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Philip Norman

Partner

Portrait ofPhilip Norman

Philip Norman

Partner

Contact
CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
Cannon Place
78 Cannon Street
London
EC4N 6AF
United Kingdom
Languages English, Italian, French

Philip Norman is a partner in the CMS Infrastructure, Construction and Energy Team.  For nearly 30 years Philip has focused on international dispute resolution, with a specialism in international arbitration and project support in the energy and infrastructure sectors.  He has represented clients from over 35 countries in over 100 disputes in international commercial arbitration, adjudication (FIDIC DAAB), mediation, expert determination, and in negotiations. 

Philip was previously based in the Middle East for over a decade, from where he also undertook Africa work. Now based in London, Philip continues his international work.  In addition to representing clients as counsel, Philip often takes appointments as an arbitrator in complex and high-value disputes.

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Philip Norman impresses peers and clients who say he is “simply amazing; poised, calm and a very good lawyer” for construction matters.

Who's Who Legal, 2023

Philip Norman is described by clients as "very well established in the region and a very confident litigator." Other sources say that "he is excellent and possesses good commercial awareness." He has extensive experience in a wide range of disputes servicing clients in sectors such as finance, energy and infrastructure.

Chambers, 2018

Philip Norman is described by interviewees as "client-oriented" and as a lawyer who provides "fantastic practical advice." He is well versed in construction, TMT and banking disputes, and divides his time between Doha and Dubai.

Chambers, 2017

Philip Norman is recommended for construction and energy disputes and is acting in a number of complex arbitration cases.

Legal 500, 2016

Philip Norman is "very knowledgeable in the construction projects field," according to interviewees who also appreciate "his invaluable insight and local market expertise." He advises contractors and employers on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters.

Chambers, 2016

Philip Norman receives strong praise from sources, who respect his "extensive experience with the international construction industry and top-notch preparation and analysis."

Chambers, 2015

Philip Norman has ‘substantial legal experience and technical expertise, coupled with an eye for detail’.

Legal 500, 2015

“Philip is a ‘First-Rate’ Lawyer”

Legal 500, 2013

Philip Norman impresses peers and clients who say he is “simply amazing; poised, calm and a very good lawyer” for construction matters.

Who's Who Legal, 2023

Philip Norman is described by clients as "very well established in the region and a very confident litigator." Other sources say that "he is excellent and possesses good commercial awareness." He has extensive experience in a wide range of disputes servicing clients in sectors such as finance, energy and infrastructure.

Chambers, 2018

Philip Norman is described by interviewees as "client-oriented" and as a lawyer who provides "fantastic practical advice." He is well versed in construction, TMT and banking disputes, and divides his time between Doha and Dubai.

Chambers, 2017

Philip Norman is recommended for construction and energy disputes and is acting in a number of complex arbitration cases.

Legal 500, 2016

Philip Norman is "very knowledgeable in the construction projects field," according to interviewees who also appreciate "his invaluable insight and local market expertise." He advises contractors and employers on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters.

Chambers, 2016

Philip Norman receives strong praise from sources, who respect his "extensive experience with the international construction industry and top-notch preparation and analysis."

Chambers, 2015

Philip Norman has ‘substantial legal experience and technical expertise, coupled with an eye for detail’.

Legal 500, 2015

“Philip is a ‘First-Rate’ Lawyer”

Legal 500, 2013

Relevant experience

  • A US Engineering group and owner in respect of claims and disputes arising from an oil and gas field expansion project in the Middle East.
  • A main contractor in relation to disputes arising from the major civil construction of facilities for Expo 2020 in the UAE.
  • An East African Government on an ad hoc arbitration relating to the construction of a road, forming part of the Trans-African highway.
  • On disputes relating to well-working for LNG assets in Tanzania.
  • Major power suppliers and government off-takers in relation to a 500MW Solar Power Plant in North Africa.
  • On disputes in relation to a solar energy plant in South Africa.
  • A nuclear plant, disputes relating to construction, including delays, disruption and force majeure claims in Norway.
  • An owner in relation to numerous commercial disputes arising under power purchase agreement, lenders agreement, construction contract and government guarantees in the UAE.
  • An owner in relation to force majeure claims/change in law claims in respect of delays to supply power in Oman.
  • An owner in relation to disputes on quantum from the suspension of the construction of a gold mine. Ad Hoc in Chile.
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Memberships & Roles

  • 2022 - Present - Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators.
  • 2008 - Present - Roll of Solicitors of the Senior Courts of England and Wales.
  • 2005 - Present - Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
  • 1995 - Present (non-practising) - Bar of England and Wales (Lincoln’s Inn).
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Publications

  • 2023 - Guide to FIDIC – a comparison between 1999 and 2017 editions
  • Global Arbitration Review Guide to Construction Arbitration 2019 and 2021 – two chapters: Interim Relief, including Emergency Arbitrators; and Claims Resolution Procedures in Contracts
  • Chambers and Partners Practice Guides 2018 – construction for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates
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Education

  • Diploma en Francais niveau European
  • Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
  • LL.B (Hons.) English and European Law with French
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Expertise

Feed

01/03/2024
Pre-conditions to arbitration and the FIDIC 2nd Edition
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20/06/2023
Africa Energy Forum 2023
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11/05/2023
CMS strengthens Infrastructure, Construction and Energy Disputes team with...
International law firm CMS has appointed Philip Norman as a Partner in the firm’s Infrastructure, Construction and Energy (ICE) Disputes Team in London, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa. Philip...
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