SCL Council Election 2025: candidates

The following are the candidates standing for election to Council. For each candidate the names of their proposer and seconder are given, along with their election statement. All members have been emailed a link to caste their votes and reminders will be sent. If you have not received this email, please check your spam folder. If necessary be in touch with our webmaster. Voting closes at 7PM on May 8th, 2025.

Candidates

Members may vote for up to 5 of these 8 candidates

David Falkenstern, Construction delay expert employed by Kroll Advisory Ltd
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: John Tackaberry
I’m seeking re-election for a second term on the Society of Construction Law’s Council. As Acting Treasurer, I’ve worked on key initiatives, including the SCL Protocol, Hudson Prize, and the London Conference subcommittees. I’m passionate about supporting our members, fostering collaboration, and helping the Society grow. With my experience in these areas, I’m eager to continue contributing to our work and ensuring we remain at the forefront of construction law. I’d be grateful for your vote and the opportunity to keep pushing these efforts forward.

Omar Hamdan, Manager (emerging expert witness), Accuracy UK Ltd
Proposer: Holly Gavaghan, Seconder: Daniel Hostein
The SCL isn’t just about social events — it’s about connecting us to get better at what we do (though cheeky football banter never hurts). From the Hudson Prize to mock cross-examinations, it’s a space to share, learn and raise the bar. I’m Omar Hamdan, emerging expert at Accuracy. Outside the billable bubble, I’ve delivered lectures, hosted networking events and co-launched a student competition on expert work. I’d bring that energy to the Council by building on its brilliant work and offering a fresh take on championing experts, industry voices and students. My goal: share knowledge, spark connections and drive impact.

Daniel Johnson, Solicitor, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP
Proposer: Sue Kim, Seconder: David Coyne
I am a Senior Associate at HFW and a specialist in construction disputes, both in the UK and internationally. I am passionate about knowledge sharing and would like to serve the Society and wider industry to improve our collective expertise. If elected, I will be committed to further developing an inclusive environment where ideas thrive, and members are empowered to share their ideas. As a Council member, I will be highly motivated to further the excellent work of the Society, with fresh ideas for lectures, events and collaboration for the benefit of all members.

Anna Laney KC, Barrister, Crown Office Chambers
Proposer: Anthony Lavers, Seconder: Chris Sunderland
As a Construction specialist working both domestically and in the Middle East, the importance of the continued promotion and growth of Construction Law grows ever more apparent.  If elected, I would hope to promote and develop the SCL Mentoring Scheme across disciplines and jurisdictions through collaboration with CIARB, TeCSA, TeCBAR, CIOB and the numerous regional hubs that promote excellence in construction law. Two of the most important ways of fostering those critically important relationships are education and social events, and I look forward to the opportunity of developing those networks to ensure the continued development and success of the SCL.

Andrea Stauber, Partner, King & Spalding
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: Lucy Pearson
After three productive and fulfilling years on SCL Council (including last year as Secretary), I hope to be re-elected for a further term so that I can continue to drive forward the ongoing initiatives I am involved with. This includes further growing the Mentorship Programme; organising another successful Astra International Conference as well as other regular Astra events for our more junior members; working closely with the IT committee to make the SCL’s communications and website more accessible and user-friendly for our members; and strengthening ties with the international SCL community as International Liaison.

Matthew Taylor, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP
Proposer: Jessica Neuberger, Seconder: Chris Sunderland
I am a Partner in the Infrastructure, Construction and Energy disputes team at CMS with 20+ years’ experience resolving complex disputes. I am re-standing for election to Council to continue the work I have delivered since being elected in 2022. In particular, as part of the regional management team I am keen to support the fantastic work done by our regions delivering their programme of conferences, lectures and lunches. In the finance team I want to ensure the SCL has a long and sustainable future that continues to deliver the aims of the SCL and value to members.

Miranda Terry, Qualified architect, also Associate Professor of Professional Practice at the University of Cambridge
Proposer: Anthony Lavers, Seconder: Colin Jones
As someone who has benefited enormously from the activities of the Society of Construction Law, I would be delighted to contribute to the council. Having spent a significant part of my professional life organising and conducting the teaching of professional practice to emerging architects, I perceive there to be a strong connection between this work and the aspirations of the Society. We are entering a period of significant change in the construction industry. The more the different professions operating within the industry can be brought together to communicate with each other, the more understanding and improvements will follow.

Khaleda Wheeler, MRICS, FCIArb, Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Quantum Expert; Senior Director at Alvarez and Marsal
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: Hamish Lal
I am a quantum expert with 17 years’ experience in the construction industry. I currently sit as a co-opted member of the SCL council and have done so since November 2024. During my short tenure, I have been working with the regional sub-committee involved in the management and approval of regional events. Alongside this I am also heavily involved and instrumental in the development of the upcoming advocacy training workshop. I feel extremely privileged to be a member of council and would welcome and appreciate the opportunity to develop and continue valuable work on behalf of the SCL membership.