I represent clients across the construction industry, helping them avoid and resolve disputes. I have experience of working on problems arising out of civil engineering, energy and construction projects, using processes including mediation, adjudication, conciliation, litigation and arbitration.

Tel: +44 (0)121 629 1852

Email: daniel_wood@wragge.com

Best brains in...

Working on several very large cases has helped me become experienced in the technicalities of construction processes: I am currently becoming an expert on chalk! I maintain a very firm grip on current case law, which is essential in my field, and have experience of acting on all of the principal forms of contract used by the industry.

Highlight of your career so far?

I advised the joint venture contractors in a long-running dispute arising out of the construction of an additional runway at a major international airport. It involved the formulation and presentation of a substantial delay and disruption claim. It also comprised the defence of a defective work counter-claim, which involved complex concrete technology and finite element analysis.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

The airport dispute was very challenging. The claim was important to my clients and the matter ran for several years. The issues involved were very complex and there was a significant amount of documentation to be marshalled, considered and distilled. These issues were coupled with having to co-ordinate a large team from a variety of disciplines, which needed to be focused, determined and motivated, despite the intense pressure.

What about outside the UK?

I help to manage the firm's relationship with one of our biggest multi-national clients, which requires me to work closely with lawyers from a number of jurisdictions.

How do you get under the skin of a client business?

One of my matters required me to live in Manchester for considerable periods at a time, working from my client's offices. This day-to-day involvement really helped me give advice that was tailored to my client's needs. Living in Manchester made me realise that it doesn't really rain that much in Birmingham after all!

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

Many of my matters involve complex expert opinions. In these cases, my role is to focus the expert on the issues of significance and then translate their views into the proper and most suitable legal framework. This is something that helps my clients achieve their objectives, which they value.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I recycle as much as possible and I offset the carbon emissions from my car.