Martin is a consultant in the Construction team with particular expertise in the interpretation and drafting of construction and related contracts for clients in both public and private sectors. He has authored more industry standard forms of contract than any lawyer currently practising.
Martin also advises on procurement strategy and the legal, commercial, and practical issues relating to the delivery of successful projects. He has advised numerous public and private sector organisations including universities, local authorities, central government departments, NHS Trusts, housing associations, and many construction contractors including Costain, Kajima, Hochtief, Bovis Lend Lease, and Wates. In addition Martin regularly advises on the procurement and documentation of highways maintenance arrangements.
He is a Fellow of the Faculty of the Built Environment, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, and a CEDR Accredited Mediator.
Expertise
- Procurement strategy
- Interpretation and drafting of construction and related contracts
- Drafting of a number of standard-form construction documents
- Public and private sector organisations
- Procurement and documentation of highways maintenance arrangements
Experience
- Since 2008, after completing his first highways maintenance contract for Northamptonshire County Council, he has advised on 8 more highways maintenance arrangements, for Plymouth, Southampton, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Cheshire East, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire, with experience spanning billions of pounds worth of highways maintenance spend.
- Recently provided the legal input into the drafting of the DfT’s Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme, the standard form of the Highways Maintenance Contract which is the first local authoritystandard-form contract in this sector
- Drafted the “Be” Collaborative Contract and the “JCT – Constructing Excellence Contract”
- Drafted the MOD’s first integrated suite of construction documents for traditional procurement – “Defcon 2000”
- Drafted the construction-related documentation for the Building Schools for the Future and NHS Lift programmes
- Advised Octavius Infrastructure on procurement strategy, and the legal, commercial, and complex interpretation issues on rail and road projects, involving Network Rail and local authorities on heavily amended standard form, and bespoke contracts.
- Continues to provide construction related advise to the University of the West of England on its major construction projects, in relation to two significant Student Accommodation Projects and the relocation of the University’s Glenside Campus.
- Continues to provide construction-related legal advice to the University of Southampton in relation to its capital projects. Also advised during the last year on the repercussions following the insolvency of Brymor Construction Limited in relation to several construction projects carried out by Brymor for the University.
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
Recognised by Best Lawyers (UK) in the practice area of Construction (2009 – 2025)
Acknowledged by Chambers 2025 for providing construction advice to clients such as local authorities, universities and contractors. He assists with the contractual and procurement aspects of commercial and residential developments.
Recognised by The Legal 500 for Construction (2022-2025)
“Martin Howe ensures that the client’s interests are protected whilst recognising the commercial realities.” Chambers UK 2024
“A large business with a very personal touch. This provides the best of both worlds, providing access to a wide array of legal specialisms and skills. The service provided by the likes of Martin Howes is exactly what a company of our size needs. Speed of response and a good summary of the potential risks.” The Legal 500 2023
Recognised in Chambers UK 2023 for Construction
“I have a very high regard for Martin Howe’s professionalism, knowledge and delivery to client needs and expectations.” Chambers UK 2023
“Martin Howes provides an exemplary service with both responsiveness and great advice.” The Legal 500 2023
Recognised by Chambers UK 2023 for Construction: South West as a Leading Individual
Recognised in Chambers UK 2022 for Construction
Recognised by Chambers UK 2021 for Construction: South West
“He is clear-sighted, robust and pragmatic in his advice.” Chambers UK 2021
Recognised by The Legal 500 2021 for South West: Construction
Recognised by Chambers UK 2020 for Construction: South West
Martin Howe regularly advises an array of clients, including local authorities, universities and contractors, on contractual and procurement aspects of commercial and residential developments. One client remarks: “His technical expertise is fantastic and he goes the extra mile.” Chambers UK 2020
Recognised in the Legal 500 2020 for South West: Construction
Recognised by Chambers UK 2019 for Construction: South West
Martin Howe of Keystone Law is well regarded for his handling of non-contentious work such as procurement strategies and maintenance agreements. Commentators value the depth of his experience, describing him as a “very good, long-standing construction lawyer.” Chambers UK 2019
Recognised by the Legal 500 2018 for South West: Construction
Martin Howe of Keystone Law is a highly experienced and well-regarded construction lawyer. His expertise lies in giving strategic advice on significant construction projects, and he has a strong client base among educational bodies. Clients say: “He is extremely thorough and persuasive, and is also patient and clear in explaining legal points.” Chambers UK 2018
Martin Howe is recognised by the Legal 500 2017. “Highly regarded in the field.”
Martin Howe of Keystone Law “is a very experienced construction lawyer with both a detailed, up-to-date knowledge of this area of law and a keen commercial sense.” His expertise in transactional matters is well respected in the market, and he is particularly strong in the drafting of standard form contracts. Chambers UK 2017
At Keystone Law, Martin Howe acts for a number of educational institutions and local authorities on contentious and non-contentious matters. Legal 500 2016
‘Martin Howe of Keystone Law has a strong front-end practice for a range of clients including significant contractors and public sector organisations. One source reports that “he gives good advice in a timely manner.”’ Chambers UK 2016
Career
Martin qualified as a solicitor in 1983. Prior to joining Keystone Law in 2014, he worked at the following firms:
- Excello Law
- Bevan Brittan
- Veale Wasbrough