Skip to main content
Sign up to updates
FIND A LAWYER

Effective, efficient, practical and personal. You’ll like us.

Construction Disputes & Advisory Services

When you are involved in a dispute, it can be stressful. We understand the need for prompt and effective advice to help support you and ease the way through the resolution of construction disputes.  We do not lose sight of the fact that there are real people at the heart of the dispute and the impact that this may be having.  We also maintain that ethos in our advisory services seeking to strike a balance to make a project and its documents work in harmony.

We have a reputation for adding value with pragmatic and commercial advice.  And we deliver results on high-profile and complex issues that are critical to your business whilst providing a responsive and personable service in what can be a high-stress environment.

We actively seek to work across the construction industry for employers, contractors, subcontractors, private individuals, trade federations, construction professionals and manufacturers, as well as international clients.  This gives us a great insight into the challenges facing the industry and gives us a wider perspective when working alongside our clients.

Our lead construction partners, Lorna Carter and Howard Crossman, both have more than 25 years of experience in resolving construction disputes and providing advisory services to the industry, so you are in safe (and experienced) hands.

Construction Disputes

How we can help

Adjudication

We advise on both bringing and defending contractual adjudications or adjudications brought under the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) and work together with you as a team to deal and get the most from this fast-moving process.

Pre-action protocol (PAP) for Construction and Engineering disputes

We draft claim letters for claimants and also letters of acknowledgement and response for Defendants. We represent clients at without prejudice meetings due to be held before court action and after the exchange of PAP correspondence. We look to see where the issues are and how to untie the knots preventing resolution.

Drafting construction documents

Advising developers, funders and contractors and drafting bespoke Building Contracts and Schedules of Amendments to Standard Form Contracts. Drafting collateral warranties, bonds, works contracts, other types of sub-contract, novation agreements, consultants’ appointments and sub-consultants’ appointments.

Mediation and other ADR

Representing clients with or without counsel in mediations and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pre or post court action, with experience of both mediations in person or virtual mediations over video links.  In construction claims this is commonly after the pre-action protocol and before further legal action and gives a real chance of resolution.

Professional negligence claims relating to construction professionals

In relation to these claims we most commonly act for private individuals who have claims against a design and build contractor or their professional advisers e.g. architect, engineer. Often seen as a David and Goliath scenario but which can be resolved with patience and perseverance.

Advice on construction contract interpretation

Traffic light reviews and advisory services.

Court Action and Arbitration

If this cannot be avoided – and we always try to – then we advise clients in relation to claims in the County Court and High Court with particular focus on the Technology and Construction Court and the Court of Appeal, we also advise on both international and domestic arbitrations and guide our clients through the process making this as smooth and planned as possible.

Final account claims

Most often acting for contractors, suppliers, sub-contractors and sub-sub-contractors on issues of non-payment including where no payment notices or pay less notices have been provided. Swift and effective action is key.

Construction contracts advice

Including advice on procurement, contract negotiation and drafting including advising on all main Standard Form Contracts and Sub-Contracts including the JCT suite, ICE, NEC and FIDIC.

We advise on both bringing and defending contractual adjudications or adjudications brought under the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended) and work together with you as a team to deal and get the most from this fast-moving process.

We draft claim letters for claimants and also letters of acknowledgement and response for Defendants. We represent clients at without prejudice meetings due to be held before court action and after the exchange of PAP correspondence. We look to see where the issues are and how to untie the knots preventing resolution.

Advising developers, funders and contractors and drafting bespoke Building Contracts and Schedules of Amendments to Standard Form Contracts. Drafting collateral warranties, bonds, works contracts, other types of sub-contract, novation agreements, consultants’ appointments and sub-consultants’ appointments.

Representing clients with or without counsel in mediations and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pre or post court action, with experience of both mediations in person or virtual mediations over video links.  In construction claims this is commonly after the pre-action protocol and before further legal action and gives a real chance of resolution.

In relation to these claims we most commonly act for private individuals who have claims against a design and build contractor or their professional advisers e.g. architect, engineer. Often seen as a David and Goliath scenario but which can be resolved with patience and perseverance.

Traffic light reviews and advisory services.

If this cannot be avoided – and we always try to – then we advise clients in relation to claims in the County Court and High Court with particular focus on the Technology and Construction Court and the Court of Appeal, we also advise on both international and domestic arbitrations and guide our clients through the process making this as smooth and planned as possible.

Most often acting for contractors, suppliers, sub-contractors and sub-sub-contractors on issues of non-payment including where no payment notices or pay less notices have been provided. Swift and effective action is key.

Including advice on procurement, contract negotiation and drafting including advising on all main Standard Form Contracts and Sub-Contracts including the JCT suite, ICE, NEC and FIDIC.

Testimonials
Testimonials

“I have worked with the construction law department of Greenwoods for over 10 years. They are my first port of call when we have clients who require legal advice.”

(The Legal 500 2024)

“A uniquely dedicated team who is passionate about the work they offer, very punctual and resourceful.”

(The Legal 500 2024)

“Lorna Carter leads by example and is very considerate of client needs and provides the level of support and advice that is required for each appointment. Very straight talking, ensuring that the level of support (and associated fee) is measured to what is needed for the appointment.”

(The Legal 500 2023)

“Effective construction team with a personal touch that provides value-added, prompt and practical advice.”

(The Legal 500 2022)

“Howard Crossman is a thorough, conscientious and knowledgeable partner who always goes the extra mile to get the information and do the work.”

(Construction Disputes Client in The Legal 500)

“Lorna Carter of Greenwoods has been my lawyer for the past 4 years. She has provided me with sage counsel throughout, and always explains things in a way that I can easily understand. I highly value her legal knowledge and expertise, but equally appreciate that she delivers that expertise with humanity and humour, rather than in a dry, detached way. She lets you know she’s in your corner, which is incredibly reassuring.”

(Interior Design House, London)




    By completing and submitting this form, you consent to Greenwoods Legal LLP processing your personal data to provide you with the email update services you have selected and any other materials and information about our services that Greenwoods Legal LLP reasonably believes will be of interest to you. You are free to withdraw your consent at any time by emailing mailinglists@greenwoods.co.uk