Caroline specialises in commercial litigation and is our resident contentious construction expert.
As a long-standing member of the commercial litigation team, she specialises in construction disputes acting for employers, main contractors and sub contractors on a wide variety of issues and within a variety of forums, including Adjudication, Arbitration and the Courts.
Caroline enjoys building lasting relationships with her clients, getting to know them and what is important to them. Understanding clients and the sectors in which they operate allows her to provide advice and support they need in context.
Disputes can be a stressful and a difficult time for clients therefore being able to resolve disputes (in the client’s favour!) and allowing them to move on and get on with their everyday work gives Caroline a huge sense of achievement.
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Caroline Hardcastle's pragmatic view and simple approach to the work we engage on is helpful and reassuring.
The UK Legal 500 2025: Education -
Caroline Hardcastle is experienced, level headed and pragmatic. I value the advice and the context of the advice and a pragmatic and responsive approach; particularly when a matter is time critical.
The UK Legal 500, 2023 edition
Career
A graduate of University College Oxford where she gained a B.A. (Hons) in Jurisprudence, Caroline began her legal career with a litigation practice based in London and upon qualification moved to Rollits in 1999. She was promoted to partner in 2010.
Caroline is also head of the Education Team acting for Schools, Multi Academy Trusts, Colleges, Universities and Independent Training Providers, advising upon disputes with Funders, Partner Providers, students and other stakeholders.
Expertise
Caroline acts on behalf of clients in relation to a variety of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, negligence and warranty claims. Her work includes providing advice to clients in order to stave off proceedings, attending mediations and where required taking cases through to final hearing in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
With extensive experience within the education sector, Caroline advises clients on a range of issues including those involving funding bodies, partner providers and learners.
She also has over 10 year’s experience in the construction sector acting on behalf of employers, developers and contractors in adjudications and claims in the Technology and Construction Courts.
Professional memberships & accreditations
Caroline is a member of the Society of Construction Law.