Simon Baylis

My work consists of advising parties to major construction and engineering contracts in relation to the challenges they meet in performing their obligations. We have an unrivalled team that allows me to operate increasingly at a strategic level.

Tel: +44 (0)121 629 1841

Email: simon_baylis@wragge.com

Best brains in...

Understanding the construction and engineering industry, its people and the attraction of its technical and commercial challenges. The law, because in our field we use it. And knowing the specialist judges, key lawyers and experts who influence or decide the outcome; experience is everything!

Highlight of your career so far?

Being trusted by a long-standing client to take a high value and very complex case (both legally and technically) through proceedings in arbitration, the High Court and Court of Appeal, and clarifying the law en route.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

The Jubilee Line Extension - Green Park, through Westminster to Waterloo. Managing the litigation for a top-flight joint venture contractor. It was a testing time, in many respects.

When have you given your clients a competitive edge?

In litigation, the opposition is not always facing you. I once had a key representative of my client who was so exasperated with our opponent that he threatened a course of action which I was sure would backfire. I incurred his wrath by saying so and had to make myself pretty unpopular to convince the higher management of my client that I should take evasive action, on its behalf. We ended up in injunction proceedings, where the Q.C. for the other side described my intervention as 'desperately attempting to pull my client back from the brink'. The judge agreed and held that I had just succeeded. The result of that application altered the psychological balance of advantage between the parties and the case settled not long after, on good terms for my client.

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

The Alps Trek for SENSE and leaving my four-litre V8 in the garage and walking to work.

What's been written/said about you that you're most proud of?

Regarded as 'one of the best commercial lawyers you'll deal with anywhere in the country.' Chambers UK.