John was admitted to practice in New Zealand in 1978 and practiced there (specialising in civil litigation) until 1981.
From 1981 to 1986 John practiced in the State Solicitor’s Office of the Government of Papua New Guinea where had conduct of major litigation matters instituted by and against the State.
For the last 34 years John has practiced in England specialising in construction law (for the majority of that time in the procurement and dispute resolution aspects international construction projects).
Domestic (UK) Experience
John is familiar with and has negotiated contracts under most of the UK standard forms of contract. John has also had the conduct of numerous domestic constructions, arbitration and litigation matters several of which cases have been reported,
International Experience
For the last 30 years John has specialised almost exclusively in the contentious and non-contentious aspects of international construction projects. He has advised/acted for contractors and employers on the procurement process and dispute resolution on projects in more than 40 jurisdictions worldwide.
Procurement - John has negotiated/drafted the traditional standard and bespoke forms of construction contracts in most formats. He has also negotiated/drafted all the associated agreements including sub-contract and supply agreements, pre-bid agreements, consortium/joint venture agreements, performance bonds, parent company guarantees, insurance and export credit documentation, collateral warranties and direct agreements, confidentiality agreements.
Dispute resolution - John has conducted over 40 international arbitrations and DRB/DAB references (20 as counsel). John is familiar with all major arbitration rules having conducted arbitrations under ICC, UNCITRAL, LCIA, HKIAC, SIAC, DIAC, CRCICA, SCC, LMAA, ICSID rules. and is experienced in enforcing international arbitral awards.
Arbitrator
For the last 2 years John has been able to accept appointments as an arbitrator and has been appointed as co-arbitrator in 2 construction disputes in Dubai under DIAC rules. One reference proceeded to a final award and the other to a consent award.
Training/education
For many years John has participated in a leading 2-day seminar on the FIDIC suite of construction contracts (the claims and dispute resolution aspects thereof). John regularly provides in-house seminars/workshops for clients. John is acknowledged in the 2016 edition of the FIDIC Dredging Contract
Degree/University
Professional Bodies/Associations