"genuine expertise in construction'
Legal 500 2006
The Construction Team deals with all aspects of law impacting on the construction industry. We act for a range of public and private sector clients, both in the drafting of contracts and the resolution of disputes.
Procurement
In the initial stages, Birketts can provide detailed legal advice on all aspects of procurement (including EU procurement related issues) together with advice on how best to structure transactions
Construction documents
The Construction Team works closely with the Commercial Property Team providing advice on the construction issues arising out of development agreements, agreements for lease and other development related documentation. In addition, we advise on all the different forms of construction documentation associated with development/project transactions, including professional appointments, building contracts and the preparation of sub-contracts. We also draft all ancillary documentation, including parent company guarantees, performance bonds, retention bonds and collateral warranties.
We are familiar with all forms of construction industry documentation, including JCT, NEC, ICE, CG/Works and the other more specialist forms. The growth of non-standard documentation and constant change in industry standard forms, means that the participants in the construction process need to be vigilant and ensure their interests are properly protected. We advise all parties involved in the construction process (funders, developers, contractors and sub-contractors) by vetting and advising on the legal documentation.
Dispute resolution
We pride ourselves on our pro-active approach to dispute resolution. Whilst the majority of our dispute works revolve around adjudication, we provide advice on all forms of dispute resolution through from the soft approach of mediation and conciliation through to bringing or defending proceedings both in arbitration or Court.
As a result of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, our workload is primarily adjudication. We regularly act for large regional contractors and sub-contractors and are known for our no-nonsense, cost effective approach to dispute resolution.
"Birketts' Construction Team has over the years provided a comprehensive and professional service working with our own commercial staff to achieve a successful and cost effective solution to the issue in hand. Early advice, clearly inherent in establishing tactics, is readily available together with the relevant support to develop the strategy to proceed." Mike Lay, Commercial Manager, AMEC
