CURRICULUM VITAE
Julie’s practice focuses on the construction, engineering and energy sectors and general commercial arbitration. She represents and advises clients on contentious national and international construction, infrastructure and oil and gas projects.
Julie has specialised in the construction and engineering sector since qualifying as a solicitor at in September 1991. At Berrymans Lace Mawer, she became a partner at the age of 28 and represented and advised clients on a wide variety of infrastructure projects worldwide including airports, bridges, roads and dams. Her most recent major arbitration was for a Nigerian/US oil and gas company on a $750m drilling and production dispute. Her clients have included engineers and their insurers, as well as main contractors, energy and aerospace companies, specialist sub-contractors and suppliers.
BAR ADMISSIONS & QUALIFICATIONS
Solicitor, England & Wales - admitted to the Roll in 1991
Arbitrator- Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators since 1993
Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration -1993
LLB (Hons) University of London (External) -1988
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
African arbitration
LCIA arbitration relating to exploration and development of wells in a Nigerian oil field, with claims and counterclaims valued at approximately $750m.
Representing, and acting as counsel for, the engineer in a multi-million-pound arbitration relating to a storage and transport depot in Blantyre, Malawi.
Investigating and resolving threatened claims against the engineer relating to design on works to the Mohale Dam in Lesotho.
Advising insurers on various other arbitrations and threatened proceedings in Botswana, Libya, South Africa relating to roads, air bases, pipelines, bridges and dams.
Middle East Arbitrations/Disputes
Representing the engineer on multi-million-pound claims relating to alleged design and construction faults, and delays relating to the construction of a luxury hotel in Dubai.
Advising the engineer and its insurer in a long running dispute on liability for defects and delays on the construction and redevelopment of docks in Abu Dhabi.
Oil and Gas industry experience
Consultant and adviser to senior management in a variety of major oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors. This included working with the General Secretary of a French company to advise and assist on governance and daily business decisions on English-law based projects.
Also working with the Director in charge of an onshore gas plant in France, providing consultancy services and advice.
Aerospace industry experience
Advising the Chief Engineer of aeronautic technology group and tier-1 supplier of systems and equipment in the aerospace and defence markets) to analyse the legal aspects and prepare documentation and presentations for a variety of committees and symposiums on airworthiness, environmental concerns and sustainability in aircraft design and production.
MEMBERSHIPS & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators: Fellow
- Society of Construction Arbitrators: Committee Member
- Dispute Resolution Board Foundation (DRBF): Executive Group Member
- Society of Construction Law: Member
- Technology and Construction Court Solicitors’ Association (TecSA): Member
- Law Society of England and Wales: Member
- Panel member – LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration)
- Panel member – ADR Officials’ Panel - CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution)
LANGUAGES
- English (native speaker)
- French