Lucy Pearson

• Advising a Japanese contractor in a dispute concerning sums owed following termination of a contract for the construction of a new airport terminal in Asia.
• Acting for a major European contractor in ICC arbitration proceedings relating to gas processing facilities in North Africa.
• Representing a North American contractor in LCIA arbitration proceedings concerning the construction of a gas plant in the Middle East.
• Representing an international EPC contractor in an arbitration against a public authority relating to the construction of a Waste-to-Energy plant in the United Kingdom.
• Acting for a US-based manufacturing company in a dispute concerning commissions due on the sale of products and related services in Oman.
• Representing a major oil & gas equipment provider with respect to a dispute involving the supply of gas turbines.
• Advising a joint venture contractor in ICC arbitration proceedings arising under a contract for the construction of a port in South America.
• Represented a major international infrastructure investor in proceedings in the London Technology and Construction Court and a series of adjudications concerning the design, construction and operation of a PFI Schools Project.*
• Acted for a global PPP consortium in adjudicaton proceedings with procuring government department relating to the operation of one of the most important railway corridors in the United Kingdom.*
• Advised a consortium of global investors in proceedings in the London Technology and Construction Court against a public authority concerning the design, construction and operation of a bond-financed acute hospital project.*
• Advised a local authority in an evaluative multi-party mediation process, defending claims arising from the construction phase of a PPP project to extend a metropolitan light rail system.*
• Advised a leading UK university in multiple proceedings in the London Technology and Construction Court and mediations with contractors relating to design and construction of student halls of residence.*
• Represented co-investors in a PFI SPV in the investigation and development of a claim and ultimate settlement in respect of the design, construction and operation of an acute hospital.*
• Advised investors in a PFI SPV and administrators in proceedings in the London Technology and Construction Court and a series of adjudication proceedings concerning the design, construction and operation of a PFI Prisons Project*
• Acted for a long-term fund manager of core infrastructure assets in successfully defending adjudication proceedings regarding the operation of a large social housing PFI project.*
• Advised a high net-worth individual in successful resisting adjudication enforcement proceedings in the London Technology and Construction Court.*
• Lucy regularly participates in a variety of pro-bono and community engagement initiatives. Lucy was a 2024 Pro Bono Service Award Recipient and was also recognised on The Law Society's Pro Bono Recognition List 2024. Some of her experience includes:
• Advising a leading UK charity on the refurbishment of its London HQ.
• Assisting the Youth Justice Legal Advice Line in providing legal advice and guidance to children.
• Providing urgent advice to people at risk in Afghanistan following US and UK withdrawal.*
• Working with Kids In Need of Defence UK, who support undocumented children in the UK, to make successful British citizenship applications.*
• Providing interactive ‘Know Your Rights’ training to LGBTQ+ refugees in the UK, to improve awareness of their rights, build capacity and help reduce the demand on legal services. The training Lucy delivered focused on housing rights.*
• Mounted a successful judicial review to challenge the provision of inadequate accommodation for asylum seekers, including in the former disused military barracks at Napier Barracks.*
• Mini secondment to Hope for Justice to assist with legal research and casework for victims of modern slavery.*
• Provided advice to Ukrainians seeking information and advice about asylum, family reunification and other visas to remain in or come to the UK.*
• Participated in her previous firm's Head Start program which supports talented young people who face social, economic or cultural barriers to entering and succeeding in the legal profession.*
• Provided advice to young people in business through the Prince's Trust.*
• *Denotes experience prior to joining King & Spalding.

Lucy Pearson is a construction lawyer in King & Spalding’s International Disputes practice group, based in London.

Lucy acts for multinationals and state entities in the resolution of complex, high value and 'bet-the-company' disputes arising out of major construction, engineering and infrastructure projects around the world. Her experience spans the energy, infrastructure, maritime, and industrials sectors and she has advised under a wide range of applicable laws and arbitral rules. 

Lucy advises on the major standard forms of contract including JCT, NEC and FIDIC, as well as bespoke contracts. She is experienced in all forms of dispute resolution including international arbitration, litigation and alternative methods of dispute resolution such as dispute boards, adjudication and mediation. She has acted in arbitrations under major arbitral rules including ICC and LCIA, and has advised clients in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and East Asia. Lucy also acts as project counsel and assists clients with dispute avoidance on live projects.

Lucy was recently awarded Best Oral Advocate in the 2025 Oral Advocacy Program for construction practitioners run by DELOS.

Alongside her practice, Lucy is an elected member of the Society of Construction Law (“SCL”) Council. The SCL works to promote for the public benefit education, study and research in the field of construction law and related subjects both in the UK and overseas. The Society has around 3,000 members from all sectors of the construction industry. Lucy is also the head of the SCL's Astra Committee. SCL Astra is aimed at providing tailored learning and networking opportunities for more junior members of the profession. Lucy also has a busy pro bono practice.