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're skilled in them all.

Our experience

We have years of experience advising on construction and engineering matters. So, no matter how unusual the issue you have, it's likely we've 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.

Did you know?

£300 million

We assisted the University of Cambridge with the procurement of its new £multi-million Cavendish III laboratory.

5,000 new homes

We helped Urban&Civic create Alconbury Weald, a 3million sq ft commercial space including thousands of new homes.

City living

We helped Blackswan with all aspects of the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Gilder’s Yard site in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

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

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

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. 

Legal resources you may find useful

What our clients say about us

“A broad construction practice with recognised strength in contentious and non-contentious matters. Particularly strong offering in the energy and higher education sectors. Handles complex negotiations over issues relating to the construction, renovation and demolition of notable London properties.”

Chambers

“They give first-rate, commercial advice to clients and they’re pragmatic and always approachable.”

Chambers

“The group handles the full range of procurement and state aid matters, contract negotiation and drafting, review of technical documents, project management and dispute resolution.”

Legal 500

“The team stands out for its arts sector expertise, as well as its education and healthcare sector nous.”

Legal 500

Meet the construction contracts and appointments team

Foundations webinar series

A series of webinar recordings on legal issues affecting the construction and engineering industry.