Archor is born!

Six senior construction lawyers have broken away from a well-known Top 100 law firm to set up a new niche practice, Archor LLP. Archor (pronounced aa·chuh, in case you weren’t sure) launched today – 1 June 2021.

We are a boutique construction law firm offering support across the construction industry. We are already proud to boast an impressive client base including developers, contractors and consultants – many household names and leaders in their fields. We are extremely grateful for their support – and vote of confidence in what we offer.

Based near Colchester in Essex, we have partners in Essex, Suffolk, Cambridge and Norwich. Our six founding partners are Andrew Rush, Ruth Sunaway, Carolyn Porter, Hanna McNab, Oli Worth and Rory Abel. Between them they have a wealth of experience in dealing with all aspects of construction law.

Andrew Rush, our senior partner, is well-known across the industry. Previously an engineer, he advises on disputes, contracts, and general strategy. Andrew Rush commented: “As the elder statesman of Archor, it is a privilege for me to be working with some of the best lawyers in the construction law field, meaning all our clients can be guaranteed the best advice”. He also noted he remains the least photogenic person on earth (see our front page)

Ruth Sunaway, our managing partner, is another well-known name. Her primary focus is high value litigation and she brings with her as a large and loyal client following. Carolyn Porter, Hanna McNab and Oli Worth are also dispute specialists, with particular expertise in construction adjudication and the ability to manage construction disputes. Rory Abel brings a different angle, being a development specialist with a particular focus on the care, residential and hospitality sectors.

The strength of the disputes experience, and Rory’s unparalleled knowledge of and contacts in development work, ensures that we are a one stop shop for all construction law needs. On the disputes side, we act for clients both bringing and defending claims. More often than not that is through adjudication, but our partners also have vast experience in litigation, arbitration, expert determination, and all other forms of dispute avoidance and resolution. On the non-contentious side, we act for all parties involved in development projects, assisting them to put in place any necessary finance, development, joint venture, purchase or lease agreements and the associated construction documentation.

We aim to be a modern take on an old model. As a new and forward-thinking law firm, we will always put clients’ needs first and give not only expert legal advice but also commercially sound support. We can service all construction law needs, and have the flexibility to work with clients in a way that best suits their needs and goals.

Rory Abel confirmed: “I believe there is a real gap in the market for a specialist construction firm who offer expert advice in a way which is responsive and personable. Clients regularly highlight how they have great relationships with their lawyers specialising in other areas but fail to deliver across the board – full service does not always mean best service. We provide that specialist construction experience to give clients exceptional service”.

All of us at Archor are all very excited to get to work. Carolyn Porter noted that “this is an exciting new chapter for all of us and I’m really looking forward to seeing Archor grow and thrive along with our valued clients and contacts”.