David Gwillim

David represents contractors, developers, and public authorities in a wide variety of construction disputes, offering strategic advice and advocacy across adjudication, litigation, and negotiated settlement processes.

• Acted for the supplier of fuel to a major UK airport in two adjudications in relation to defects and delay.
• Acted for a contractor against an insolvent developer of a Tesco superstore. Successful recovery.
• Acted for a contractor against London Underground in relation to station refurbishment projects including Heathrow.
• Acted for a design-and-build contractor of a 150-bedroom hotel in Shoreditch in respect of four adjudications and associated enforcement proceedings in the TCC.
• Acted for a major German civil engineering contractor in an ICC arbitration in Paris concerning an irrigation project in Libya.
• Defended a major UK port and harbour in respect of numerous claims arising out of piles driven offshore, including High Court application seeking to overturn the award.
• Acted for a UK dredging contractor in connection with an intended prosecution by DEFRA in relation to alleged breaches of the Food and Environmental Protection Act.

David has advised on multi-jurisdictional infrastructure and energy projects, particularly in the Middle East, Australia, and South America, guiding clients through legal, regulatory, and dispute issues in international settings.

• Advised on the Chevron-operated Gorgon LNG project on Barrow Island, Australia.
• Acted for a major German civil engineering contractor in an ICC arbitration in Paris concerning an irrigation project in Libya.
• Acted for a dredging contractor in TCC proceedings in relation to claims arising out of a capital dredging project in La Guairá, Venezuela.

David is highly experienced in marine and coastal infrastructure matters, including dredging, offshore piling, port construction, and marine environmental enforcement, acting for contractors, ports, and developers across the UK.

• Acted for a UK port defending claims brought by a contractor arising from the construction of a revetment wall.
• Acted for a dredging contractor on Triton Knoll windfarm.
• Acted for a major UK port on a BIMCO contract for the removal of two block ships.
• Defended a major UK port and harbour in respect of numerous claims arising out of piles driven offshore, including High Court application seeking to overturn the Award.
• Advised a dredging contractor on a capital project at the Port of Ardersier for the assembly of offshore wind turbines.
• Acted for a UK dredging contractor in connection with an intended prosecution by DEFRA in relation to alleged breaches of the Food and Environmental Protection Act.

David has extensive experience advising on the procurement and delivery of complex construction projects, including hotel and energy infrastructure, ensuring legal and commercial risks are managed from the outset.

• Acted on the development of Heckfield Place into a luxury hotel. Construction work started in 2009 with completion in 2019. Five adjudications.
• Advised on Europe’s largest liquid natural gas import terminal at South Hook near Milford Haven.

David has acted in numerous reported decisions in the TCC and administrative courts.

• MTD Contractors Ltd v Willow Corp Sàrl[2019] EWHC 1612 (TCC)
• Willow Corp. S.À.R.L. v MTD Contractors Ltd[2019] EWHC 1591 (TCC)
• Herbosch-Kiere Marine Contractors Limited v Dover Harbour Board[2012] EWHC 84 (TCC)
• Vranicki v Architects Registration Board[2007] EWHC 506 (Admin); [2007] All ER (D) 288
• Investments Limited v Development Ventures Limited & Others[2005] BLR 478 and [2006] EWHC 1586 (TCC): (Default Judgment and Action on an Account)
• Yarm Road Limited v Costain Plc[2001] 01-228 TCC: (Novation Agreement within s104 HGCR Act 1996)
• Floods of Queensferry Ltd v Morrison Shand & Others[1997] 54 ConLR 138
• R v Chester & North Wales Legal Aid Board (Ex parte Floods of Queensferry Limited)LTL 19/12/97: (Assignment under the FCEC Blue Form and Grant of Legal Aid to a Limited Company)
• Fairclough Building Ltd v Vale of Belvoir Superstore Ltd(1992) 56 BLR 74
• Westminster City Council v Clifford Culpin & Partners(1987) Con LR 117
• John Laing Construction Ltd v County and District Properties Ltd(1983) 23 BLR 1

Recognised by The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Construction law 2024 – 2027

Recognised by Chambers UK as a leading lawyer for Construction Thames Valley 2026

Recognised by The Legal 500 for Property Litigation 2024

Central Dredging Association (CEDA)

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Committee Member of Thames Valley Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Society for Construction Law

Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates

Lecturer and Tutor at King’s College