For disputes governed by the laws of England & Wales or Scotland

It is essential to take prompt action when a dispute arises to minimise costs and disruption on construction, infrastructure and energy projects. Early legal advice can help preserve supply chain relationships, commercial reputations and secure a resolution that meets commercial objectives both for the project and, generally, for the businesses involved.

Our UK Construction team acts for owners, developers, contractors, governmental authorities, investment funds contractors and professionals, including architects and engineers, suppliers and other construction industry participants in diverse sectors such as construction, infrastructure (transport etc.), energy (oil and gas), renewable energy (wind, solar etc.), leisure, defence, retail, water and waste.

Contracts for many international projects are governed by the laws of England and Wales and we have extensive experience of resolving international disputes as well as domestic UK projects. We advise on a wide range of disputes arising out of the construction process, including design, engineering, programming and construction issues, project administration, risk management, operation and facilities management, and project financing. We also advise on how to avoid disputes and provide a project consultancy service to minimise the risks of disputes escalating on-site.

When disputes arise, we draw on our team's diverse expertise and understanding of the construction industry and act swiftly to achieve our clients' specific business goals. We create customised strategies to implement effective, cost-efficient resolution of the dispute whatever the forum – whether in litigation, arbitration, adjudication, expert determination, mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings. We work closely with our clients' teams to assess and manage the risks inherent in disputes (such as the legal costs and reputational damage) and to minimise, so far as possible, the likelihood of future litigation.

Where necessary, we will draw on the diverse, domestic and international expertise of colleagues in Dentons' other practice areas such as Projects, Company, Commercial, Real Estate, Planning, Employment, Tax and Insolvency.

Insights

Building Regulations have been updated, even where you are not building an HRB!

March 29, 2024

United Kingdom: With all of the commentary in the market around the impact of the Building Safety Act 2022 on the development of higher-risk buildings (HRBs), it is easy to miss the updates to the Building Regulations, which apply where you are not developing an HRB.

Building Safety Act transitional arrangements in England will no longer apply to your project after 6 April 2024 unless you take action

March 21, 2024

United Kingdom: The UK Construction team has published a note highlighting that the transitional arrangements in England under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) will no longer apply to your project after 6 April 2024 unless you take or have taken certain prescribed actions.

Turbulent times call for increased focus on dispute avoidance

March 19, 2024

United Kingdom: In the face of ongoing economic turbulence, the construction industry’s approach to dispute resolution (DR) is more critical than ever. A recent survey by the Construction Industry Collaborative Voice (CICV) put a spotlight on the ongoing payment issues in the Scottish construction industry and the cash flow problems with which contractors continue to grapple to keep their businesses afloat.

View all insights for Construction and Engineering Disputes in the United Kingdom