Sam O'Callaghan
Sam is an experienced construction lawyer with expertise in resolving disputes and unlocking problem projects.
Sam completed his Bar Professional Training Course in 2014 before joining a construction claims consultancy in Bristol specialising in Adjudication and Arbitration.
In 2017, Sam joined a Welsh-regional law firm and qualified as a Solicitor in the Construction, Energy and Projects team. Whilst in the law firm, Sam was ranked in Legal 500 for 4 years and recognised as a Leading Associate.
In May 2024, Sam set up OPC Law Limited to continue to deliver Construction and Procurement advice.
Case Studies
Non-contentious construction
- £20million highways contract dualling an existing A-road based on NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract.
- £30million City-centre development – repurposing 6-storey office block to residential with a 3-storey upwards extension based on JCT Design and Build Contract 2016. Including providing full package of security documents for two funders.
- £80million tripartite agreement for the funding, development and management of rail lines in Wales.
- £10million dry-mixed recyclate facility based on NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (case study on NEC’s website).
Construction disputes and problem projects
- Successful adjudication on behalf of a local authority for declaratory relief, defeating a £20million claim for additional payment under a JCT Measured Term Contract 2016.
- Represented a local authority on multiple disputes under a JCT Design and Build Contract 2016, totalling claims of £3million. Including extension of time, loss and expense, delay damages and defects claims. Successful adjudication for declaratory relief to defeat the claim in its entirety.
- Acting for local authority across multiple projects in dispute with demolition contractor with 3x final account adjudications.
Public Procurement
- Advising on the procurement of a package of three major national education projects totalling over £1billion. This included successfully defending multiple procurement challenges.
- Advising Universities procurement team on multiple procurement projects (including IT infrastructure, a £40million new build development, and soft facilities management services).
- Leading on the procurement of a long-term engineering services contract for three local authorities utilising the NEC4 Term Service Contract with an anticipated total value in excess of £70 million.
Memberships
Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Quotes
‘Phenomenal’ associate Samuel O’Callaghan has ‘in-depth knowledge on a wide variety of construction contracts’ and is also “well regarded for his contentious skills. ~Legal 500 2023
Our People
The team at OPC Law combines deep industry expertise with a client-focused approach, offering tailored legal solutions across a range of construction, procurement, and dispute matters.
