Edward Banyard Smith

Edward is a specialist construction lawyer with extensive experience of advising on all aspects of construction and property development. In addition to advising a range of clients on procurement contracts, he advises on the construction law aspects of real estate and finance transactions.

He advises on all types of construction project, but is particularly well recognised for his work advising charities, high net worth individuals and independent schools.

Edward is a partner in the Farrer & Co Construction Law team.

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.