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Jonathan Bowley

Partner
Partner

Jonathan is a transactional construction lawyer, who helps clients efficiently procure the design and construction of high-value development and infrastructure projects. 

He also guides them through the development process, addressing issues early and avoiding disputes.

Jonathan is a partner in the Construction and Engineering team. He has worked as a dedicated construction and engineering lawyer since qualifying in 1995.

He can advise you on procurement strategy and work with you and your team to prepare all construction contract documents required for your project, including building contracts and appointments of professional consultants and their ancillary documents such as performance bonds, novation agreements and collateral warranties. 

Jonathan’s experience includes:

  • office, residential, retail and leisure schemes
  • the design and construction of data centers
  • transport infrastructure projects, particularly rail and road
  • energy infrastructure projects, particularly renewable projects

He ensures that contract documents are prepared and negotiated in an efficient and cost-effective manner.  Jonathan works with clients to agree the appropriate balance between protecting their position and delivering appropriately balanced documents in accordance with each project’s program requirements. He also ensures that all arrangements meet the requirements of third-party stakeholders, including funders and occupiers.

Jonathan has a detailed knowledge of all of the standard forms of construction contracts used in the UK, including the JCT, NEC and GC/Works suites, as well as the internationally used FIDIC forms of contract.  Where appropriate to the needs of the project, he helps clients use these standard forms to speed up the engagement of construction contractors and professionals, tailoring the forms to the clients’ particular requirements.

For clients with repeat construction requirements, Jonathan develops framework arrangements to allow for the rapid and efficient instruction of new projects, with minimum requirements for further negotiation and documentation. This has included the development of international frameworks, allowing clients to instruct projects across multiple jurisdictions on consistent legal terms, and with consistent processes, reducing the administrative burden on clients and their teams.

Jonathan also provides construction advice throughout the development period. This includes providing bespoke training on contract arrangements and processes at the outset of the project, and advising project teams on issues that may arise, with a view to resolving potential disputes at an early stage. 

Jonathan's recent experience includes advising:

  • US-based data center operators on the design and construction of data centers across EMEA, developing FIDIC-based framework agreements for the engagement of contractors across multiple jurisdictions
  • the owner of The Shard, London, on all construction works being undertaken at the property, and on its development of the mixed-use Shard Place
  • a major hotel brand on the procurement of construction works at its properties across EMEA
  • a German-owned train operating company on its upgrade and extension of the mainline railway between London Marylebone and Birmingham
  • London’s transport authority on the funding and construction of an extension to London’s Overground railway
  • London’s transport authority on a term contract for the maintenance over an eight-year period of London’s road network
  • London's transport authority on the its Property Partnerships Framework to be used for the redevelopment of over station properties, including the drafting and negotiation of the framework development management agreement 
  • a sovereign wealth fund on the development of its London property portfolio, including the development of office and retail properties and high-end residential apartments
  • Ranked in Chambers UK 2022
  • Ranked in Chambers UK 2021
  • Ranked in Chambers UK 2020
  • Ranked in Chambers UK 2019
  • Ranked in Chambers UK 2018

Jonathan is described in Chambers as "[He is] a very sensible, measured and commercial lawyer."

  • Trustee, Eversheds Sutherland Business Lawyers Charitable Trust
  • MSc Construction Law and Arbitration, King's College London 1998
  • Law Society Finals (First Class), College of Law, York 1992-1993
  • LLB (Hons), Birmingham University 1989-1992
Jonathan Bowley

Partner

Partner

Jonathan Bowley

Partner

Partner

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