Joanna Smith QC of Wilberforce Chambers is an experienced litigator in the field of construction disputes, often involving the professional liability of construction professionals. She appears regularly in the Technology and Construction Court and has considerable experience of arbitration, adjudication and expert determination.
She is also a qualified mediator. Recent cases include appearing on behalf of M&E Contractors in a £multi-million multi-party dispute concerning alleged defects in the development of the Broadway Plaza in Birmingham, advising and appearing on behalf of Carillion in three related adjudications concerning the maintenance and repair of a portfolio of hundreds of properties, appearing on behalf of a specialist flooring contractor in the Accolade Wines litigation and acting in an ICC arbitration concerning the construction of four gas treatment centres in Saudi Arabia.
The strength and breadth of Joanna’s litigation practice is exemplified by her most recently reported cases. Joanna has successfully led the winning team in the Supreme Court in Cavendish Square Holding BV v Makdessi [2015] UKSC 67, a commercial case which has redefined the doctrine of penalties.