Huw Davies

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Huw is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist, with expertise in arbitration, mediation, and third-party assessments in both domestic and international settings.

He represents clients and also serves as an arbitrator and mediator across a broad spectrum of disputes, including:

1. Employment issues;
2. Regulatory compliance;
3. Commercial contracts;
4. Construction disputes; and
5. Property matters (e.g. service charges and boundary wall disputes).

With experience spanning the public and private sectors, Huw offers a well-rounded perspective on alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Known for his pragmatic, solution-oriented approach, he has earned a reputation for “finding a corner in a round room,” a reflection of his strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. His ADR engagements boast a successful settlement rate exceeding 85%.

Huw is passionate about facilitating dispute resolution and accepts arbitral and mediation appointments from major institutions as well as ad-hoc appointments.

Contracts

Contracts arise in many forms and across a wide range of commercial contexts. At their core, however, all contracts rely on three essential elements: offer, acceptance, and a peppering of consideration.
Huw’s practice spans a broad spectrum of contractual matters, including both advisory and drafting work. He also has extensive experience in resolving disputes arising from contractual arrangements, providing clear, practical guidance to achieve effective and commercially sensible outcomes.

Contractual Disputes

Even with the best intentions, disputes can arise. When they do, it is essential to have a lawyer who can “find a corner in a round room” and deliver clear, practical, and sustainable solutions.

Huw has extensive experience advising clients who are contemplating or are already engaged in contractual disputes. His approach is to work closely with clients to ensure they are both advised and represented in a way that robustly protects their interests, while remaining commercially focused and outcome-driven.

To learn more about Huw’s approach to dispute resolution—whether acting on behalf of a party or as a decision-maker—please visit: www.huwdavies.org

Construction

Construction projects frequently encounter challenges—sometimes arising from straightforward delays, and at other times from unforeseen or complex events.

I have advised employers, main contractors, subcontractors, and professional teams across a wide range of construction-related matters. This includes working with standard form contracts such as FIDIC and NEC, as well as bespoke contractual arrangements.

I also provide strategic claims management advice, whether in the preparation and advancement of claims or in defending them.

In addition, I have represented parties in disputes and have acted as a Mediator, Adjudicator, and Arbitrator, bringing a balanced and practical perspective to dispute resolution.

For further information, please visit www.huwdavies.org

Employment

Employment Employer

Employers are facing increasingly complex challenges, often giving rise to issues and disputes in areas such as:

1. Contracts of employment – clarity of terms and mutual obligations
2. Pay – including equality and bonus arrangements
3. TUPE – protecting employees’ rights during business transfers
4. Redundancy, dismissal and grievance – ensuring correct procedures are followed
5. Policies and procedures (e.g. safeguarding) – having robust and compliant frameworks in place

Having recently served as General Counsel, and now practising as a Barrister in chambers, I bring a well-rounded, practical understanding of the challenges employers face when dealing with employees, workers, and contractors.

Crucially, I also understand the strategies required to address these issues effectively, balancing legal risk with commercial reality.

Employment; Employee

Employees, workers, and contractors are all entitled to important legal protections in the workplace. Unfortunately, these rights are not always upheld.

Individuals may find themselves wrongly or unfairly treated, for example:

1. Discrimination – whether direct or indirect
2. Pay issues – not receiving what they are lawfully entitled to
3. Harassment or victimisation
4. Denial of family-friendly rights or flexible/home working without proper justification
5. Unfair dismissal or redundancy, including situations linked to grievances or whistleblowing (protected disclosures made in good faith)

Huw has advised numerous individuals whose employment rights have been compromised, supporting them in achieving effective and practical resolutions. These outcomes have included not only financial settlements, but also successful returns to the workplace with appropriate and equal treatment.

If you have concerns about your employment, or how you have been treated (or not treated) at work, please feel free to contact me.

Healthcare

Healthcare (Business)

Healthcare businesses operate within a highly regulated environment, both in terms of organisational standards and the professional obligations of their employees and contracted specialists. When regulatory issues arise, or where a tribunal or hearing is involved, clear and experienced legal support is essential.

Huw has advised healthcare regulators and has also held responsibility for regulation and investigations while working directly within a regulatory body. He now acts as a case presenter for a healthcare regulator, giving him valuable insight from both sides of the process.

He advises and represents healthcare providers and their employees in relation to regulatory and professional obligations, including proceedings before tribunals and courts. His experience spans advising regulators, working within them, and contributing to the establishment of new regulatory bodies.

In addition, Huw is a member of the WRU Safeguarding Panel and is regularly instructed on disciplinary, safeguarding, and wider regulatory or professional compliance matters.

Healthcare (Personal)

Healthcare professionals are, at times, subject to enquiries by their professional or industry regulators. Such investigations can be concerning, as they may impact not only your professional standing, but also your employment and livelihood.

Huw has advised healthcare regulators and has also been directly responsible for regulation and investigations while working within a regulatory body. He now acts as a case presenter for a healthcare regulator, offering valuable insight from both a regulatory and representative perspective.

He advises and represents healthcare providers and their employees in relation to regulatory and employment matters, including proceedings before tribunals and courts. His experience—spanning advising regulators, working within them, and supporting those subject to investigation—enables him to provide clear, practical, and balanced guidance.

If you are facing a regulatory or employment-related concern, you are encouraged to seek advice at an early stage.

International Arbitration

Huw has a growing international arbitration practice and has been appointed as an Arbitrator in a number of Middle Eastern arbitrations, acting both as a sole arbitrator and as part of a panel.

