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Gillian Birkby

Gillian Birkby is head of Fladgate LLP’s construction group, a dedicated unit comprising ten fee earners who are experienced in acting for consultants, employers, contractors and subcontractors. Gillian is named as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Chambers and Partners 2008 Guide to the Legal Profession and has extensive experience of advising architects, contractors and employers on the interpretation and administration of construction contracts and in particular extension of time clauses. She also drafts and negotiates the full range of appointments and contracts, as well as assisting in resolving construction disputes. Gillian lectures widely and writes frequent articles for the press on construction topics.

Albert Ponte

Albert Ponte is a senior member of Fladgate LLP’s construction group. He has worked in construction law throughout his career and in recent years has focused solely on contentious matters. His work has involved him in a range of dispute resolution processes and procedures from mediation to adjudication, and the county court to the Court of Appeal. In that time he has pursued and defended a number of claims relating to delay and extensions of time of varying size and complexity.

Frances Alderson

Frances Alderson is a Partner in Fladgate LLP’s construction group. She is listed as a leading practitioner in the International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers and is the author of a chapter on construction insurance and a chapter on construction in the UK compared with construction in other worldwide jurisdictions. She lectures widely, particularly on the use of the New Engineering Contract. Frances has over 25 years’ experience advising employers, contractors and consultants, both producing contract documentation and also resolving disputes.