Sam O’Callaghan
Sam O’Callaghan is an Associate in the Construction, Energy & Projects team, with expertise in complex contentious construction matters.
Sam was called to the Bar in 2014 before joining a construction law consultancy specialising in out of court dispute resolution (both nationally and internationally). Since starting at Capital, Sam has also qualified as a solicitor.
Sam has expertise in all forms of dispute resolution relevant to large construction / commercial disputes, with a notable focus on construction adjudication.
He has assisted clients throughout the supply chain, from funders, to employers, to contractors and specialist sub-contractors, covering both public and private sector clients. The experience of resolving disputes gives Sam unique insight on potential problems that need to be dealt with contractually. This helps with Sam’s contract drafting and negotiation offering.
Sam’s had articles and comments published in publications such as The Guardian and has appeared on BBC Radio Wales to address the ramifications of Carillion’s collapse.
Samuel O’Callaghan is an exceptional solicitor of vast knowledge. His skill set is second-to-none and offers pragmatic advice that is supported on solid legal foundations.
The Legal 500 2021
- Assisting a large repair and maintenance contractor with a £3million aged debt claim which was met by over £4million counterclaim. Involved 7 discrete Adjudications before being resolved by negotiation and a substantial payment for the aged debt.
- Commenced and defended several complex Adjudications on behalf of a contractor against a local authority – with the local authority claiming £14million for alleged defects.
- Defended local authority client in relation to a £5million dispute for additional payment. Commenced a proactive adjudication for a contractual determination which successfully defeated the £5million claim in its entirety.
- Drafting the contractual documents for a recommissioned wind turbine utilising a FIDIC Yellow Book 1999 form of contract.
- Advised FE college on procurement and contractual documentation for the £30million Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Academy.
- Assisted local authority through the procurement of a new Dry-Mixed Recyclate facility; which involved drafting the ITT, PQQ and drafting the construction documentation based on the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract.
- Adjudication
- Arbitration
- Commercial positioning and negotiation
- Litigation
- Mediation
Career
- Associate, Capital Law Limited (Nov 2020 – present)
- Solicitor, Capital Law Limited (Apr 2019 – Oct 2020)
- Paralegal, Capital Law Limited (May 2017 – Apr 2019)
- Dispute Resolution Consultant, Contract & Construction Consultants Limited (2014 – 2017)
- Director, Attica Law Limited (2014 – 2016)
Education
- BPP University: Legal Practice Course (2018)
- Cardiff University: Bar Professional Training Course (2014)
- Cardiff University: Law LLB (2010 – 2013)
Memberships / Trustee Positions
- The Law Society of England and Wales
- Member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
- Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators