Rhona Henry is head of Matheson’s Construction and Engineering Group. She specialises in drafting and negotiating all forms of construction contracts and related documents.

She has an in-depth understanding of the construction requirements of organisations operating in very specialised markets, including the energy market, the pharmaceutical and ICT markets. She also advises in relation to distressed developments and has drafted specific letters of intent and complex agreements to facilitate the completion of distressed developments. Rhona has also advised on the various options and contract structures put forward by developers to build out these incomplete developments.

Specific types of contract Rhona drafts and advises on include: build only, design and build, management contracting, construction management, mechanical and electrical and turnkey/EPC using RIAI, GCCC, FIDIC, MF/1 (Revision 4 and 5), JCT and NEC forms of contract, together with Matheson bespoke forms.

Rhona typically advises her clients on a full suite of construction related agreements spanning from building contracts to professional appointment contracts, collateral warranties, direct agreements, interface agreements, bonds, project supervisor appointments, and a wide range of sub-contracts.

Rhona has advised:

• Main Contractor consortium in respect of several claims on foot of FIDIC Conditions of Contract Plant and Design-Build Yellow Book including delays arising from unforeseen ground conditions, design changes and interference with the role of the engineer
• major Building Contractor in relation to High Court Proceedings (Commercial Court) for a claim on foot of a RIAI Form of Contract in relation to delay and disruption due to, inter alia, unforeseen ground conditions and boundary disputes, variations and as to what constitutes the Contract Documents
• major Building Contractor in relation to Conciliation Proceedings in respect of claim on foot of Nominated Sub-contracts in respect of delay and disruption (based on a Time Impact Analysis) and variations
• large Specialist Formwork Sub-contractor in relation to High Court Proceedings following on from the non-payment of certified contract sums and in relation to a substantial claim for delay and disruption arising out, inter alia, lack of craneage, delay in the provision of bending schedules and failure to provide scaffolding

She has drafted and negotiated:

• an amended FIDIC form of contract in relation to the Laois Train Car Depot touching on issues such as complete transfer of risk in relation to ground conditions by adapting the provisions of the Silver Form of the FIDIC contract and very detailed provisions in relation to both disruptive and non-disruptive possessions
• of FIDIC form of contract in relation to the reopening of the Glounthane to Middleton Railway Line
• a lengthy development agreement in relation to the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road including detail safety and health provisions, procedure in relation to design submission and review and a liquidated damages provision in the event of overrun of a disruptive possession

Rhona Henry is named a Highly Regarded Individual
IFLR1000 2018

Rhona Henry is recommended.
European Legal 500 2017

Rhona Henry has "encyclopaedic knowledge of construction law".
European Legal 500 2017

Rhona Henry is described by clients as "very hands-on, responsive and proactive".
Chambers Europe 2017

Construction expert
Euromoney Expert Guide 2017

Group head Rhona Henry is a "very capable and commercial" practitioner who "asks the right questions to get the crucial information right away, and then gets into the detail without compromising on time." 
Chambers Europe 2016

Rhona Henry is recommended.
Chambers Europe 2015

Rhona Henry is “knowledgeable and easy to work with”.
Chambers Europe 2015

Rhona Henry is "very diligent and thorough – she won’t commit to something unless she is absolutely certain".
Chambers Europe 2015

Rhona Henry is recommended.
European Legal 500 2015

One source describes Rhona Henry as "outstanding - a genuinely nice individual who is easy to work with, but also overwhelmingly aware of the issues we have to deal with. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the risks involved, and provides realistic, commercial advice".
Chambers Europe 2014

Rhona Henry is "an exceptional and outstanding lawyer".
European Legal 500 2014

Rhona Henry "really gets things moving".
Chambers Europe 2013

Rhona Henry provides an "excellent level of service delivery".
European Legal 500 2013