He is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist, with expertise across arbitration, mediation, and third-party neutral roles in both domestic and international contexts. Huw accepts instructions across a broad range of commercial, contractual, and construction matters, acting both as a party representative and as a facilitator or decision-maker.

Huw is listed with a number of respected institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, and the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre.

For further information, please visit: www.huwdavies.org

Mediation

Mediation (Business)

Huw’s approach is grounded in the principle that there is always “a corner in a round room”—that it is always possible to achieve a commercially sustainable solution, while minimising costs and maximising value.

He is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist, with expertise in arbitration, mediation, and third-party neutral roles across both domestic and international settings. Huw accepts instructions across a broad range of employment, commercial, contractual, and construction matters, acting both as a party representative and as a facilitator or decision-maker.

Huw is listed with a number of leading institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, and the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre.

For further information, please visit:www.huwdavies.org

Mediation (Personal)

Disputes arise in many forms—whether in employment, contractual, landlord and tenant, or family matters. These situations are often sensitive, and in many cases can be resolved through a collaborative approach that allows parties to reach outcomes that work for them. By contrast, court-based decisions do not always produce results that satisfy all involved.

Huw is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist, with expertise in arbitration, mediation, and third-party neutral roles across both domestic and international settings. He accepts instructions across a broad range of employment, family, commercial, contractual, and construction matters, acting both as a party representative and as a facilitator or decision-maker.

Huw is listed with a number of leading institutions, including the London Court of International Arbitration, the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, and the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre.

For further information, please visit: www.huwdavies.org

Property & Housing

Disputes between landlords and tenants can be both concerning and potentially costly. When such situations arise, it is important to have clear, practical guidance to help navigate the issues and reach an effective resolution.

My personal website, www.huwdavies.org, outlines the approach I take in supporting clients—whether representing your interests or acting as a facilitator or decision-maker—to achieve fair and sustainable outcomes.

Regulation

The regulatory landscape increasingly impacts individuals and organisations in a variety of ways, often requiring careful navigation and specialist insight.

Huw’s regulatory experience spans both the UK and the Middle East. He has advised governments, governing bodies, organisations, and individuals on matters of regulatory compliance. He is equally adept at drafting disciplinary and regulatory frameworks as he is at advising sports professionals on appeals, or individuals involved in integrity-based investigations.

Drawing on his broad experience across multiple sectors, Huw is regularly instructed to investigate, advise, draft, and represent clients in regulatory matters, delivering clear and practical solutions.

Huw is a panel member with Sports Resolution and the WRU, and acts as a case presenter for a healthcare regulator. He also served as Deputy Solicitor, and subsequently Acting Solicitor, to the E. coli Public Inquiry.

Education

• 2019 – Diploma (Excellent) in International Arbitration, University of Aberdeen, Scotland
• 2018 – Accredited Commercial Mediator, Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• 1997 – Barrister Vocational Course, University of Wales Cardiff
• 1996 – Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in Law & Welch, University of Wales Swansea

Affiliations

• 2024 – Lay Member, Swansea University Council, Present
• 2022 – Civil Mediation Council, UK, Present
• 2021 – London Court of International Arbitration, Present
• 2021 – Sport Resolutions, Present
• 2021 – Qatar Chambers of Commerce Arbitration Panel, Present
• 2020 – Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Fellow, Present
• 2019 – Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre, Mediation Panel Mediator, Present
• 1998 – Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, Member, Present

This is the Privacy Policy for:

Barrister: Huw Davies

Address: 1EC Barristers, 3 King’s Bench Walk North, Inner Temple, London, EC4Y 7HR

The Purposes for which Personal Data is Processed:

Personal data will be processed in order to enable the provision of legal services, ie:

1. advice;
2. representation in court;
3. the drafting of legal documents.

It may also be necessary to retain personal data for conflict-checking purposes or for use in the defense of potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes.

The Lawful Basis for Processing Personal Data

In some cases the subject of the personal data will have given consent to the processing of his or her personal data. Where explicit consent has not been given, personal data will be processed only when:

1. it is necessary for the performance of a contract with the person whose personal data is processed (or prior to entering such contract, in order to take steps at the request of the person whose personal data is processed); or when
2. it is necessary for the purposes of providing legal services.

Special Categories of Personal Data

It may be necessary to process personal data which constitute particularly sensitive special categories, ie personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

Such data will only be processed where processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.

Who will receive Personal Data

The recipients of the personal data processed will be:

1. instructing solicitors and clients;
2. courts and other tribunals to which documents are presented;
3. witnesses and potential witnesses, including expert witnesses;
4. other barristers, pupil barristers and other legal representatives;
5. regulatory authorities.

Retention Periods for Personal Data

Personal data in case files will generally be kept at least the end of one year after the maximum relevant limitation period has expired. The limitation period will be measured from the latest date it is possible to bring any appeal.

The retention period will be reviewed when the work has been completed. The retention period may be adjusted at that time.

International Data Transfers

In cases involving international disputes, it may be necessary to transfer personal data to countries outside the European Economic Area which have different data protection standards to those which apply in the European Economic Area. This will only be done for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. In the event this is necessary, appropriate safeguards will be in place to protect personal data, such as European Commission approved standard contractual clauses or the EU-US Privacy Shield. You have a right to ask for a copy of the relevant safeguard.

Individual’s Rights

If your personal data has been processed or held, you have a right to request access to (and rectification or erasure of) personal data; or to request restriction of processing concerning the data subject; or to object to processing; as well as the right to data portability. These rights may be limited where there is a legal requirement, or other legitimate grounds, to process your data.

If you wish to exercise these rights, please use the contact details above.

If you have unresolved concerns you also have the right to complain to data protection authorities.