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Richard Adams

Partner

About

Richard leads the contentious construction practice and is a specialist in contract delivery, strategic troubleshooting and dispute resolution of complex construction and engineering disputes. He also heads the Construction Building Safety team, providing transactional, advisory and disputes advice on building safety law.

He works across the key sectors of energy and utilities, built environment, transport, and other infrastructure projects. He has a breadth of knowledge of working with different client and project types, and regularly acts for government, local authorities, funders, consultants, developers and contractors. He also regularly conducts proceedings in specialist tribunals, primarily in adjudication and arbitration, and manages High Court litigation in the Technology and Construction Court.

Richard is a main committee member of The Technology and Construction Solicitors Association, chairs its TeCSA_10s group for junior lawyers, and sits on the Adjudication Sub-Committee. Richard is also a member of the judicial Building Safety Working Group of the Technology and Construction Court and First Tier Tribunal.

He is ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners’ legal directories.

Experience

Adjudication: Richard has been involved in nearly 100 adjudications throughout his career and has undertaken oral advocacy in front of an international adjudication panel.
Complex energy disputes: Acting for a nuclear sector client in connection with disputes arising from complex issues across several contracts with a specialist contractor, including adjudication proceedings.
Building safety: Advising freeholders, developers and several RTM companies in relation to claims relating to building safety remedial works to high-rise residential buildings.
Built environment: Acting for the owner in connection with disputes arising from the redevelopment of a high-profile theatre project.
Water sector: Acting for a water company in connection with a £19 million dispute with a tier 1 contractor on the design and construction of a thermal hydrolysis plant.
PFI disputes and handback: Providing trouble shooting, dispute resolution and structured handback advice on multiple PFI projects.

Credentials

England & Wales (2011); Northern Ireland (2024)

Areas of expertise

Sector focus

Office

Bristol

“Richard is a fantastic lawyer. Pragmatic, approachable and responsive. We greatly value his expertise and his advice. He is an invaluable part of our risk management team.”

Chambers UK, 2025

“Richard gives very practical advice and he knows where to spend client's money to get the best bang for the buck.”

Chambers UK, 2025

“Richard Adams is a heavy hitter who is very highly respected inside the firm and externally. He has a great understanding of the construction industry, and is extremely professional, experienced, knowledgeable and very personable.”

Legal 500 UK, 2024

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