Alice McDonnell
Managing Associate
Alice is a leading construction and engineering disputes expert. She works in both domestic and international contexts and has experience working for a broad range of clients.
Managing Associate
Alice is a leading construction and engineering disputes expert. She works in both domestic and international contexts and has experience working for a broad range of clients.
Alice McDonnell specialises in guiding a diverse range of clients through intricate construction and engineering disputes, both domestically and internationally. Her clientele includes international governments, publicly listed companies, and corporate groups, all of whom benefit from her strategic insight and commercial acumen. Alice's experience spans high-stakes international arbitration, litigation, and advisory work, making her a sought-after advisor in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Alice provides comprehensive dispute resolution services, including international arbitration under ICC and UNCITRAL rules, domestic arbitrations, and expert determinations. Her work often involves complex defect claims, contract repudiation, and breach of statutory warranties, where she excels in managing technical experts and navigating multifaceted legal landscapes. Her ability to quickly assess financial and practical implications ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Clients value Alice's ability to think beyond traditional legal frameworks, drawing on her experience in third-party legal funding to offer a unique perspective on case management. Her reputation for building strong client relationships and delivering results in challenging environments sets her apart as a trusted partner in dispute resolution.
Commercial litigation - Luxury residential and retail development
Acting in High Court proceedings for the owners of a major residential and retail development in South-West London against a main contractor. The claim relates to substantial and complex defects principally concerning corroded pipework and butterfly valves throughout the building.
Commercial litigation - UK hotel dispute – Adjudications and enforcement proceedings
Acting for a UK developer against its contractor in two adjudications concerning the entitlement to and proper measure of liquidated damages and the final account. The project was delivered under a JCT contract with bespoke amendments and involved the construction of a hotel. High Court enforcement proceedings are also underway in respect of the Adjudicators’ decisions.
Constructing and engineering dispute resolution - EPC Contractor – ICC arbitrations
Acting for an internationally based Contractor on separate ICC arbitrations arising out of the same project, a major biomass power plant construction dispute. The first arbitration was against the civil works subcontractor, in relation to a bespoke contract. The second against the electrical and instrumentation works to the fuel handling system and boiler.
Constructing and engineering dispute resolution - Major upgrade works dispute to skyscraper, Manchester
Acting for the owners of a skyscraper in Manchester in relation to major upgrade works which has involved active dispute management & avoidance and advice work with respect to the main contractor.
Dispute resolution - Domestic arbitration under railway concession agreement
Acted for a major concessionaire / train operator in a domestic arbitration convened under the Railway Industry Dispute Resolution Rules and Arbitration Act 1996 concerning a particular point of contractual interpretation under the concession agreement with significant payment implications.
Dispute resolution - High Court proceedings – Residential home in Notting Hill
Acting for the owners of an Edwardian residence in Notting Hill in High Court proceedings following the design and build of a substantial basement which leaked extensively and had to be gutted and rebuilt.
Construction and engineering - ICC arbitrations for major transport infrastructure project
Assisted on separate ICC arbitrations concerning a major transport infrastructure dispute in the GCC. One arbitration concerned a main works package under an amended FIDIC yellow book contract. The other concerned claims against the Consultant Engineer in relation to multiple works packages.
Construction and engineering - Australian dispute management – State government transport sector
Part of the legal team for a politicised dispute relating to the termination of 4 major Government highway road contracts held between NSW state government and an Australian contractor that collapsed into liquidation. Scope included risk management post termination of contract, assisting in management of third party claims and the relationship with the Liquidator of the Contractor.
Energy and natural resources - Australian arbitration – Mining sector
Assisted on an Australian arbitration concerning a major Australian contractor’s claim against a mining operation for breach of contract and misleading and deceptive conduct.
The Middle East - ICC arbitration for major primary works infrastructure
Engaged on an ICC arbitration representing a state based developer in its dispute with its contractor arising from the construction of primary infrastructure works in the GCC. The arbitration involved multiple variation and delay claims and counter claims. Alice co-managed the defences for the delay case.
