Tim Willis: A Distinguished Career in Construction Law and Real Estate
Tim Willis is a highly respected Senior Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, one of the UK’s foremost law firms. His extensive career spans over 25 years, during which he has made significant contributions to the fields of construction law, real estate, and dispute resolution. With a background rooted in both the UK and the Far East, Tim’s expertise is recognised across multiple sectors, including construction, engineering, renewables, waste, and energy. This article explores the professional journey of Tim Willis, his impact in real estate law, notable honours and awards, his educational background, and his current role at Irwin Mitchell.
Tim Willis and His Role at Irwin Mitchell
Since March 2024, Tim Willis has served as a Senior Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell. The firm, known for its comprehensive legal services, benefits greatly from Tim’s deep knowledge of construction contracts and dispute resolution. Irwin Mitchell operates across the United Kingdom with a strong presence in Birmingham, where Tim is based.
At Irwin Mitchell, Tim focuses on advising clients on contracts and project documentation for traditional procurement methods as well as specialist partnering procurement. His expertise extends to dispute avoidance, adjudications, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation relating to renewables projects. Additionally, he is well-versed in contracts for Building Information Modelling (BIM) enabled projects, which is increasingly important in the modern construction and real estate landscape.
Expertise in Construction and Real Estate Law
Tim Willis’s specialism in construction law intersects closely with real estate, particularly in advising on the legal frameworks that govern the development, management, and dispute resolution of large infrastructure and property projects. His experience covers a broad spectrum, including traditional construction contracts, renewables, energy projects, and the complex legal challenges of waste and engineering sectors.
He has worked on projects both in the UK and internationally, notably in the Far East, bringing a global perspective to his legal practice. This diverse experience equips him to handle cross-jurisdictional issues and complex contractual arrangements, making him an asset to clients with large-scale real estate development and infrastructure projects.
Tim’s involvement with Constructing Excellence Clubs and the FBE in the Midlands underlines his commitment to industry best practices and sustainable development within the construction and real estate sectors. Moreover, his participation in the West Midlands Region steering group for the UK BIM Alliance demonstrates his forward-thinking approach in integrating technology with construction law.
Commercial Consultancy and Dispute Resolution
Apart from his role at Irwin Mitchell, Tim operates his own consultancy, Willis Consultancy, through which he provides commercial advice and dispute resolution services to the built environment sector. His consultancy focuses on helping clients manage risks, resolve disputes efficiently, and ensure smooth project delivery.
Tim is also a consultant solicitor with Morgan Phelps Limited, which further broadens his reach and influence in construction and real estate law. His role as a tutor for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) training on NEC contracts highlights his dedication to educating others on effective contract management and project delivery techniques.
His extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as adjudications and arbitration has made him a sought-after legal expert for resolving conflicts without resorting to lengthy court battles, which is particularly valuable in the construction and real estate industries where timely dispute resolution can significantly impact project timelines and costs.
Education and Professional Qualifications
Tim Willis’s strong academic background laid the foundation for his illustrious career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Exeter in 1983, followed by a Master’s degree at the City University of Hong Kong in 1993. This international academic experience equipped him with a broader legal perspective, especially valuable during his time working in the Far East.
He further completed his Bar Finals at the Inns of Court in 1986 and holds a Diploma in Law from City St George’s, University of London. His qualifications are complemented by a suite of professional accreditations including MA, FCIArb (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators), APA (Adjudicator), and FFB (Fellow of the Faculty of Building).
These qualifications reflect his deep commitment to professional excellence and continuous development in the field of construction law.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his career, Tim Willis has received multiple honours and accolades, recognising his contributions to construction law and the wider built environment sector. In March 2022, he was awarded Associate Membership of the Institute of Civil Engineers (AMICE), a prestigious recognition of his expertise and commitment to the civil engineering profession.
Tim is the immediate past Chairman of the Adjudication Society, an influential role that highlights his leadership in the field of dispute resolution. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and serves as a panel adjudicator, underscoring his authority in arbitration and adjudication matters.
His status as a tutor on the NEC (New Engineering Contract) panel of tutors further affirms his role as a respected educator and mentor in construction contract management.
Contributions to the Industry and Thought Leadership
Tim Willis is active within various professional organisations and initiatives that aim to improve standards and promote innovation in the construction and real estate industries. His work with Constructing Excellence Clubs fosters collaboration between stakeholders to drive improvements in construction efficiency and sustainability.
As a steering group member for the UK BIM Alliance’s West Midlands Region, Tim plays a pivotal role in advocating for the adoption of BIM technologies that enhance project delivery through better digital collaboration and data management.
In March 2025, Tim authored a book titled NEC4: Effective Preparation and Management of the Construction Programme. This publication offers valuable insights into managing construction programmes effectively under the NEC4 contract suite, reflecting Tim’s depth of knowledge and practical experience.
Summary
Tim Willis stands out as a highly skilled and knowledgeable solicitor specialising in construction, real estate, and dispute resolution. His broad international experience, academic credentials, and leadership roles make him an influential figure in the legal landscape surrounding the built environment.
At Irwin Mitchell, Tim continues to support clients through complex contractual negotiations, dispute avoidance, and resolution, while contributing to industry education and innovation. His consultancy work and involvement with professional bodies underline his commitment to advancing best practices and supporting sustainable, efficient construction and real estate development.
For anyone interested in construction law, real estate legal frameworks, or dispute resolution in these sectors, Tim Willis exemplifies the expertise and leadership required to navigate this challenging and evolving field successfully.
