate about what I do and dedicated to furthering knowledge and understanding of all matters related to construction law. I have significant experience as a construction law practitioner and was awarded the SCL’s prizes for ‘Best Overall Graduate’ and ‘Best Dissertation’ following completion of the King’s College MSc in 2020. I am motivated and highly organised, as recently demonstrated through my work in organising the Adjudication Society Annual Conference. If elected, I would bring my skills, experience and enthusiasm for construction law to bear in seeking to benefit all SCL members, as well as to the broader industry.
Sue Callaghan, CIOB Fellow; Mediator, Callaghan Consultants
Proposer: Harriet Butterfield, Seconder: Duncan Hughes-Phillips
Although I am not a lawyer, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Building and qualified mediator and have been working in the industry throughout my 35+ year career. I have spent the last twenty helping developers sort out their disagreements, through both negotiation and other ADR methods. I know I have only joined the Society this year, and this may raise doubt on my joining the committee, but I am keen and willing to help. I am a good communicator and enjoy getting involved, organising and planning, so this sounds an excellent way to jump right in!
Taner Dedezade, Partner, Howard Kennedy LLP
Proposer: Hamish Lal, Seconder: Lindy Patterson KC
I am an international construction lawyer, ICC Arbitrator, FIDIC Certified Adjudicator and FIDIC Certified trainer. I specialise in the avoidance and resolution of disputes arising under the FIDIC forms of contract, and have particular experience in advocacy before Dispute Boards and ICC Arbitral Tribunals. I have undertook numerous FIDIC trainings around the world and was FIDIC trainer of the year 2020. I believe my international experience particularly as a FIDIC certified trainer will be of interest to the SCL members. I believe that I will be able to inject some fresh and innovative ideas gleaned from my experience in the international sphere.
Arran Dowling-Hussey, Barrister, 4-5 Gray's Inn Square Chambers
Proposer: Hamish Lal, Seconder: Emily Monastiriotis
I am a Barrister and Arbitrator practising from 4-5 Gray's Inn Square Chambers. Aside from my core role as a lawyer I have written, spoken and lectured widely. As an adjunct Professor at University College Cork I am keen to participate in the SCL's University Liaison and Grants & Scholarships/Academia sub-committee's work. I am also interested in supporting the activities of the International and ESCL sub-committee. Where appropriate I support SCL cooperating with other membership organisations such as the Ciarb (where I am a Board of Trustees member) and the Adjudication Society where I am junior vice-chair.
Martin Hicks, Expert Witness, Delta Consulting Group
Proposer: Steven Lynch, Seconder: Oli Worth
I have been interested in the construction industry since the age of eleven! Since then, I have gained invaluable experience in an industry I am enthusiastic about. I will bring this unwavering dedication and experience to the SCL Council. I hope to contribute by providing innovative ideas to the organisation of educational seminars, mentoring programs, and social events. I will consult with other SCL geographies to understand what initiatives have been successful and identify ‘hot topics’ that will entice new and existing members to talks and events. I am honoured to be nominated and considered as a Council member.
Sue Kim, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Secretariat
Proposer: Keith Kirkwood, Seconder: Paul Battrick
I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and RICS Accredited Expert Witness, recognised by Who’s Who Legal, with 20 years of experience working internationally in the construction and engineering industries. I am also a member of arbitral institution panels and an accredited adjudicator. As an international liaison lead for SCL Korea, I have actively promoted sharing knowledge concerning construction law. If elected, I would contribute to the ongoing development of the SCL. In particular, I should like to effectively liaise with SCL UK and international SCLs to ensure a successful SCL International Conference in Seoul in 2025 and further collaboration.
Chris Rudland, Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Accuracy UK
Proposer: Holly Gavaghan, Seconder: Andrea Stauber
I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, working in the field of construction disputes (quantum). I have recently returned to the UK from Singapore where I spent 8 years. I have served on the SCL (Singapore) Council since 2022 as the Chair of the Publications Committee. With my role due to come to an end in the coming months, I am keen to continue my involvement in supporting SCL globally. I hope that my experience with SCL in Asia will offer a unique viewpoint to the SCL UK Council, as well as promoting international collaboration. Thank you for considering my application.
Elise Salerno, Quantum Expert Witness, Ankura
Proposer: Kwadwo Sarkodie, Seconder: Ciara Keegan
I qualified as a Civil Engineering in France, trained on- site as a QS in UK, Australia and Greece before joining the forensic analysis world in London. Over the past 12 years I have worked as Expert Witness on disputes, dealing with Quantum and Project Execution issues. I am involved in arbitrations dealing with large and complex international projects, but I also undertake assessment and negotiation of claims. I bring my broad perspective to the SCL, to support lectures, social events and papers, as well as my international character. I am excited about contributing to the continuous advancement of SCL.
Chris Sunderland, Director of Business Development, Diales
Proposer: Andrea Stauber, Seconder: Hamish Lal
I seek re-election to SCL Council. I currently chair the social subcommittee and would like to complete initiatives that are under discussion to enhance our offerings to the members, their guests and to encourage prospective members to join the society. I also serve on the IT subcommittee where we have re-developed the SCL website, issued the recent Survey, provided a new format newsletter, which alongside increasing visibility via social media channels, makes access to the society’s many benefits an easier experience. If elected, I will continue to promote SCL’s activities, membership benefits, and ethos to the full Construction Law Community.
