Derek specialises in providing expert opinion and advisory services in matters of quantum, project management and commercial disputes. He also advises on delay-related matters, drawing on his engineering background and previous roles as an engineer and project manager. Derek has advised contractors, employers and project stakeholders on commercial exposure, claims strategy, contractual risk and dispute avoidance across complex construction, engineering and EPC projects. His expertise includes both the preparation of claims, as well as the independent evaluation, assessment and defence of claims in contentious and non-contentious settings.
His experience includes forensic reviews, claims evaluation, loss and expense, prolongation and disruption assessments, final account disputes, variation valuation and expert analysis on high-value construction and engineering disputes. He has been appointed as an expert on numerous matters and has prepared written evidence and expert determinations.
In addition to his expert and advisory work, Derek has held senior C-suite operational leadership roles within an oil and gas contracting group. This gives him practical, hands-on insight into the delivery of complex upstream and downstream projects, as well as the commercial and operational strategies that arise during project execution.
Derek’s early career included rail, water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Ireland, before progressing into major industrial, process and energy projects across Europe and the Middle East. His combined technical, commercial and legal background enables him to provide clear, independent and defensible analysis that supports effective decision-making and dispute resolution.
Professional Achievements
- Over 23 years’ experience delivering and advising on complex construction, engineering and EPC projects across the Middle East and Europe.
- Leads ForensX’s Middle East offering, with a focus on quantum, commercial disputes, delay advisory and regional expert services.
- Appointed as an independent expert on high-value construction, engineering and commercial disputes.
- Experienced in the preparation, evaluation, assessment and defence of claims relating to variations, prolongation, disruption, loss and expense, final accounts and broader quantum matters.
- Former C-suite operational leader within an international oil and gas contracting group, combining expert analysis with practical project delivery experience.