"He is clear, deliberate and thinks properly about things."

Chambers UK 2021

"Chris Hoar and Catherine Davies provide a fantastic service to us, understand what we need as a client and advise us accordingly."

Legal 500 2021

"Resourceful and knowledgeable; he is able to grasp highly complex issues within a very short time and to provide timely and clear advice which enables us to know where we stand."

Client

"The board has asked me to convey its appreciation for the outstanding work that you did in bringing this very complex and difficult contract to a satisfactory conclusion."

Client

"An outstanding litigator who gets to the heart of matters and sorts things out."

Client

I started my career at Allen & Overy, where I practised in both London and Hong Kong before becoming a Partner in an international law firm specialising in construction and infrastructure work. Having moved to the South West in 2009 to become Head of Construction at another large regional practice, I joined Michelmores in 2016 to lead its Construction & Engineering team.

In a career of over 30 years, I have advised clients across the supply chain (employers/developers, contractors and consultants) in relation to some of the largest construction and infrastructure projects both in a domestic and international context. I have been recognised over many years for my stellar disputes practice and have wide experience in all forms of construction dispute resolution, including litigation, arbitration (domestic and international), adjudication and alternative dispute resolution.

Having spent so long a time working in the sector and with an understanding of the wider commercial issues which impact on clients, I am able to provide commercial, solutions driven advice to achieve the very best outcomes. In recognition of this, I have for many years been recognised by the principal legal directories as a leader in my field.

I hold the highly respected MSc. degree in Construction Law and Arbitration from King’s College London and, as well as England and Wales, I am also admitted as a Solicitor in Hong Kong.

I am ranked in Band 3 for Construction in Chambers UK, and listed as a Leading Individual in Construction by the Legal 500.

Recent experience

Acting for a US contractor in ICC arbitration proceedings arising from a construction project undertaken in Israel, culminating in a successful resolution following a mediation process in New York City

Advising a large English police force on a highly technical claim relating to the design and construction of a significant and strategic storage facility

Advising an NHS Trust in relation to construction issues arising from one of the largest NHS capital projects currently being undertaken in South East England

Advising a project company in respect of construction issues and disputes arising from a PFI project relating to the design and construction of an acute treatment facility at a large regional hospital

Advising in relation to construction issues and disputes arising from a substantial social housing PFI project in London

L500_uk-leading-individual-2023
Chris Hoar
Chris Hoar sml