Dr Stacy Sinclair Partner

Stacy leads Fenwick Elliott’s technology and innovation initiatives, overseeing the development and implementation of new legal technologies, as well as collaborating and engaging with clients on new digital technologies in the construction and legal industries.  She is responsible for Fenwick Elliott’s IT and infrastructure, internal tech operations, platforms and legal workflows and external client initiatives and products.

In addition to technology and innovation, Stacy has a broad range of experience in construction and engineering matters and has advised clients on both contentious and non-contentious issues, including non-payment, non-performance, variations to contracts, defects and specific construction legislation.

Stacy has a particular interest in the digital transformation of the construction industry, including digital twins, robotics, off-site manufacturing, the Internet of Things, BIM and AI/machine learning.

Before qualifying as a solicitor, Stacy practised as an Architect, principally designing large-scale projects such as stadiums, hospitals and education buildings in both the UK and the US. This dual-qualification and experience in the construction industry prior to practising law provides a unique expertise and platform for advising on technical issues and the digital transformation of both the construction and legal industries. 

Specialist expertise

Stacy specialises in technology, data and legal operations.  She assesses new legal technologies and implements where appropriate in order to streamline, supplement and enhance Fenwick Elliott’s services.  Stacy is involved with eDisclosure strategies, data and document management, legal workflows and operations, and marketing, finance and HR technologies.

Examples of Stacy’s legal tech expertise include:

  • assessing new legal technologies and implementing where appropriate;  
  • advising on eDisclosure and data management strategies;
  • reviewing operations and workflows to promote collaboration, productivity and efficiency; and
  • liaising with clients and the global Fenwick Elliott team to develop new tools, automation and innovation in workflows and digital solutions.

Prior to leading Fenwick Elliott’s legal technology operations, Stacy specialised in all major forms of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration, adjudication and mediation. 

Examples of Stacy’s dispute resolution expertise include:

  • acting for a main contractor in respect of disputes arising at two biomass power plants; 
  • assisting on a dispute in arbitration relating to a nuclear implicated structure for mobile nuclear reactors;  
  • assisting with disputes in ICC arbitration relating to the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Crude Oil Pipeline Project; 
  • acting for a major UK contractor against its subcontractor in relation to a claim in arbitration for cladding defects; 
  • acting for a UK contractor in litigation (TCC), claiming payment from the employer for additional works. The matter settled out of court by way of mediation; and
  • advising architects and other consultants on bespoke and standard from appointments. 

Other activities

Stacy regularly speaks on technology, data and innovation, both in relation to legal technology and construction technology.  She publishes widely and is the co-editor of Fenwick Elliott’s Dictionary of Construction Terms.  Stacy regularly chairs and co-organises Fenwick Elliott’s webinars.

In addition, Stacy is a visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster for the Postgraduate Certificate in the Professional Practice of Architecture (RIBA Part III) and at the University of Portsmouth.  She has also delivered lectures at the Sciences Po in Paris. 

Stacy’s memberships/positions include: 

  • Secretary of the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association (TeCSA);
  • member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); 
  • member of the Society of Construction Law;
  • member of the Society of Computers and Law; 
  • member of the Adjudication Society; 
  • member of the Society for Computers and Law; and 
  • member of the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law.