The Barton Legal Podcast

This episode features an illuminating conversation with Melissa Murphy KC of Landmark Chambers, offering a deep dive into her distinguished legal career and personal journey. Bill Barton sits down with Melissa, exploring her remarkable path in planning and environmental law since qualifying in 2001. The discussion provides an intimate look at her professional evolution, including her achievement o...

In this episode of the Barton Legal Podcast, Bill Barton delves into the critical legal concept of contract formation, specifically focusing on offer acceptance and the terms of contracting. Bill explores the five fundamental elements that constitute a legally binding contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and the mental capacity of parties to enter into t...

This episode features an engaging conversation with Keith Oliver, Head of International at Peters and Peters, offering listeners an intimate look into his professional journey and personal passions. Bill Barton sits down with Keith to explore the role of Head of International, delving into Keith's professional experiences and the evolving landscape of legal careers. The discussion provides insight...

In this episode of the Barton Legal Podcast, Bill Barton talks us through the prevalent issue of professional negligence within the construction industry. Bill discusses the various forms of professional negligence, the criteria for establishing liability, and the process of claiming damages. Key Takeaways: Understanding the common causes of professional negligence in construction projects. The im...

This episode features a conversation with Colin Marrs, Editor of Construction News, one of the industry’s leading publications. The discussion explores the role of journalism in the construction sector, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and the importance of effective communication. Key Takeaways: The influence of Construction News on the construction industry. The evolution of...

Join Bill Barton in this episode of the Barton Legal podcast to explore the distinct roles of solicitors and barristers in the legal process. The episode also touches on the increasing collaboration between solicitors and barristers in the modern legal landscape, facilitated by technology and changes in legal practice. Key Takeaways: Understanding the traditional roles of solicitors and barristers...

Bill Barton had the pleasure of speaking with Lindsay Scott, Chief Executive and Director of Clerking at 39 Essex Chambers, in this episode of the Barton Legal Podcast. The discussion delves into Lindsay's career journey, highlighting her achievements and the challenges she has overcome as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Key topics include: Paying homage to the late Paul Darling K...

In this episode of the Barton Legal Podcast, join Bill as he delves into the complexities of managing projects involving multiple contractors and subcontractors. Bill discusses the challenges that arise when attempting to bring a claim against the main contractor in such scenarios. Key topics include: The intricacies of delegable liability and its implications for legal claims. The importance of e...

Welcome to Season 4 of the Barton Legal Podcast! In this episode, Bill Barton is joined by Bill Jones, Deputy CEO of the Luminate Education Group and Executive Principal Leeds City College. Listen as they explore the intersection of education and law. The discussion covers the importance of skills development in the legal profession, the role of education in shaping future lawyers, and the broader...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by esteemed guest Len Bunton to discuss various aspects of the legal industry. Learn more about Len as he shares his insights on: How he is a ruthless campaigner for change in the law industry His background in quantity surveying and his specialisation in dispute resolution The quality of adjudication and the evolution to the...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by Sanjay Patel KC. Listen to Sanjay and Bill have a friendly chat while also getting insights into the following: Sanjay’s background, university life and how he ended up in law after beginning his journey in an English degree Project controls, mathematics influence and the bottom line His first arbitration and hearing of ove...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by Alison Mirams, the former CEO of Roberts, to discuss their experiences and insights in the construction industry. In this engaging episode, Bill and Alison cover several important topics: The importance of mentorship and networking in the construction industry The need for industry reform and its potential impact on the sec...

In this solo episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, Bill Barton discusses exemption clauses. Bill touches on the following: What exemption clauses are What the effective scope of exemption clauses is and examples Understanding what exemption causes ask of and prevent Evidence of cooperation: Emails, Signatures, Wording etc. Strategy controls: Unfair contract terms 1977. And more! More Barton Legal B...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by Sir Rupert Jackson to discuss the reform of the civil justice system in the UK and its impact on construction law. Listen to Sir Rupert and Bill talk about the proposed changes to the legal system while also getting insights into the following: The potential impact of fixed recoverable costs on the legal system The proposal...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by esteemed guests Anna Laney KC and Simon Howarth KC to discuss various aspects of the legal profession. Learn more about our guest speakers as they share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in the legal field, including: Diversity and inclusion in the legal profession Enhancing the interaction between instruct...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by the brilliant Dr Donald Charrett, a member of the FIDIC President’s List of Adjudicators. Learn more about our guest speaker as Bill and Donald discuss why Donald decided to undergo an engineering degree and what appealed to him most. The conversation also delves into a discussion on the future of dispute boards, including:...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by friend and tailor Dale Rhodes. In this friendly and light-hearted discussion, Bill and Dale speak on: How bespoke tailoring works The importance of tailoring and ‘dressing to fit in.’ Some exciting stories of famous customers from Dale A little bit of Leeds United! Connect with Dale LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/da...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton discusses frustration. Frustration in contract law refers to a situation where an unforeseen event occurs after the formation of a contract, rendering its performance impossible, illegal or fundamentally different from what the parties originally intended. In this educating yet bitesize discussion, Bill touches on: What is frustration,...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by Rachel Gwilliam, Senior Legal Manager at Bouygues Energies & Services. Listen to Rachel and Bill talk about all things construction law while also getting to learn more about Rachel and get insights into the following: How Rachel is interested in the problem-solving aspect of Law What Rachel particularly likes about...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton is joined by a member of the Law Society, Nick Emmerson. In this exciting episode, Bill and Nick discuss some great topics: Follow through Nick’s exciting education and year abroad in Japan More on Nick’s views on learning Japanese An in-depth conversation on what it really means to be a Solicitor Connect with Nick LinkedIn - https://ww...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton discusses Force Majure. In contract law, force majeure is a common clause in contracts which essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties occurs. Listen in as Bill answers all your questions: What is Force Majure? Was it beyond the control of th...

Bill Barton leads us through another exciting topic in this episode, exploring in detail good faith in NEC Contracts and some more general information on good faith. Join Bill in this enriching discussion as he touches on a range of topics, including: NEC's rivalry with FIDIC The principle of Good Faith and how this isn't incorporated into UK law The Latham Report 1994 Obligation Clauses Real-life...

In this episode, our host, Bill Barton, takes us through termination notices, providing notices and what critical elements these notices need to include and other interesting steps in the termination process. In this informative discussion, Bill also discusses: Termination of a construction contract done right The difference between FIDIC, JCT and NEC4 Reasons for termination Insolvency liquidatio...

In this episode of The Barton Legal Podcast, host Bill Barton speaks with Roberta Downey, Head of International Construction, and Partner at Vinson & Elkins. With over 30 years of experience in commercial dispute resolution, Roberts is here to share nothing short of stellar expertise and knowledge. It's an invigorating conversation, where Bill and Roberta cover: Introducing Roberta and her man...

In this episode, Bill Barton dives into a lively discussion on the repudiation of construction contracts as this is something that crops up more and more and a topic which often lands on his desk for advisory help. This commonly misconceived aspect of construction law made for a fantastic episode where Bill covers: What repudiation of construction contracts is The serious repercussions that can oc...