SCL Council Election 2026: 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 cast 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 6PM on May 20th, 2026.

Candidates

Members may vote for up to 6 of these 10 candidates

Louise Forster -  Partner, Pinsent Masons
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: Andrea Stauber 
I am a Partner at Pinsent Masons and global co-head of the Construction Advisory Disputes team. I have been involved in resolving all types of construction disputes both domestic and international for over 28 years. I have been on the SCL Council for 3 years and have enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to do something for the SCL community. If re-elected, I would aim to continue involvement in the London talks, collaborating also with the Regional Talks. I am also keen to re-engage with Quarterly Legal Updates delivered by leading KCs for the benefit of all of the Members. 

Sean Sullivan Gibbs – Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Dispute Board Member & Adjudicator
Proposer: Hamish Lal,  Seconder: Jonathan Cope
I am standing for re election after two terms on Council, during which I have worked to strengthen the SCL’s international reach, modernise its activities, and support a more inclusive and accessible Society. A member since 2003 across the UK, Gulf, Hong Kong and India branches, I have contributed actively to the International, Equality & Diversity, Conference and Expert Workshop committees. With one final term, I want to complete ongoing modernisation initiatives and ensure the SCL continues to serve all members wherever they are based and whatever stage of career they are at. I would be grateful for your support.

Michael Levenstein - Barrister, Accredited Mediator and Adjudicator
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: Andrea Stauber
It has been a privilege to serve on Council since 2023, during which time I have held various responsibilities including:
Chairing the Hudson Prize essay competition (which has seen record numbers of entries) and promoting scholarly publications in the SCL Journal;
Charing the Grants, Scholarships & Universities committee (which has supported cutting-edge ESG research, funded PhD candidates, sponsored numerous academic prizes and provided free SCL Journal access to universities); and
Co-organising Astra international conferences.
If re-elected, I would build upon the progress made and strengthen links between the courts and TCC Users’ committee by inviting greater feedback from members. 
 
Dr Laura Lintott - Solicitor Advocate and Counsel at Watson Farley & Williams LLP; Deputy District Judge and International Arbitrator.
Proposer: David Sawtell KC, Seconder: Wendy Coggan  
Experience organising events (black tie, book launches, talks, seminars, conferences). Counsel; Deputy District Judge. Co-authored 2 books: “The History of the Technology and Construction Court”; “Wilmot-Smith Darling on Construction Contract”; authored book: “Party Wall disputes: The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and Beyond” and 44 articles. Regular speaker (LIDW, Construction Law Summer School, KCL, podcasts). Advised Law Commission on Arbitration Act reforms on KCL 7-member Taskforce; House of Lords on fire safety. Obtained High Commendation and Commendation from SCL (Australia). Teach at KCL (Visiting Fellow); Cambridge University. CIArb Fellow, international arbitrator, mentor, twice finalist: Women & Diversity in Law Awards.

Mark Mills - Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Quantum Expert at J.S. Held
Proposer: Rebecca Shorter, Seconder: David Falkenstern
I have been an engaged SCL member since 2008. I’m passionate about the mentorship programme and as a Council member, will create further opportunities for individual networking and knowledge-transfer between members. I will engage with new technology, investigating how best (and appropriately) SCL embraces AI in its research and its published content. I would look to grow membership by increasing exposure, contribution and prominence in newer and more diverse industries and construction markets and develop links with their representative bodies. I will work to ensure that SCL is well-placed for the future and adapting to the ever-changing global market.

Jessica Neuberger - Solicitor, Partner Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Proposer: David Falkenstern, Seconder: Matthew Taylor
I am a partner in the Construction and Engineering Disputes team at Eversheds Sutherland and have been on the SCL Council for the past three years. 
I would very much like to continue my time on the SCL Council working with fellow members of Council to build on the SCL’s offering to its membership and its reach.  In particular I would be keen to: (i) continue working with the Regional Coordinator teams to support in person events at a local level; and (ii) resurrect the virtual Quarterly Case Law Updates, which together provide a varied scope of content, format and interface for the membership.

Sara Paradisi - Partner and Co-Head of International Arbitration at Rosenblatt Law
Proposer: Shy Jackson, Seconder: David Robertson
I am a Partner at Rosenblatt Law with over 18 years’ experience in complex construction and engineering disputes. I have practised in both the UK and Singapore and advised on disputes arising from projects worldwide. I am standing for Council to contribute more actively to a Society I value highly. The SCL’s strength lies in its unique mix of lawyers, consultants and experts; I would champion practical, cross-disciplinary engagement through its events and publications. If elected, I will bring an energetic, internationally focused perspective and help ensure the Society remains relevant, inclusive and forward-looking for all members.

Lucy Preston – Solicitor Mantle Law, London
Proposer: Andrea Stauber, Seconder: Sue Kim
I am a Senior Associate practising in construction and energy disputes, both internationally and domestically.  If elected to Council, I would be keen to contribute to initiatives that support the next generation of practitioners and the continued evolution of construction law. In particular, I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in technology focused initiatives, the mentoring programme (from which I have already benefited), Astra and ED&I work. I would bring energy, organisation and a collaborative approach to Council, and would be committed to supporting the Society’s role in promoting excellence, engagement and practical thought leadership across the construction industry.

Waqas Tariq, Senior Legal Counsel (Higher Rights of Audience, Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator), Great Britain, Ireland & the Netherlands, KONE plc, Woking
Proposer: Brenda Albert, Seconder: Stephen Evans
I am standing for election to the SCL Council to contribute my experience as a Senior Legal Counsel specialising in construction law. Having worked across contentious and non-contentious matters, and as an accredited mediator, I bring balanced judgement, practical insight, and a collaborative approach. I am committed to supporting the Society’s educational, mentoring and industry-shaping initiatives. With experience leading a legal team, delivering training, and influencing governance within a major international organisation, I aim to bring energy, clarity and constructive thinking to Council. I would be honoured to support the SCL’s continued growth and impact.

Georgia Whiting - Barrister, Capita PLC (Legal Counsel, Contentious Construction)
Proposer: Theresa Mohammed, Seconder: Jo Lewis
Following a decade of experience at the self-employed Bar, I transitioned to an in-house position three years ago. I now deal solely with contentious construction.
Construction wasn’t always an obvious career choice for me, and it took time and an MSc at King’s College to truly realise how rewarding this area of law and industry can be. If elected, I’ll focus on making construction law more open and accessible to as many as possible—because we all benefit when a wider range of voices and experiences are involved. Diversity of thought strengthens decision-making, improves outcomes, and keeps our profession relevant.