Partner
International Construction Disputes
“The most rewarding part of my practice is working with my clients to see their projects through from inception to completion. By immersing myself and my team in my client’s business, we better understand their objectives. As a result, our advice is more practical, focused, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.”
Scott is a leading international construction disputes lawyer, and focuses his practice on complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes in both arbitration and litigation. With a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors, he represents owners, contractors, and specialists typically in high-value and complex disputes arising from major projects. This diverse client base gives Scott a unique depth of practical knowledge and experience. He is also widely recognized as an authority in disputes under FIDIC forms of contract.
Beyond representing clients in legal proceedings, Scott provides strategic advice during project execution, helping clients identify and resolve disputes early, minimize potential claims, and manage contracts effectively. He is highly experienced in large-scale DAB/DAAB proceedings and other dispute avoidance techniques. Additionally, Scott supports clients in investor-state disputes related to investments in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Consistently ranked in Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and Who’s Who Legal, Scott is praised by clients for his “ferocious dedication” and “sophisticated understanding of construction and engineering disputes.” He is a sought-after speaker at disputes conferences and a regular contributor to legal journals.
Dual-qualified in both England and Wales and Australia, Scott’s prior experience includes serving as Commercial Counsel for a leading global construction and engineering consultancy firm, where he oversaw all legal matters within his jurisdiction.
Acting on a number of ICC arbitrations in connection with the design and construction of a major maritime project in Central America
Providing commercial advice to and representing leading international energy-from-waste EPC contractors in relation to the design and construction of EfW plants and complimentary facilities in the UK
Managing all legal affairs for a foremost global construction and engineering consultancy firm
Acting on a number of ICC arbitrations in connection with the design and construction of a major maritime project in Central America
Representing an Austrian structural façade consultant in a $100 million ICC arbitration in connection with the design and construction of the architectural façade for a research facility in Saudi Arabia
Drafting and negotiating forms of alliance and collaborative working agreements with respect to natural disaster relief and recovery works and rail and road infrastructure development in parts of Australia and New Zealand
Advising a U.S. engineering consultancy firm about disputes arising out of the design and construction of new rail infrastructure in the Middle East
Negotiating various design consultancy agreements for design services, EPCM and principal’s engineer roles and other ad-hoc roles such as community liaison representatives and independent third-party verifier
Advising and subsequently representing a Swiss-based global leader in energy-from-waste over claims for delays and disruption, variations, defect rectification and various back charges arising out of the construction of an energy-from-waste facility in England, in mediation, adjudication proceedings and court proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court
Providing legal and strategic advice to and subsequently representing a German international EPC contractor concerning technical engineering and process design issues in the construction of energy-from-waste plants in England and Scotland
Representing a leading global agrochemical company in relation to potential disputes arising out of the construction of a 2,700 tonne per day ammonia production plant in the Russian Federation
Advising and representing a Swiss EPC contractor over the termination of an international construction and facilities contractor in mediation and in court proceedings in the Technology and Construction Court
Advising an owner regarding disputes with a consortium of international major contractors concerning warranty claims for a desalination plant in Saudi Arabia
Preparing a modified FIDIC-based EPC contract for the development of an ammonia production plant in Louisiana, United States of America for an Australian-based owner
Advising a state entity with respect to disputes brought against it by a major marine salvage company in relation to the salvage of a substantial oil tanker
Representing a U.S. multinational consultancy firm in relation to the design of the world’s first heavy duty port pavement to utilise AutoStrad technology
Advising a U.S. professional services contractor over a termination dispute for the construction of a combined cycle power plant in Australia
Representing a major U.S. oil and gas multinational in a dispute concerning claims from an owner regarding the design and construction of an oil refinery in South America
Preparation and contribution to a standard suite of international contracts for a major Chinese petroleum and petrochemical enterprise
Education
Admissions
Prior to joining Vinson & Elkins’ London office in 2012, Scott was the Commercial Counsel for a global construction and engineering consultancy firm and a lawyer with a top tier (now magic circle) Australian law firm.
Scott’s experience has covered projects and disputes in Australia, Belgium, Colombia, Indonesia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Panama, Russian Federation, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Client Alerts
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October 8, 2026 • 4-minute read
Client Alerts
The Nuclear Regulation Bill: a New(clear) Era (Part 1 – No Permission Needed)
On 13 May 2026, it was announced that a Nuclear Regulation Bill would be introduced for discussion in the upcoming …
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October 1, 2026 • 4-minute read
Articles
Why Liability Is Different Underground
Partner Scott Stiegler and Associate Ellen Swarbrick examine the unique liability challenges of underground construction projects, where unforeseen ground conditions …
September 28, 2026
September 28, 2026 • 1-minute read
Articles
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May 4, 2026 • 7-minute read
Client Alerts
2026 Energy Disputes Outlook: Key Energy Arbitration and Litigation Trends from Vinson & Elkins
Overview Vinson & Elkins’ International Dispute Resolution & Arbitration team examines 10 trends involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), climate change, renewable …
January 14, 2026 • Vinson & Elkins’ International Dispute Resolution & Arbitration team examines 10 trends involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), climate change, renewable energy projects, grid modernisation, power purchase agreements, and more.
January 14, 2026 • 2-minute read
Awards & Rankings
The Legal 500 UK ranks Vinson & Elkins in five categories. In total, 20 attorneys received 27 individual recognitions, with …
October 5, 2026
October 5, 2026 • 1-minute read
Awards & Rankings
Chambers UK 2026 Recommends Vinson & Elkins in Five Practice Areas, 11 Individual Lawyer Rankings
Chambers UK 2026 has ranked Vinson & Elkins in Construction: Contentious UK London (Firms); Construction: International Arbitration; Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas; International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration; and Projects: Mainly International UK-wide.
October 16, 2025
October 16, 2025 • 1-minute read
Awards & Rankings
The Legal 500 UK ranks Vinson & Elkins in five categories. In total, 15 attorneys were ranked, some in more than one practice area.
October 3, 2025
October 3, 2025 • 1-minute read
Awards & Rankings
Chambers UK 2025 Recommends Vinson & Elkins in Five Practice Areas, 13 Individual Lawyer Rankings
Chambers UK 2025 has ranked Vinson & Elkins in Construction: Contentious UK London (Firms); Construction: International Arbitration; Energy & Natural Resources: Oil & Gas; International Arbitration: Commercial Arbitration; and Projects UK-wide.
October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024 • 1-minute read
Awards & Rankings
The Legal 500 UK ranks Vinson & Elkins in four categories. In total, 16 attorneys were ranked, some in more than one practice area.
October 3, 2024
October 3, 2024 • 1-minute read
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