Howard joined Harper James as a senior construction solicitor in 2021, bringing over 25 years of experience in construction and engineering law. Since qualifying in 1999, he has been a partner at an international law firm and the in-house head of legal for two large contractors and developers.
He has acted in several reported cases before the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords, many of which are now leading authorities on the relevant points of law. He also has 23 years’ prior experience as a Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Builder, having worked in both private practice and for contractors. This gives him deep, practical insight into the construction industry, alongside a strong understanding of the law that governs it.
Howard advises on a wide range of contentious construction matters and alternative dispute resolution processes, including adjudication, litigation, enforcement proceedings, injunctive relief, arbitration and mediation. He has conducted more than 200 adjudications for contractors, sub-contractors and consultants since the process was introduced under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
Howard also brings extensive non-contentious construction experience, advising on the drafting and negotiation of key project documents including main contracts, sub-contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, novation agreements, guarantees, performance bonds, deeds of assignment, letters of intent, maximum price agreements, option agreements and licences.
He has experience of all the major standard form contracts including JCT, ICE, FIDIC, NEC and IChemE.
In addition to his construction and engineering work, Howard has experience across the petrochemical engineering, power generation and renewable energy sectors.
In his spare time Howard is a keen golfer, who also enjoys the gym, cycling, playing the guitar (badly) and doing the occasional track day.
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