Alex Johnson
Partner
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"Alex Johnson is compassionate with clients, and always provides the professional legal advice to solve the complex construction legal issues with due balanced consideration to the practical situation of the project and the interest of client. Alex has good communication skills, fast in his response, and precise in his legal opinion. We are glad to have Alex as a part of the company’s legal strategy."
(Legal 500, 2023)
A highly experienced construction and engineering lawyer, Alex specialises in the avoidance, management and resolution of complex cross border disputes and international arbitration. Alex has advised clients on disputes in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Far East and has substantial experience across a variety of industry sectors including major infrastructure, energy and power, oil and gas, process plant and building.
Alex has experience of all forms of dispute resolution including litigation and international arbitration but also adjudication, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Alex also advises clients on claims prevention and management in the operative phase of projects, sometimes as project counsel giving strategic advice designed to avoid or minimise disputes and, most importantly, ensure effort remains on completion of the project. Alex spent approximately one day per month in-house with a client over an 18-month period in which it was delivering a major infrastructure project, giving strategic advice and guidance on claims and potential claims.
Alex also advises clients in relation to contract drafting and negotiation of EPC contracts and other agreements particularly in the clean energy sector.
Alex is a regular speaker on webinars and delivers bespoke training to client teams on construction and engineering issues tailored to their needs.
Alex is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer and a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500 (2024 edition).
Legal Services
Construction & Engineering
Recent Work
- Advising a client in relation to international arbitration concerning delay and disruption to an EPC project in the Middle East for the supply and installation of specialist equipment for a gas plant.
- Advising a client in relation to a variety of issues including defects, delay and disruption arising from the design and construction of a major international airport.
- Advising a client in relation to international arbitration concerning a contract for the EPC delivery of plant at a petrochemical facility.
- Advising a global manufacturer in international arbitration concerning an international interconnector project.
- Advising an EPC contractor in relation to a power and grid connection project in the Middle East.
- Advising a contractor in relation to a series of issues including delay, disruption and defects relating to a high profile mixed-use project in the UK.
- Advising an international EPC contractor in relation to a major UK to Europe interconnector project. Alex acted as project counsel during the project implementation phase, spending time with the project team and advising the client on claims and strategy for minimising or avoiding disputes.
Building
- Alex has substantial experience in dealing with disputes arising from projects in the building sector.
- Advising a specialist sub-contractor in relation to a series of issues including delay, disruption and defects relating to a high profile mixed-use project in the UK.
- Successfully defending a contractor in adjudication concerning claims for the true value of a final account.
- Advising a football club in relation to a dispute concerning a potential dispute concerning works carried out to the stadium.
- Advising a local authority in relation to potential claims for defects in relation to the design and construction of a cinema and associated works.
Infrastructure & Project Finance
Alex has substantial experience in dealing with disputes arising from major infrastructure projects, particularly aviation and rail projects.
Recent Work
- Advising a client in relation to framework agreement and EPC sub-contract terms for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK.
- Advising a client in international arbitration relation to a variety of issues including defects, delay and disruption arising from the design and construction of a major international airport.
- Advising a local authority in relation to a defects claim arising from the defective design and construction of a light rail depot in the UK. This included several adjudications and proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC).
- Advising a local authority in relation to claims for defects, delay and disruption arising from the design and construction of a light rail upgrade scheme in the UK. The scheme included the replacement and upgrade of track and associated infrastructure. The disputes were resolved through a series of adjudications, which reduced the sums claimed by the contractor by a substantial amount.
Process Plant
Alex has substantial experience in dealing with disputes arising from projects in the process plant and manufacturing sector.
- Advising a company based in the Far East in relation to a claim for non-payment and unlawful termination of contracts for the fabrication and supply of components for use in offshore oil and gas projects.
- Advising a major global manufacturer in relation to a defective product claim in the Technology and Construction Court.
- Advising a major global manufacturer in relation to a dispute based on ICC arbitration with a UK company relating to the operation of contractual pricing fluctuation mechanisms.
- Advising a car manufacturer in relation to a contract for the design and construction of a new plant for the production of electric vehicles.
Oil & Gas
Alex has substantial experience in dealing with disputes arising from projects in the oil and gas sector both in the UK and internationally.
- Advising a client in relation to international arbitration concerning delay and disruption to an EPC project in the Middle East for the supply and installation of specialist equipment for a gas plant.
- Advising a client in relation to international arbitration concerning an international interconnector project.
- Advising an international EPC contractor in relation to a delay and disruption claim valued at US$300m. The claim arose from the engineering, procurement and construction of a large scale gas to liquids (GTL) plant in the Middle East.
