BARRY HEMBLING IS A PARTNER IN THE REAL ESTATE GROUP.

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-focussed 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, Emden’s Construction Law, the construction volume of the 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.

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  • Acting for the successful tenant and appellant in UK Court of Appeal proceedings to establish that statutory adjudication rights apply to collateral warranty claims.
  • Acting as construction law adviser to a firm of well-known architects on a global portfolio of construction projects, including projects in China, Japan, Russia and Middle East in addition to the UK.
  • Acting for a developer on the construction aspects of an acquisition and subsequent redevelopment of an existing building into a new 145 key "Moxy" branded hotel in central Manchester.
  • Acting on the construction aspects of a £76m redevelopment of a 500k sq. ft. site in the City of London involving the extension and conversion of an existing office building to create a new hotel plus the construction of 87 new homes and a public space.
  • Acting for a UK contractor in a termination of contract claim against a well-known housing association on a project for the construction of a £10m mixed use development scheme.

Education

  1. 1993 – 1996 Anglia Law School, Law
  2. 1989 – 1993 King’s College, University of London:Masters of Arts (MA), Associate of King’s College, London

Memberships and Associations

  1. Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association
  2. Society of Construction Law
  3. Solicitors Regulation Authority