Articles
Our lawyers contribute regularly to industry and legal journals in addition to writing legal briefings, newsletters and case reports for clients and contacts. All of our articles are free to read and download here.

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California Civil Code 8850 & 8811 – what contractors need to know in 2026

California has introduced significant reforms to private construction contracting through Civil Code § 8850 and § 8811, taking effect from January 2026. The changes centre on two key measures: a mandatory, non‑waivable claims and mediation process that requires owners to engage with and pay claims within fixed timelines, and a strict 5% cap on retention across the… Read More >
Unfair to Assess the Unlawful: High Court Declines to Value Rejected Remediation Scheme

The High Court has deemed it unfair to proceed to trial to assess quantum for remedial works rejected by the Building Safety Regulator under section 31 of the Building Safety Act 2022 in GS Woodland Court v RGCM & Others [2026] EWHC 351 (TCC). The case provides important insight into the effect of BSR approval… Read More >
Students as consumers: questions remain in disrupted degree litigation

The first tranche of student claims seeking compensation for the impact of COVID and teaching strikes on the delivery of their education has been settled shortly prior to trial. As has been widely reported, UCL agreed to pay £21million to settle claims by 6,500 students, an average of around £3,250 per claimant. As 35% of… Read More >
IRISH HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES ANNUAL REVIEW OF WORKPLACE INJURIES, ILLNESSES AND FATALITIES 2023-2024

In December 2025, the Health and Safety Authority’s (“HSA”) Annual Review of Workplace Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities 2023-2024 was published. We have set out a summary of the findings of the Review below, with a particular focus on the construction industry. In the foreword from the Chief Executive Officer of the HSA, he points out… Read More >
Ontario Court of Appeal poised to clarify construction lien appeal routes

In Castle Homes Design Inc. v McKenzie, 2026 ONCA 98, the Court of Appeal indicated its intent to resolve a dispute about the appropriate appeal route for construction lien proceedings. Background Castle Homes, a construction company, contracted with a homeowner to install a swimming pool and deck at a residential property. A dispute arose and… Read More >
How the Buy Ontario Act and Buy Canadian Policy will reshape construction procurement in Canada

Ontario’s newly enacted Buy Ontario Act and the federal[1] Buy Canadian Policy together mark a significant shift requiring contractors and suppliers to spend at home – if they are going to work for the government – to strengthen domestic industries, stabilise supply chains, and protect local workers. The construction industry stands at the intersection of… Read More >
Part one: how rapid data centre expansion is testing the UK’s planning and infrastructure regime – planning pressures

The UK is in the midst of a data centre boom. Exponential growth in cloud services, artificial intelligence, streaming, e-commerce and internet usage is driving unprecedented demand for secure, low-latency computing and storage capacity. The supply market is reacting at pace, dictating the development of swathes of land across the nation[1]. Hyperscalers are targeting exponential… Read More >
Key insights from CIRIA’s new guidance on performance-based specifications, IP and MMC

Last year saw the publication of two new and important guidance documents by CIRIA, in conjunction with Buildoffsite. The guides are aimed at stakeholders working on a range of projects using innovative ways of working in the UK construction and manufacturing sectors, namely: Using Performance Specifications in Construction Projects; and Managing Intellectual Property for Modern… Read More >
Adjudication Risks When Contract Existence is Disputed

The decision of the Technology and Construction Court In High Tech Construction Limited v WLP Trading and Marketing Limited [2026] EWHC 152 (TCC) has highlighted the need for contractual certainty and its corresponding relationship with Adjudicator jurisdiction. Where the existence of the underlying contract is in dispute, rather than the nature of its terms, and… Read More >
Build Canada homes: a five-month snapshot

Build Canada Homes (“BCH”) is a novel office aiming to double the pace of residential construction across Canada by combining “flexible finance tools, land access, and development expertise under one roof”.[1] This article provides a high-level backgrounder to BCH and the progress it has made since its initial launch. Key moments over the past five… Read More >