Chris Symeonides, Commercial Director, Wates
Proposer: Mike O’Shea, Seconder: Jonathan Pawlowski
Commercial Director large construction Group, consisting of main contractor, sub contractor, fit out, maintenance & FM, residential and developer divisions. Also an Adjudicator RICS and TeSCA. FRICS, FCIOB, FCIARB, FIOD. I understand peoples' wants and needs from contract drafting, administration, delivery of projects to dispute resolution. I feel that contractors and sub contractors are under represented on SCL and that they have a lot to offer and benefit from SCL membership. I can share my experience and industry feedback to ensure the SCL stays up to speed with the construction industry.
Khaleda Wheeler, Quantum Expert, Secretariat
Proposer: Anneliese Day KC, Seconder: Ian Osbaldeston
I am a quantum expert with 15 years’ experience in the construction industry - 12 in construction disputes. I am a strong advocate of ED&I both within my own organisation and externally through involvement in initiatives such as the Equal Representation for Expert Witnesses, the aim of which is to increase the visibility of women experts. If elected, I would like to help on: the Mentoring Scheme; increasing the number of Talks involving industry and in-house counsel; help arrange Conferences; and join the Team looking at strengthening collaboration with other SCLs. I value this chance and will work hard.
Astra Members Candidates
Members may vote for up to 2 of these 7 candidates
Lizzie Barry, Delay Expert, Kroll
Proposer: David Falkenstern, Seconder: Jessica Neuberger
Construction has struggled to attract women, the same is not true of law. This was evident during my transition from a construction site, where I learnt the pivotal role the SCL plays, to my current position of delay expert. If elected, I would enhance awareness of the SCL in universities, amongst young professionals, and inhouse lawyers, helping to grow a more diverse society membership. As a Council member and a delay expert witness, I will energetically promote equality, strengthen relationship between lawyers and expert witnesses, and seek to improve knowledge sharing and intellectual debate amongst the expert ranks.
James Frampton, Barrister, Keating Chambers
Proposer: Alexander Nissen KC, Seconder: Sarah Williams
I joined the SCL as a pupil barrister and found attending SCL talks and events a helpful resource to develop my knowledge and meet new people during my first few years in the construction law world. I am now eager to give back by dedicating part of my time to the SCL, with a focus on arranging events, such as the SCL Astra Breakfast Seminars which were previously run, to provide learning and networking opportunities aimed at those in the early years of their careers in construction law, both lawyers and non-lawyers.
Aziz Kamara, Delay Expert, Accuracy
Proposer: David Falkenstern, Seconder: Lauren Adams
As a delay expert, I'm eager to contribute to the Society of Construction Law Council (SCL) as an Astra Member. I'm committed to advancing the field through organising enriching events and educational seminars. Collaborating with universities and SCL committees worldwide, I aim to infuse fresh perspectives into our practices. Having previously engaged in SCL events, I'm inspired to enhance and broaden their impact. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my expertise to further SCL's mission and foster innovation within our community. I appreciate this opportunity and eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Council in the future.
James McGee, Delay Expert, Ankura Consulting Europe
Proposer: Simon Yates, Seconder: Elise Salerno
I am a Chartered Civil Engineer and Member of the CIArb. Having worked on-site for a UK Contractor firstly as an Engineer and then a Project Manager, I moved into dispute resolution 5 years ago with Ankura. I work as a Delay Expert Witness and Delay Analyst on disputes involving both adjudications and international arbitrations. I also undertake work in dispute avoidance. As a developing professional, I bring my perspective as both a Contractor and an Expert to the SCL, for the support of meetings, mentoring, lectures and learning events particularly those focused on non-lawyers.
Rebecca Munday, Solicitor, Blake Morgan LLP
Proposer: Richard Wade, Seconder: Richard Bayfield
I have worked in Construction Law since 2016 and being based in Southampton I work across the South of England. Society events provide invaluable opportunities to tap into SCL’s knowledge network and share the wealth of knowledge between members, experienced and less so. If elected, I consider it part of my role to help spread that knowledge amongst more junior members in the safe environment that SCL provides. I would endeavour to organise joint events involving SCL, RICS, RIBA, ICE, CIOB etc, thereby fulfilling our learned society role and raising the profile of the Society, particularly in the Southern region.
Lucy Pearson, Solicitor, King & Spalding International LLP
Proposer: Andrea Stauber, Seconder: Rebecca Shorter
I am an Associate at King & Spalding, specialising in construction disputes. As a member of the SCL Astra Committee since 2022, I have assisted with organising key Astra events including the sold-out 2023 Boat Party and the 2022 International Conference in Paris. If elected to Council, I aim to improve the educational and networking opportunities for the SCL’s younger members – including regular seminars on construction law basics and industry topics, and social events where those newer to their profession can meet and connect with their peers. I would also explore how we can harness technology to benefit the SCL.
Matthew Watson, Solicitor, Pinsent Masons
Proposer: Stephanie Geesink, Seconder: Matt Molloy
I am an Associate at Pinsent Masons in the Construction Advisory and Disputes team based in London. I work on various constructions disputes across the energy, infrastructure and residential sectors. If elected, I would like to reinvigorate the Astra programme to ensure that Astra members learn not only from senior members’ invaluable experiences, but also have opportunities to come together with peers to share ideas and learn from each other’s practices. I am also keen to contribute to the Society’s commitment to diversity pledges and how the Society can lead the way to permanent change in the industry.