- Advising a client in relation to international arbitration concerning a contract for the EPC delivery of plant at a petrochemical facility.
- Advising an international firm in LMAA arbitration arising from the supply and installation of specialist plant to a South East Asia based shipyard for installation on several Q-max LNG carrier vessels.
- Advising the owner in relation to a liquidated damages claim arising under a contract for the design, FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, installation and commissioning of an onshore gas plant in the Middle East.
Sectors
Clean Energy, Waste & Sustainability
Alex has substantial experience in dealing with disputes arising from projects in the clean energy and power sector. Alex has particular experience of subsea cable projects, battery storage projects and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Cases
- Advising an international EPC contractor in relation to a major UK to Europe interconnector project. Alex acted as project counsel during the project implementation phase, spending time with the project team and advising the client on claims and strategy for minimising or avoiding disputes.
- Advising a global manufacturer in international arbitration concerning an international interconnector project.
- Advising a capital fund on its entry into a JV to develop a 49.9MW transmission-connected battery storage project in the south of England. Reviewing and advising on the construction and engineering contracts including major equipment supply, balance of plant, long term services and construction management agreement.
- Advising the owner in relation to contract drafting and negotiation of construction and engineering contracts for a 100MW battery storage project in the north of England including major equipment supply, balance of plant and associated performance security.
- Advising an international EPC contractor in relation to claims arising from the engineering and construction of two offshore structures part of windfarm projects. The claims related to disputed variations and damage caused by collision with a vessel.
- Advising a client in relation to framework agreement and EPC sub-contract terms for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK.
Automotive
Cases
- Advising a major vehicle manufacturer on the construction contracts for a £200m plant for the production of electric vehicles;
- Acting for a company in the automotive supply chain in litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) in relation to a dispute concerning material quality for components used in fuel tanks for a major vehicle manufacturer;
- Advising an engine manufacturer in relation to several issues concerning construction contracts;
- Drafting a bespoke framework agreement and EPC call-off contract for one of the largest EV charging companies in the UK for use in the procurement, installation, construction, testing and commissioning of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at sites around the UK;
- Drafting and negotiating the framework agreement and EPC call-off contract with a contractor for roll out of EV charging infrastructure at locations in Scotland and the north of England;
- Advising a number of clients in relation to disputes concerning process plant facilities;
Latest
- International arbitration for construction disputes webinar
- What causes construction disputes and how can they be avoided?
- The World Cup and beyond – what next for construction in Qatar
- Tackling cost escalation in International Construction & Engineering projects
- A Guide to Controlling Your Costs in a Volatile Market
- Freeths advises Cambridge Power on 985MW battery storage and co-located solar pipeline
- Construction Contracts in a Changing World – A Case Study
- The Impersistence of Memory – Fact Witness Evidence in International Arbitration
- Construction Contracts in a Changing World – Are your construction contracts sufficient in times of uncertainty?
- Disruption Claims Forum
- Disruption Claims in Qatar Webinar
- The Psychology of Claims – Your Questions Answered
- International Engineering Construction Post-Pandemic: What Might it Look Like?
- Overcoming the Burden of Delay and Cost Overruns
- COVID-19: Free Webinar Series – Disruption to Global Engineering Construction
- Coronavirus: Disruption in international construction and engineering projects
To contact Alex or for more information…
Call: 0345 077 9643
Mobile: 0797 017 8411
Or email: Send an email
‘Alex Johnson: what stands out for me is his approach to the challenges, keeping an open mind to and exploring possible options before deciding on a course of action and not sticking to a “cookie-cutter” methodology.’
(The Legal 500, 2024)
“Alex Johnson always delivers strong legal advice, finding creative solutions to complex problems that typically arise in construction projects. Alex goes above and beyond to understand the technical side of our industry (high-end facade industry). Alex takes a pragmatic approach balancing legal matters with commercial realities.”
(The Legal 500, 2023)
“Alex Johnson is personable and very professional, and is an asset to any team, especially during meetings with clients and other third parties.”
(The Legal 500, 2023)
“Alex Johnson is very good in the area and able to succinctly explain the English law to overseas client in clear and easy to understand manner.”
(The Legal 500, 2023)
“They provide straightforward and clear advice on which decisions can then be discussed and taken. Alex Johnson has been great in dealing promptly with the questions and issues put to him.”
(The Legal 500, 2022)
“Alex Johnson is very accessible and always open and transparent in his dealings. He is very knowledgeable in his subject matters.”
(The Legal 500, 2022)
“On the contentious side … Alex Johnson is recommended.”
(The Legal 500, 2020)
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