Ian Smith is a Legal Director in the construction and engineering team and is based in our Cambridge office.
Ian has a wide range of experience in non-contentious construction work including preparing and negotiating all types of construction documents, including industry standard (such as JCT and NEC) and bespoke forms, acquisitions, project financing, and advising clients throughout the lifespan of a construction project.
He acts for a variety of clients including employers, contractors, consultants, funders, landlords and tenants on all aspects of construction law. Over his time as a construction lawyer he has worked on projects ranging from office buildings, hotels and mixed-use schemes to high tech automated warehouses and theme parks. Whilst primarily a transactional lawyer he has a wealth of experience in contentious work, advising on early dispute resolution and settlements, and has acted on adjudications and international arbitrations.
Ian has a wide range of experience on PFI/PPP projects, working on school, hospital, street lighting and highway projects. He has advised on varying project documentation, handback, and project disputes.
Recent work highlights
Lead on a major development project for a new landmark office building in the heart of Westminster, preparing and negotiating all construction documents and related issues and liaising with the client, client’s funders and the wider client team to resolve issues. Advised on options and process following the insolvency of the original contractor appointed for the development.
Advised a leading British ecommerce, fulfilment and logistics business on construction contracts for their fulfilment centres and their mechanical and handling equipment contracts.
Provided ongoing advice to a client’s members on the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and Building Safety Act 2022 including drafting template forms of appointment for the principal contractor and principal designer.
Experience & education
2026 Legal Director, Birketts LLP
2014 – 2026 Associate and Senior Associate, leading London law firm, construction team
2012 – 2014 Training contract, leading London law firm