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Edward is a specialist construction lawyer advising on all aspects of construction and property development. In addition to advising on procurement contracts, he advises on the construction law aspects of real estate and finance transactions. He is particularly well recognised for his work advising charities, high net worth individuals and independent schools.

Edward has a broad client base: he is happy advising all participants in the construction process, including construction clients, funders, contractors and consultants. Similarly, he also has a broad range of legal expertise. Whilst his primary skill set is in preparing and advising on construction contracts, he is also able to provide strategic advice on construction disputes. He is familiar with all of the industry leading standard form contracts, including some of the international forms.

Edward enjoys the diversity of his current practice. He enjoyed a successful early career advising on commercial developments, including a series of prominent brownfield warehouse projects and award-winning office redevelopments in the City of London. He still serves commercial clients, but he now also advises individual and institutional clients with more specific requirements. He is recognised in the legal directories as a leading adviser to charities, schools and high net worth individuals in relation to their construction projects.

Edward's strength is being able to adapt his approach to the specific requirements of each client. He regularly acts for institutional funders and purchasers and is familiar with their requirements, but he is also able to recognise that these standards are not appropriate or necessary for every construction project. He enjoys helping his clients establish the best approach to procurement for them.

Edward qualified as a solicitor in 2002.

Testimonials

"Edward Banyard Smith takes a complex file and clarifies it in a no-nonsense style. He is reachable, keeps his deadlines and solves the case. He knows the construction market very well, which helps in contract negotiations." (Legal 500 2024)

"Edward Banyard Smith has an in-depth knowledge of construction." (Legal 500 2024)

"Edward Banyard Smith is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, responsive and efficient. He strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly." (Legal 500 2023)

"Edward Banyard Smith has a calm and reassuring approach combined with a deeply impressive level of knowledge and expertise" (Legal 500 2023)

Edward is recommended by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners legal directories: "Edward Banyard Smith of Farrer & Co LLP advises a varied client base, including charities, schools and high net worth individuals, who appreciate his "calm, confident and reassuring manner." He is well versed in the construction elements of real estate developments."

"Edward Banyard Smith is always extremely helpful, practical and quick to respond to requests from us." (Legal 500 2022)

"Edward Banyard Smith has an in-depth knowledge in this field of law which especially includes new techniques such as building information modelling." (Legal 500 2021)

"Edward Banyard Smith is always available and happy to provide his advice which we have, without fail, found to be highly reliable, on point and commercially minded." (Legal 500 2021)

Memberships & Accolades

Along with Clive Lovatt, Edward co-edited the Second Edition of Construction Law & Practice (Sweet & Maxwell 2016) a comparative law book examining construction law worldwide. He also collaborated with Clive to produce Safe as Houses: A guide to building or restoring Super Prime Property, which was published in March 2017.

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