Construction contracts and appointments

Construction documents are key to a well-managed and financially-sound development. We can help you draft, negotiate and use those documents as the backbone to your successful project.

The construction industry is developing fast. New technological challenges combined with changes to the law mean that managing risk is trickier than ever.

We can help you to navigate the changing landscape, allocate risk, avoid disputes, and deliver your project. This includes drafting and advising on building contracts, appointments with the wider consultant team, parent company guarantees, performance bonds and collateral warranties.

JCT and NEC contracts remain the most common choices of contract but there are a range of options for each project including FIDIC to ICC and MF/1. We are skilled in them all.

Our lawyers

Our specialist lawyers, a number of whom are mentioned in Legal 500 and Chambers, work exclusively in construction and engineering law and have a deep understanding of that sector. 

Our experience

We have years of experience advising on construction and engineering matters. So, no matter how unusual the issue you have, it is likely we have considered it before. Recent examples of our work include:

  • Preparing appointments and JCT building contracts for Cranfield University. Our work included drafting collateral warranties, third party rights, parent company guarantees and performance bonds.
  • Negotiating an NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract for a government client for a new faculty building. As the project progressed, we supported the client in understanding and enforcing its contractual rights.
  • Drafting, negotiating and completing over 400 construction documents for Trinity College, Cambridge for a joint venture with an international company. This work created a 350,000 sq ft state-of-the-art biohub at Cambridge Science Park.
  • Representing a contractor in negotiations on a development agreement with a developer for the construction of a retail park. We managed and negotiated a JCT Design and Build Contract, consultant appointments, and third party rights.
  • Working with a developer on an urban extension to a market town including 6,500 new homes, three new primary schools and a secondary school. We managed the construction contracts for the whole site, including consultant frameworks, infrastructure contracts and building contracts.

Our clients

We have experience acting for a wide range of parties involved in construction project. Our clients include:

  • Employers/Owners including developers, Government bodies ,education clients and NHS Trusts
  • Funders/investors
  • Consultants
  • Contractors
  • Specialist sub-contractors

Legal resources you may find useful

  • A dedicated LinkedIn showcase page on construction and engineering law.
  • Our construction law blog reveals our latest thinking on the issues and changes in law affecting the construction and engineering industry.
  • Our procurement portal includes downloadable resources and the latest guidance on state aid and procurement.
  • We write for professional and industry publications, including Estates Gazette.

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