Matthew Olorenshaw

Partner

London

Matthew has extensive experience of dispute resolution within the construction and engineering sphere.
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About Matthew

Bio
  • Biography

    Matthew’s main practice area involves advising major insurance clients on defending claims against construction professionals both in the UK and abroad, including architects, engineers, D&B contractors, and specialist consultants. He advises insurers regularly on complex and high-value policy coverage issues. 

    He has also acted directly, in major disputes, for parties on all sides of the construction industry in the UK and abroad, including employers, developers, main contractors, and subcontractors. Matthew is familiar with various

    standard form construction contracts, including JCT, NEC, and FIDIC. 

    Matthew has conducted large and complex pieces of litigation, arbitrations (including ICC), and adjudications. He is experienced in all forms of ADR, including mediation, negotiation, and expert determination. 

    Matthew's recent experience includes: 

    • Advising a major contractor on a multi-million pound dispute involving complex geotechnical engineering issues at a large infrastructure project 
    • Advising the insurance market on numerous claims arising from the insolvency of a large contractor, including advising on claims under the Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 
    • Advising insurers on a wide variety of fire-safety and cladding-related issues in respect of numerous major developments 
    • Successfully defending multi-million pound adjudication proceedings against a main contractor arising from various alleged defects (including lifts/M&E /external façades) at a high-profile office building 
    • Defending a claim against a firm of engineers arising from alleged fire safety defects at a large commercial development in London 
    • Defending a main contractor in respect of a claim arising from the design and installation of a seating system at a major events arena 
    • Advising on a claim against a firm of architects arising from the design and construction of a major road project in Scotland 
    • Advising on a claim against a main contractor arising from the design of the foundations for an onshore wind farm 

    Endorsements:

    Matthew is a ranked solicitor in the Chambers and Partners Guide, UK 2027, in the field of ‘Construction: Professional Negligence – London (Firms)’.

    Matthew’s 2027 profile confirms that he has particular experience representing architects, contractors, and their insurers in negligence claims alleging design and construction defects, and notes that "Matthew is an absolute star. He feels like part of the extended legal team". His 2026 profile says that "Matthew is absolutely superb and a pleasure to work with".

    Matthew is ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ for Professional Negligence in the 2027 Edition of the Legal 500. 

Sector Expertise
  • Insurance

  • Construction and Engineering

Service Expertise
  • Professional Liability

  • Construction and Engineering

  • Commercial Disputes

Office location

London

  • Woolgate
  • 25 Basinghall Street
  • London EC2V 5HA

+44 (0) 20 7242 1011

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