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About us

Somerset Consult provide legal support services to the construction industry

Somerset Consult is a construction consultancy providing Legal Support Services to a diverse range of clients involved in all types of construction and development projects, in the UK and internationally.

Somerset Consult are highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of Construction, Development and Dispute Resolution, whether in adjudication, litigation, arbitration, or through mediation and negotiation.

Our team consists of professionals with experience of many facets of construction, including residential and commercial construction, mechanical and electrical engineering installations and civil engineering and large infrastructure projects.

Somerset Consult are engaged in numerous high profile projects including some of the largest public sector projects in the UK.

Our reputation has been earned by dedication to our quality of work and client satisfaction, considering each appointment on its own merits and adopting an appropriate methodology.

Our approach

Somerset Consult embrace and adapt to changes and challenges. We are focused on delivery and encourage our people at all levels to understand our client’s needs and using this knowledge, to drive continuous improvement.

Somerset Consult seek to maintain the following core values:

Professionalism

We uphold high standards and the obligations that govern our profession.

Passionate

We care deeply about our clients and the service we provide.

Integrity

Honesty and transparency are at the core of everything we do.

Agile

We respond quickly with a dedicated, swift level of service.

Innovative

We keep learning and improving how we deliver our services.

Confidential

Our clients trust us with their business, and we protect that.

Meet the team

David is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and has over forty years’ experience in all forms of construction in the UK and Internationally. David is a highly respected independent Expert (and given evidence in numerous court and arbitration proceedings), many of the appointments in respect of multi million projects. In addition, David represents parties in Adjudication, is a Mediator and a recognised Expert Determiner. David gives regular procurement advice on a variety of contracts. He also gives advice on strategies and risk analysis to clients to ensure their success.

David Somerset

Director

Chartered Quantity Surveyor
BSc LLB(Hons) FRICS FCIArb FAE
Alex is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and has over twenty five years’ experience in infrastructure, residential and commercial projects. Alex has led the commercial delivery of large residential schemes and infrastructure projects, managing the strategic procurement of materials and commodities. Alex has been involved in projects from inception to completion, including involvement with scheme designs, costings, contract administration, financial control, site inspection and quality control. Alex acts as an independent Quantum Expert Witness and is instructed by solicitors, private clients and in house lawyers as part of claims teams working closely with barristers, lawyers and other Experts.

Alex Nielsen

Director

Chartered Quantity Surveyor
BSc(Hons) MRICS MCIArb MAE
Philippa has been an integral part of the business for the past nine years. She brings a broad skill set built across marketing, growth, accounting and human resources and is known for being ambitious, dedicated and goal-driven. She is currently completing a Postgraduate MBA as part of her ongoing professional development.

Philippa Somerset

Company Secretary

BA(Hons)
Jemma is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a substantial bank of skills and expert knowledge across a range of commercial functions. Her experience has developed across a number of high profile projects in London over the past decade. Jemma has a proven track record in the management of multiple sub-contract packages and has developed considerable expertise in NEC and JCT contracts. Jemma has an exceptional eye for detail and is an extremely focused and goal driven individual who is passionate about continued professional development and career progression within the construction industry.

Jemma Hirani

Chartered Quantity Surveyor

BSc(Hons) MRICS
Harleen is a highly organised Legal Secretary supporting the Expert Witness and claims teams on construction and engineering disputes. She draws on a foundation in quantity surveying and quantum support gained across major infrastructure, residential, and commercial projects. Harleen reviews contracts and technical evidence, prepares structured analyses, timelines, and bundles, and helps produce clear, concise reports for adjudications, mediations, hearings, and client meetings.

Harleen Grewal

Legal Secretary

Sophie is responsible for the smooth and effective operations of the business. She coordinates the operation of the works and is responsible for implementing systems and processes that support organisational productivity and growth.

Sophie Russell

Operations Manager

Harry manages the accounts at Somerset Estates, ensuring the smooth and accurate handling of all financial operations. With over eight years of experience in computerised accounting, he brings a calm, organised approach and supports the team with efficiency, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Harry Badh

Accounts Manager

Kristis holds an Honours Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate. Kristis is responsible for the day to day coordination and management of information and Reports, including building surveys, liaising with law firms, clients and consultants on a daily basis. Kristis reviews supporting evidence and assists senior members of Somerset Consult in Adjudications, Quantum Claims and Expert Reports.

Kristis Doritis

Building Surveying Manager

BA(Hons) MSc
Garry is a highly experienced Building Repairs Surveyor, with over twenty years’ construction industry experience within the residential, public and commercial sectors. Garry’s expertise and knowledge includes the diagnosis and management of property repair works including penetrative and rising damp and drainage issues. Garry also provides health and safety advice regarding fire regulations and other statutory guidance.

Garry Tinkler

Consultant, Building Surveyor

BSc(Hons)
Charles O’Neil has forty years’ experience in construction and facilities management, predominantly D&C and PPP projects, in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, UK, Europe, Canada and Chile. Currently Charles specialises in risk management and dispute resolution for infrastructure projects, as an arbitrator, DAB member, expert witness and neutral negotiator, participating in more than 160 disputes internationally. Charles is a regular speaker at international conferences and guest lecturer at universities and has published several Papers on dispute resolution and risk management, including the book “Human Dynamics in Construction Risk Management” and “Global Construction Success” in 2019.

Charles O’Neil

Senior Consultant, Chartered Arbitrator, Accredited Mediator

DipArb FCIArb
Ray is an experienced Consultant and Chartered Construction Manager. During his twenty year career, Ray has built an excellent track record and particular expertise of successful management across multi-disciplinary developments. Ray has a substantial bank of skills and expert knowledge having been involved in several high-value and complex construction projects across London, including the regeneration of Stratford and Finsbury Park. Ray regularly assists with surveying works and reports, holding extensive building related knowledge and expertise.

Ray Goddard

Chartered Construction Manager and Consultant

MCIOB
Douglas Payne is a specialist Mechanical & Electrical Senior Consultant in the building services sector. He has spent over forty five years’ working within a range of varying areas. Douglas has extensive experience within the design and construction phases of building services, covering many aspects and includes commercial, industrial, retail, education, health and residential schemes. In recent years he has particularly specialised in high end residential projects which include the design, project administration and assistance with disputes.

Douglas Payne

Senior Consultant

BSc(Hons)
Steve has spent almost twenty five years’ as a practicing attorney. Steve has operated as an independent consultant specialising in construction law for approximately twenty years. He is a fellow of the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa), having successfully completed the Association’s accreditation course and specialisation in the Construction Law course. Steve has considerable experience in both adjudications and arbitrations of disputes arising from the JBCC, GCC , FIDIC and NEC agreements in use in Southern Africa.

Steve du Toit

Senior Claims Consultant – South Africa

(BA) LLB SCL FAArb
Christine has worked in a number of customer services and receptionist roles. Christine has excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail and ensures a smooth delivery of business activities and office support.

Christine Bryant

Business Support