Barry Hembling#9214

Barry Hembling, MA, AKC, FCIArb

Solicitor (Partner), Watson Farley & Williams
Barry is a highly regarded construction lawyer, consistently recommended in leading legal directories for his work across a broad spectrum of domestic and international projects. With over 25 years of combined in-house and private practice experience, he is known for helping clients navigate complex construction risks while achieving cost and time objectives.

His practice spans hotel and real estate developments, as well as the construction aspects of real estate finance transactions. Barry advises throughout the project lifecycle—from contract negotiation and live project support to dispute avoidance and resolution.

Recognised for his commercial acumen and practical, solution-focused advice, Barry has built long-standing global client relationships. Legal directories praise his work as “top-notch, always succinct and to the point, and extremely practical,” with one client noting, “he is, in my view, the best out there.” Another commented on the value of his support during a period of business growth, highlighting the confidence Barry brings to complex project environments.

Barry has represented clients in high-stakes disputes before the UK Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and the Technology and Construction Court. He is also a two-time DE&I award finalist (2024 and 2025), acknowledged for his leadership in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and serving as an ambassador for change.

His project portfolio includes some of the world’s most iconic leisure and sports developments, such as the London Eye, Sydney Tower, and the Aquatics Centre for the London 2012 Olympics. He regularly advises on global projects across Australasia, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Barry is a board member of the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a member of the Society of Construction Law. He is a recognised thought leader in construction law, contributing to leading texts including Knights on Building Regulations Law, Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents, and Cockram’s Manual of Construction Agreements. His articles have appeared in The Times, Estates Gazette, and other respected publications.

Barry is a seasoned speaker, having presented at Chatham House, Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the Houses of Parliament, and international forums including the UK-China Rule of Law Roundtable. He brings deep insight and practical expertise to every speaking engagement.

Contributed to

2

Aviation Projects—a construction law Practice Note (England and Wales)
Aviation Projects—a construction law Practice Note (England and Wales)
Practice Notes

With thanks to Rufus Hart and Prumjot Soor for additional research in the preparation of this Practice Note.IntroductionThis Practice Note provides an overview of construction projects in the aviation sector, focusing on England and Wales. It is aimed at construction lawyers and assumes familiarity with core construction law concepts (including the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (HGCRA 1996)).Construction projects in the aviation sector range from routine maintenance and refurbishment works at operational airports to multi-billion-pound programmes involving new terminals, runway extensions, air traffic infrastructure, fuel storage facilities and associated transport links. Aviation-related construction also extends beyond airports themselves to manufacturing facilities, maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plants, logistics hubs and aerospace research and development campuses.Although increasing passenger demand, capacity constraints and competitive pressures may drive airport expansion and redevelopment projects, investment decisions are typically influenced by the airport's

Sports Projects—a construction law practice note (England and Wales)
Sports Projects—a construction law practice note (England and Wales)
Practice Notes

With thanks to Rufus Hart and Prumjot Soor for additional research in the preparation of this Practice Note.IntroductionThis Practice Note provides an overview of construction projects in the sports sector, focusing on England and Wales. It is aimed at construction lawyers and assumes familiarity with core construction law concepts, including the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (HGCRA 1996)) (for more information on HGCRA 1996, see HGCRA 1996—overview).Construction projects in the sports sector range from globally prominent, capital‑intensive developments (such as national stadia or major event venues) to routine but operationally sensitive works (such as refurbishment of training facilities or maintenance of existing grounds).While many underlying legal and contractual principles will be familiar to construction lawyers, sports projects frequently present distinctive challenges:•Unique commercial drivers (including broadcast and event revenue dependency)•Stakeholder complexities (owners, governing bodies, operators, local authorities and funders)•Programme risk profiles (fixed completion dates tied

Practice Area

Panel

  • Consulting Editorial Board

Qualified Year

  • 2000

Experience

  • Watson Farley & Williams LLP (2019 - Present)
  • Fladgate LLP (2015 - 2019)
  • Fenwick Elliott LLP (2008 - 2015)
  • Alfred McAlpine plc (2006 - 2008)
  • Rosling King LLP (2000 - 2006)

Membership

  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  • Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association
  • Society of Construction Law
  • Law Society

Qualifications

  • Master of Arts (1993)
  • Diploma in Law (Common Professional Examination) (1994)
  • Legal Practice Course (1996)

Education

  • King’s College, University of London (1989 - 1993)
  • Anglia Law School (1993 - 1996)

If you expected to see yourself on this page, click here.