Construction Disputes & Advisory Services

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.

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.

Mediation

Representing clients with or without Counsel in mediations 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.

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.

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.

Advice on construction contract interpretation

Traffic light reviews and advisory services.