Tim Craig - Partner

Expert profile

Tim joined Muckle LLP as head of the construction team at the beginning of January 2008. He has considerable expertise and experience in both domestic and international construction and engineering projects and disputes in both the public and private sectors including PFI/PPP projects.

Tim regularly advises the various parties involved in the delivery and funding of construction and engineering projects, including advising on the procurement of infrastructure, regeneration, industrial, commercial, leisure, retail and residential development including mixed use. He also advises on hotel, transport, health, education and oil and gas projects.

Tim's specialisms:

• Advising on engineering and construction procurement
• Drafting and negotiating building and engineering contracts, professional appointments, warranties, bonds and guarantees
• Resolution of construction and engineering disputes including UK international arbitration, court proceedings, adjudication and alternative dispute resolution.

In the hot seat...

How do you see the property group developing over the next few years?
I believe we will continue to expand, adding to our team of talented and dedicated people, to deal with the most complex and challenging projects and to continually improve the service provided to our clients.

How would you describe your team?
Knowledgeable, hard working, down to earth, and always up for a laugh!

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
I was offered the chance to return to my home city to work with an exciting, dynamic group of people and help to develop something really special. It was a no-brainer.

What has been the most challenging legal deal you've been involved in?
I led a team of lawyers on a $650m international arbitration concerning the construction of two oil rigs. The issues were complex, there were several thousand files of documents (many not in English) and all our witnesses were South Korean! It also involved being away from home for a period of about 8 months. Despite the difficulties, the team rose to the challenge and the case was successfully settled. I also gained a number of good friends from the experience.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Being able to make a difference to our clients and help their business succeed and grow.

Who or what makes you laugh?
I love comedy - people like Billy Connolly and Peter Kay who can take the most ordinary situations and have you crying with laughter, and of course Monty Python.

What was the last CD you bought?
Radio One's Live Lounge, volume 2

Describe how you live your life in 3 words.
Seize the day.

Is there anything you'd change about yourself?
I'd sort out my golf swing. I think it's far too late to do anything about my lack of hair!

What are your personal ambitions?
To be able to look back in later life and feel that I made a difference and that I had the courage to take on all the challenges that life sent me.

What's your greatest fear?
I'm not keen on spiders!

Are you a morning or evening person?
Evening without a doubt.

What do you enjoy most about living in the North East?
The people. I think the spirit of the North East is infectious and anyone who hasn't lived here, at least for a while, doesn't know what they're missing.

What's your most irritating habit?
You'd have to ask my family.

What would be your dream day?
I wake up on a beautiful sunny day, play golf with my friends during which I have the round of my life including a hole in one, and in the afternoon I watch Newcastle United win the Premiership. Well you did say it was a dream! 

What's your biggest extravagance?
My car - which I don't really need but which brings me a lot of enjoyment.

Direct line: 0191 211 7999
Email Tim