Experience 

In 2008 Nick Henchie was rated as one of the Top 100 lawyers in the UK by The Lawyer’s Hot 100 publication (being the only named Construction lawyer). Nick has a wide range of experience, focusing on contract advice and procurement strategy, as well as dispute resolution of construction, engineering and power generation/energy disputes all over the world.  His experience covers projects, international disputes and arbitrations in Singapore, Hong Kong, St. Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan, India, Egypt, Panama, Qatar, UAE, Caspian Sea and various European countries.

Nick advises in relation to expert determination, mediation and conciliation, has conducted advocacy in arbitration, adjudication, dispute review and adjudication boards and other forms of dispute resolution.  He acts on disputes involving detailed technical construction and engineering issues (defective works, delay claims, claims for loss and expense, etc.), in relation to many types of engineering and construction projects, professional indemnity claims against design consultants and representing PI underwriters in professional negligence claims.  Nick has conducted numerous pieces of high profile litigation in the Technology & Construction Court, various major arbitrations and a number of adjudications, representing  various entities in the sector, from contractors and consultants as well as clients and developers.

Regarded as a leading expert on the FIDIC international forms of construction contract upon which Nick has advised major international developers and contractors both at contract formation and tender stage and when disputes arise under these forms.   Nick was elected Chairman of the International Bar Association (“IBA”) Committee on FIDIC Contracts.

Nick is of "the highest grade of professionalism and efficiency" (Legal 500, 2009).  Chambers & Partners UK Directory 2009 notes that he "is acknowledged by market observers as a rising force, making waves wherever he goes.  One appreciative client remarked: 'He works hard for as long as it takes to get something done, looks at the whole picture and is down-to-earth - we love working with him.'" Clients describe him as "an excellent guy" and "a brilliant strategist" who uses his "smooth negotiation skills to win the day" (Chambers UK Directory 2008 ). Chambers UK 2007 says of Nick, "Boasting great experience of adjudication, he's up to speed on recent case law and is extremely responsive," and adds that "barristers praise his work in this arena and are equally complimentary about his showing in a mammoth ICC arbitration relating to a Jordanian oil plant."  Previously Chambers described him as "up and coming" and a "combative litigator,” "who has carved out a reputation via both strong technical skills and the additional profile afforded by 'Building Magazine' column.”   The UK Legal 500 2006 observed that clients call Nick "always practical, focused, knowledgeable and prompt," while he was highly regarded in the Legal 500 directory (2004) as "continuing to impress.” He joined Mayer Brown in 1993, and was named a partner in 2003.

Notable Engagements 

• Seconded to a major client, General Electric, and, on their behalf, negotiated international construction contracts with various governments, EPC contractors and IPPs around the world for supply of gas turbines and construction of power stations.  Negotiated power contracts in Israel, Italy and Spain. 
• Currently advising a major offshore pipelay and subsea construction company in disputes concerning delays and cost overruns on an off shore gas field in the Bay of Bengal.
• Currently acting as procurement counsel for the Panama Canal Authority in relation to the $5.25 billion expansion project, in work that includes advising and drafting a variety of design and construction contracts.
• Advised a chemical company on cost and time overruns on major alcohol process plant in Northern Europe.
• Represented a Jordanian company engaged in multi million dollar ICC arbitration proceedings against EPC contractor, engaged on FIDIC's Orange Book to design and build a process plant on the banks of the Dead Sea. Successfully defeated in its entirety contractors loss and expense and extension of time claim in excess of US$100 million. Dispute concerned responsibility for errors in FEED.
• Advised a Saudi Arabian company on warranty claims against EPC contractor on 250MW co-generation plant in Jubail City, Saudi Arabia.  Claims for blade fouling.
• Acted for turbine supplier on warranty claims exceeding US$100 million on independent water and power project in Middle East - claims include for blade replacement, excess rotor vibration and rubbing and water wash issues.
• Advised major chemical company on all aspects of the procurement of biodiesel plans in England and France.
• Advised major chemical company on claims arising on boiler plant in Northern England (MF/1 form of contract) against major international contractor.
• Advised on disputes arising out of one of Europe's largest major infrastructure projects, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link - all contracts based on target cost reimbursable contracts - issues concerned with Disallowable Cost provisions.
• Acted for steam turbine manufacturer (Franco Tosi Meccanica) on claims for force majeure and liquidated damages arising out of 730MW combined Heat & Power Plant, Immingham, UK.
• Currently representing major energy company in ICC Arbitration concerning a gas pipeline in the Middle East.
• Advised a major European contractor concerning a claim relating to the Olefins Plant in Saudi Arabia.
• Advised the owner in relation to a major dispute concerning defects in the gas turbines for a power plant in Saudi Arabia.
• Represented a contractor in relation to claims arising out of errors in FEED on a major oil and gas project in India.
• Represented a supplier of offshore platform and equipment regarding a major oil project in the Caspian Sea.
• Represented an employer in ICC arbitration proceedings against a design & build contractor concerning a process plant in Jordan, where total claims and counterclaims were valued at over US $300 million.
• Advising major chemical company on all aspects of the procurement of a chlorine plant, VCM plant, offsites and utilities at a site in Germany – contract part FIDIC based and part bespoke form of EPCM contract. Advised an employer on claims arising out of the design and responsibility for waterproofing of diaphragm walling in a major European civil engineering project under the NEC form of contract.
• Defending a design consultant in respect of claims of negligence in design and management of a fire training facility.
• Acting for a developer in claims for defective design against a design consultant.
• Served as adviser on the FIDIC forms of international construction contracts.
• Acted for a contractor in a long running arbitration in relation to a final account dispute arising out of the construction of a major hotel at Marina Square, Singapore.
• Represented a Brazilian contractor in LCIA arbitration proceedings and an appeal to the English Courts arising out of a major dispute concerning a hotel complex in St. Lucia.
• Acted in disputes arising out of a major engineering project in Hong Kong and arising out of an alleged failure of a carbon monoxide plant in Singapore and a power station in Scotland.

Education 

The College of Law, Guildford, 1992 • University College London, LLB (Hons), 1991

Admitted

• England and Wales, 1995