Doug Wass Partner

Partner
DD +44 (0)20 7849 2569 T +44 (0)20 7831 9222 Email Doug Download vCard

Doug acts on a wide range of substantial international and domestic arbitration, litigation and adjudication matters. He has particular expertise in complex construction, engineering, projects/PFI and real estate claims and related professional negligence issues, although his practice also encompasses more general commercial disputes.

Doug is the co-head of the litigation and dispute resolution group.

Doug has advised a wide range of clients, including large developers, project companies, professional consultants, contractors and sub-contractors. His experience includes office, residential, hotel, industrial, hospital, university, school, power plant, airport and roads projects. Doug’s arbitration work has included major international ICC and LCIA arbitrations. Doug also regularly advises clients in relation to mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Doug has an MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration from King’s College, London and is a member of the Society of Construction Law and the Adjudication Society. Doug is also a Solicitor-Advocate.

Doug is co-author for the chapter on UK construction law for the International Comparative Legal Guide to Construction & Engineering.

Expertise

Recent work

High Court proceedings

Advising a PFI consortium in adjudication and High Court on a c£40m dispute with an NHS Trust, building contractor and services provider in relation to fire stopping and compartmentation at a large hospital.

Developers - cladding fire safety defects

Advising numerous developers on claims relating to cladding fire safety defects and the impact of the Building Safety Act.

Grove Developments Limited

Successfully representing Grove Developments Limited in the High Court and Court of Appeal on a c£25m claim by Balfour Beatty in connection with the design and construction of the Intercontinental Hotel linked to the O2 Arena.

Delay and defects disputes

Advising a developer in relation to numerous delay and defects disputes arising from the design and construction of a £150m development comprising a casino, a hotel, a cinema, a spa, restaurants, bars and shops.

Weston Homes plc

Advising Weston Homes plc in High Court proceedings involving a multi-million pound claim in respect of defective design alleged to have been carried out by a mechanical and electrical engineer in relation to a substantial housing development.

Henia Inc

Successfully representing Henia Inc in a High Court claim for declarations relating to the service of payment notices and pay less notices under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended).

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What people are saying

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"He's brilliant. He's very calm, virtually unflappable, intelligent and a great guy to have on your side."

Chambers UK 2024

"Doug Wass and Mark Lawrence in particular are standouts. They are balanced, pragmatic, calm and supportive as well as incredibly knowledgeable about the industry."

Legal 500 2024

"Doug is a highly skilled lawyer and an excellent leader and communicator."

Chambers UK 2023

"Doug has always given us great guidance and he's really easy to work with."

Chambers UK 2023

"He has an excellent understanding of the legal issues and is an outstanding communicator, both in his interactions with clients and in his ability to present a clear position to opposing counsel."

Chambers 2022

"Doug Wass leaves no stone unturned to support his clients. He is extremely sharp and knowledgeable about the law and the legal strategy."

Legal 500 2021

Quick reads

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In depth

Get your notices right

Doug Wass 12 Jul 2018
Timing and attachments are everything if you need to send notices over damages or reduced payments
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Who bears the brunt of time delays?

Doug Wass 01 Nov 2017
Clarity over the burden of concurrent delays means contracts are likely to change.
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Periodic payments - a flexible friend

Doug Wass 13 Oct 2016
On 13 October 2016 the Court of Appeal issued its judgment in the case of Grove Developments Limited v Balfour Beatty Regional Construction Ltd.
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