What key factors are responsible for the construction skills gap? Here, Jennie Jones in our construction team explores key factors and what industry leaders can do to take action and meet growing demand.
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Jennie Jones
Partner
0161 836 8814
jennie.jones@brabners.com
Jennie is a Partner in our construction team.
An experienced construction lawyer, she has a strong background in contentious construction with particular expertise in adjudication and litigation in claims relating to delay, extensions for time, loss and expense claims, defective works and design.
A member of our manufacturing and supply chain, real estate and local authority teams, Jennie has a wealth of experience in acting for contractors, employers and consultant engineers on a large number of disputes, with particular expertise in resolving disputes through adjudication, arbitration, mediation and litigation. She has also been involved in a number of disputes concerning defective cladding and fire safety issues.
Recognised as “superb” and a 'Next Generation Partner' by The Legal 500 2025, Jennie is known for her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with particular expertise in advising on disputed accounts on both standard and bespoke contracts. She's also experienced in advising clients on transactional construction matters and regularly advises on and drafts both bespoke and standard forms of construction contracts and associated documents.
As part of her role, she provides specialist training and workshops to industry professionals and regularly presents on recent updates in construction law to clients and specialists.
Jennie founded and is the Chair of Building Links, a networking group for northern construction and property professionals that provides a platform to collaborate and share best practice.
Jennie joined us in 2020 and works across our Manchester, Liverpool and Lancashire (Preston) offices.
Recent cases (disputes)
Complex multi-party claims
Acting for architect firm Leach Rhodes Walker in defending complex multi-party claims for £150m in respect of defective cladding and internal firestopping at the London Colindale Development constructed by Shepherd Construction Limited. The case was listed in The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases of 2023.
NEC3 contract disputes
Acting for large port operator in a number of complex disputes arising under NEC3 contracts concerning claims for compensation events arising from ground conditions including UXOs.
Design & construction dispute
Acting for a contractor in respect of a dispute arising with the employer concerning the design and construction of a circa £200m 55-storey tower block.
Local authority compensation claim defence
Acting for a local authority client defending a claim by the contractor relating to restoration works to a Grade I listed transporter bridge under an NEC4 contract and specifically whether an instruction to address deflection identified in the bridge constituted a £3m compensation event entitling the contractor to a compensation event.
Claim for extension of time and loss and expense
Acting for an international specialist in engineering, installation and maintenance of high efficiency distributed power plant in respect of a £5m claim for an extension of time and loss and expense under a bespoke contract based on the FIDIC form.
Tier 1 Contractor dispute with local authority
Acting for a Tier 1 Contractor advising on a dispute with a local authority relating to the design and construction of a residential housing scheme. The dispute concerned the contractor’s entitlement to claim for an extension of time and loss and expense under a contract incorporating the JCT Design and Build 2016.
Adjudications & reported enforcement cases
Acting for Duro Felguera UK Ltd in several adjudications and reported enforcement cases in respect of the demolition of the coal-fired power station and the design and construction a c.£125m new combined cycle gas turbine power station in Trafford. Reported cases include John Sisk & Son Ltd v Duro Felguera UK Ltd [2016] EWHC 81 and Severfield (UK) Ltd v Duro Felguera UK Ltd [2015] EWHC 2975.
Defending a claim for delay & disruption
Acting for a large developer client in defending a claim for delay and disruption concerning the construction of student accommodation.
Recent cases (transactional)
Eden Project North
Acting for Lancaster City Council on the construction documents relating to the new Eden Project North development.
De Trafford & Vabeld
Advising on and drafting the suite of construction documentation for high profile residential and commercial developments in the North West including for developers De Trafford and Vabeld.
Framework agreement for complex engineering works
Acting for a large oil refinery client in the preparation of a £500m bespoke framework agreement and associated documents for complex engineering works.
Maritime Transport Limited
Acting for leading transport and logistics company Maritime Transport Limited, advising on and drafting the construction documents in respect of the refurbishment and development of a new haulage bases throughout the UK to include warehouses, offices and lorry parking facilities.
Drafting construction documents
Acting for developer clients, advising on and drafting the construction documents in respect of residential and commercial development portfolios.
Recognised by
“We’ve dealt with Brabners for over a decade and have never received anything other than first-class service, support and advice from Jennie Jones and her construction team. We regard Brabners as strategic partners and regularly consult the team whenever we require swift, sound and reliable guidance and advice. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jennie and her team to anyone — they’re truly professional and highly effective.”
Client feedback
“Standout partner Jennie Jones is well-equipped to assist clients with both transactional and dispute management issues.”
The Legal 500 2025
“Jennie Jones has been a key construction law contact for many years... Always feel I can rely on the team for an honest review on issues and they have a great understanding of the nuances of our business model... they have been brilliant in delivering bespoke training to my teams.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500 2025
