Experience

Overview

Mark Smith is both a construction lawyer and a chartered quantity surveyor. He is on a number of panels as an adjudicator.

Mark is a barrister, having previously practised as Counsel, and has also practised as a solicitor. He has specialised in dispute resolution in the construction and engineering sectors in the UK and internationally for approaching 30 years and in that time has represented parties in all forms of dispute resolution. Whilst practising as Counsel, Mark was regularly recognised as a leading individual in the main legal directories.

Mark has lectured widely on adjudication and other construction law matters.

Professional qualifications:

  • Called to the Bar of England and Wales (1995)
  • Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (2001)
  • Admitted as a Solicitor (2006)
  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2009)

Adjudicator Panel membership:

  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  • Construction Industry Council

Academic qualifications:

  • BSc (Hons) (Quantity Surveying & Construction Economics) University of Salford (First class; 1986)
  • LLB Manchester Metropolitan University (Distinction; 1993)
  • RICS Diploma in Construction Adjudication (2012)

Professional experience:

  • 2021–to date — Director at Mark A Smith Consulting Limited
  • 2020–2021 — Head of Dispute Resolution at Gateley Vinden
  • 2013–2019 — Barrister at Exchange Chambers
  • 2007–2012 — Director at Systech Solicitors
  • 1992–2007 — Senior Consultant rising to Director at Knowles
  • 1991–1992 — Senior QS at Tyson Construction PLC
  • 1989–1991 — QS at McBains Worrall
  • 1988–1989 — QS at Robert Hitchins Ltd
  • 1986–1988 — QS at Building Design Partnership

Sample appointments:

  • Appointed as adjudicator in relation to numerous construction adjudications.
  • Appointed as expert determiner in relation to dispute between local authority and developer concerning works at retail park.
  • Advising European concession company in relation to substantial dispute with European State concerning PFI motorway project.
  • Representing UK engineering company in relation to ICC arbitration against Taiwanese supplier.
  • Representing major contractor in relation to ICC arbitration against former joint venture partner concerning PFI hospital project.
  • Representing contractor in litigation against operator of major sports stadium.
  • Representing housebuilding contractor in mediation with warranty provider.
  • Advising local authority in relation to dispute with contractor regarding new horse racing museum and training facility, including several adjudications and a mediation.
  • Advising major engineering contractor in relation to adjudication on biomass project.
  • Representing major multi-national contractor in TCC proceedings for enforcement of adjudicator’s decision.
  • Advising Korean organisation in arbitration with JV partner concerning water storage project in UAE.
  • Advising public sector client and leading team in relation to multi-million dollar dispute and latterly arbitration with international civil engineering joint venture concerning European city metro scheme.
  • Advising rail authority on contractual arrangements concerning nationwide signalling upgrade programme.
  • Advising NHS Trust in relation to arbitration concerning multi-million-pound dispute concerning construction of new hospital units.
  • Advising regional contractor regarding disputes and related adjudication proceedings concerning two hospitals in Birmingham.
  • Representing major M&E subcontractor in relation to series of adjudications on projects across UK concerning hospital and racecourse projects.
  • Advising local authority in relation to construction of new health and sports complex.
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Mark A Smith is the trading name of Mark A Smith Consulting Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 13147777. Registered Office address: 9 Oakbarton, Lostock, Bolton BL6 4HY