Dermot Woolgar has an extensive and diverse civil and commercial practice, with particular expertise in the fields of international commercial arbitration, commercial law, construction and engineering, professional liability, insurance, and property damage.
As a result of his early years undertaking commercial chancery work, he continues to be instructed in cases which have real property and insolvency aspects.
In addition, he has acted for nearly 20 years for many of the Governments of the Overseas Territories, typically in a variety of public law-related disputes, and has a detailed knowledge of their constitutions, courts and substantive laws.
He is recommended as a leading practitioner by Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500. He is described as “a clear, methodical thinker”, who is “very focussed”, “very personable”, and who “breeds confidence in all who instruct him and clients alike”. Noted for being “one of the most methodical barristers I have ever come across”, he is praised for being “unflappable”, for having “an excellent calming manner which is very reassuring to clients”, and for “understanding what arguments will win favour with the court”. He is recognised for his advocacy: his court presentation is described as “excellent”, and “when sat in court you nearly always think you have instructed the superior counsel”.
View full profile »Events
Articles
- The enforcement of English judgments in the Cayman Islands by registration: reconsidering the objections
- Dermot Woolgar successfully establishes reasonableness of sums paid in settlement of product liability claims for defective construction adhesive
News
- Dermot Woolgar successfully establishes reasonableness of sums paid in settlement of product liability claims for defective construction adhesive
- MBL Construction Law Conference 2019 – London
Qualifications
- LLB (Hons) (Manchester University)
- Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators)
Memberships
- Chair, Bar Council Overseas Territories Working Group
- Member, Bar Council International Trade Working Group
- London Court of International Arbitration
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association (Committee Member)
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
- Technology and Construction Bar Association
- Commercial Bar Association
- Administrative Law Bar Association
Publications
Co-author of chapter on Construction Insolvency in Emden’s Construction Law
“Regulation or Red Tape: the UK equity release market”: co-author (with Rob Sheldon and Liam Corrigan of DWF LLP) of chapter in Making the Most of Equity Release: Perspectives from Key Players, published by The Smith Institute, March 2012
“Still an Empty Concept?”: co-author (with Keith Shaw of Pinsent Masons LLP) discussing the implications of NYK Logistics Ltd v Ibrend Estates BV [2011] EWCA Civ 683 on the meaning of “vacant possession”, published in the Estates Gazette, 23 July 2011
“The Seduction of Iconoclasm”: discussion of the exemptions for religious organisations in the Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations, published in Law and Justice 2007, 158, 64
“Citibank NA v MBIA Assurance SA & Ors [2007] EWCA Civ 11”: co-author (with Justin Davis of Crown Office Chambers): Case Commentary published in International Corporate Rescue: Vol 4 (2007) Issue 5
Recommendations
“Dermot is extremely responsive and good with all members of the team.”…”He has a strong knowledge of matters and commercial awareness.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Dermot is very thorough on paper and sets out his advice in a very client friendly manner. He is accessible and approachable which is key, while also being robust in his views. Dermot has a broad practice which is often hugely beneficial in complex cases.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Dermot Woolgar’s advocacy is exceptional; he is very smooth and judges just love him. He is exceptionally experienced and has seen it all before.”… “Dermot is as impressive in conference as he is in a written advice. He has unusually broad knowledge and experience without any lack of depth.”…“A very easygoing, calm advocate who gets on with his opponents, which helps him get what he wants.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Dermot is a meticulous and thoughtful practitioner. He leaves no stone unturned.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Dermot is a clear, methodical thinker who understands what arguments will win favour with the court.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Dermot Woolgar is a well-regarded junior with a vast expertise in property-related construction disputes. He regularly works on adjudication enforcement proceedings, disputes heard in the TCC and arbitrations. He has experience of acting both domestically and internationally.” “He brings a really practical angle; he is very good at taking a step back to make clear the practical implications of any decisions before the TCC judges.” “He considers things thoroughly.” “Dermot Woolgar is unflappable and very focused. He is excellent in his court presentation.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Dermot is very personable, breeds confidence in all who instruct him and clients alike. When sat behind him in court you nearly always think you have instructed the superior counsel.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Dermot is one of the most methodical barristers I have ever come across. He is positive in his advice and has an excellent calming manner which is very reassuring to clients.”
Legal 500, 2021
