Paul Cowan
Barrister, 4 New Square
Currently shortlisted by Chambers & Partners as construction junior barrister of the year, their 2018 directory recognised Paul as: “An impressive advocate, both oral and written. He formulates persuasive reasonings, works well with instructing solicitors and is extremely well prepared.” “Thorough and hard-working.” Chambers & Partners, 2018. “Pragmatic, commercial and razor-sharp.” Legal 500, 2017.
A leading practitioner in construction matters, Paul Cowan has two decades of experience as a specialist in international and national construction practice, advising on many of the world’s largest and highest-profile projects and disputes. This has included uniquely detailed experience in the construction of new-build nuclear power plants, as well as other large power and oil & gas projects, through to major UK developments, including the construction of the Rolls Building of the High Court in London.
Paul has particularly strong experience in presenting and defending delay and disruption claims. This includes having recently successfully represented his client in establishing new case law on the operation of extension of time provisions, both in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal (Carillion v Woods Bagot & Others), as well as successfully defending against a € multi billion disruption claim brought by a contractor on a major power sector project.
Paul has long experience with the JCT forms of contract, as a long-standing member of the JCT Council and Chair of the JCT’s Construction Dispute Resolution Group. He also has extensive experience with the NEC form of contract having advised on and conducted numerous disputes about it in recent years. In addition, Paul is a long-standing member of the Construction Committee of the City of London Law Society, in which he co-authored its standard form of novation agreement and guidance note.