Julian Critchlow

Julian has over 40 years’ experience of commercial dispute resolution. During his career, he has been involved in a considerable range of general commercial matters, both nationally and internationally, including in respect of loan agreements, bonds and guarantees, and commission agreements.

He is an acknowledged expert in construction disputes with very considerable experience of arbitration and adjudication. Numerous reported High Court decisions feature his involvement. He has also represented defendants in white collar criminal cases. Recent examples of his work are the representation of a US company concerning a US$ 200m ICC arbitration arising from a gas pipeline laying operation off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago and, in an LCIA arbitration, defending a call on a guarantee given by an overseas client respecting the purchase of a multi-million pound yacht. He also has recent expertise of representing overseas clients whose funds have been frozen pending investigation pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

In addition to acting for the parties to disputes, Julian sits as an arbitrator, primarily in the international forum, notably pursuant to the DIAC and ICC Rules. As well as being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, he sits as an adjudicator, and as a CEDR trained mediator. In addition to dispute work, he also has considerable experience of contract drafting, largely, but not limited, to the construction industry, and he is fully familiar with all principal forms of construction contract.

Julian has been included as a leading lawyer in Chambers and Legal 500. Chambers has recited that his clients are impressed by his extensive knowledge, sound judgement, clear explanation and astute tactics and legal 500 that he has superb technical expertise.

Having read law at University College London, Julian subsequently took an MSc and PhD at King's College London, his doctor's thesis investigating aspects of arbitration.

Julian regularly lectures and writes on arbitration and construction law, including authorship of Making Partnering Work in the Construction Industry, and Arbitration Forms and Precedents (jointly with Professor Rob Merkin). He has also tutored students for their dissertations on the MSc course in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King's College London.