• Office
  • Faviell House
  • 1 Coval Wells
  • Chelmsford
  • Essex
  • CM1 1WZ
  • Tel: 01245 453800

Peter Allen

Partner, Head of the Dispute Resolution Department

I am the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department. I am easily accessible, and available to assist at short notice. I am able to give expert advice in many different areas of law. I am based in our Chelmsford office, and am available for a free 15 minute chat on 01245 453813.

I provide clear commercial advice and am an expert in commercial litigation. I deal with claims in the Commercial Court, Technology and Construction Court, High Court and County Court. I advise on contract disputes, including sales of goods and services, and also on partnership and shareholder disputes, professional negligence claims, breach of warranty claims, claims arising from the sale of businesses and other business disputes.

I give expert advice in construction law. I advise on project documentation, such as JCT Contracts, NEC Contracts, other main contracts, subcontracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties, guarantees and bonds. I also advise on construction disputes such as non-payment, extensions of time, loss and expense, defects, breaches of contract and negligence. I deal with these claims in adjudication, court proceedings, arbitration and mediation.

I am a member of the Society of Construction Law, member of TeSCA (The Technology and Construction Solicitors Association), a member of the Notaries Society and ADR Group Accredited Mediator.

When I am not in the office, I can be found enjoying a glass of red wine or enjoying sport, in particular cycling, tennis and rugby. I am also a Bonsai tree enthusiast.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Qualified as a Solicitor in 1993
  • LLB Hons Degree
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Notarial Studies from University of Cambridge
  • ADR Group Accredited Civil and Commercial Mediator
  • Member of Society of Construction Law, member of the TeSCA (Technology and Construction Solicitors Association)
  • Member of the Notaries Society

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What our clients say

  • Head of department Peter Allen is commended by clients for his particular expertise in contracts and "detailed explanation of options." His contentious work is of particular note.
  • They have a real interest and professionalism individually and as a team always contactable and quick to respond. Legal 500, 2023
  • Birkett Long has a number of individuals with deep expertise in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious construction law. In terms of quality, they are a match for the big London firms, but they outdo them in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. I have both worked with on a number of cases and have referred others to them. Legal 500,2023
  • Thank you so much for your fantastic service, I am so glad that we have also chosen Birkett Long to deal with the purchase of a property for my mum here in the UK, the support and service has been great and very much appreciated.
  • Peter Allen is the standout partner. He thinks strategically and guides clients through complex disputes with great skill. He is always a pleasure to deal with. Suryen Nullatamby is an experienced associate who handles a number of his own cases. He has deep knowledge of construction disputes. Legal 500, 2023
  • Birkett Long LLPs excellent team has a huge knowledge of processes and procedure and is always able to provide efficient contribution to problems.The Legal 500
  • The team is a good size with a range of experience at different levels. It is well-organised and focuses on client care. -Legal 500 2024
  • Peter Allen of Birkett Long LLP has excellent knowledge of the law in relation to the construction industry
  • As a company we have used Peter Allen to resolve a number of disputes. His guidance has always been found to be well reasoned, thought out, sensible and commercial with his clients interests as his utmost priority. Daniel Sturman has completed numerous property transactions on our behalf and has met every deadline that he has needed to meet even in the most trying circumstances. Legal 500, 2023