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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‘Sleek and modern’ or ‘wonky and industrial’: A reminder of an architect’s duties

A recent decision in the Technology and Construction Court has found that an architect was negligent for altering the design of a cinema room without first informing or agreeing the changes with his clients. Although it is a fact specific case, it provides useful guidance on the duties and obligations that the court expects an… Read More >
Preventing falls from height in the construction industry

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (‘APPG’) on Working at Height published a report in February 2019 following a 12-month inquiry investigating the common causes of falls from height in the construction industry (the Report). As well as reviewing current legislation, the Report has made four primary recommendations aiming to reduce the number of falls and help… Read More >
Sector puts on a brace face as Brexit day approaches

Will Buckby, Partner in our Contracts and projects advisory team, was delighted to participate in a roundtable discussion last month on Brexit, hosted by Transportation Professional and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT). You can read a copy of their excellent summary of the event here.
Cladding Claims: Apportioning liability – an Australian Perspective

A fact specific recent decision by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in Australia has found that the contractor was liable to pay damages caused by a cladding fire, which occurred in November 2014. However, the contractor was successful in passing on the liability to the fire engineer, building surveyor and architect on the project.… Read More >
True value adjudication: no right to set-off against a smash and grab

M Davenport Builders Ltd v Greer & Anor [2019] EWHC 318 (TCC) is one of the first cases to consider the enforcement of a ‘smash and grab’ adjudication since the landmark ruling in Grove Developments Limited v S&T (UK) Limited [2018] was affirmed by the court of appeal. In this article, James Vernon and Charlotte… Read More >
Blogging the B-Word

With the planned Brexit Day fast approaching on 29 March, understandably we’ve seen an increase in queries and requests for advice relating to Brexit. In this blog, Will Buckby comments on how Brexit might impact the construction industry, and gives an insight in to some of the risks that need to be considered and suggests… Read More >
Arbitration in Saudi Arabia – meeting the goals of Vision 2030

Through the Vision 2030 initiative, KSA’s Crown Prince has promoted the development of new infrastructure, manufacturing hubs, housing, transport and commercial spaces. However, despite the attractive commercial offering that KSA provides, many in the market appear to be taking a cautious approach when it comes to doing business in the region citing concerns regarding payment,… Read More >
Waste Crime – The New Narcotics

The Environment Agency reports that, after the conclusion of a Proceeds of Crime hearing in February 2019, a man already serving over 7 years in prison for WEEE evidence fraud has been ordered to pay back £1,373,060. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (“WEEE”) Regulations 2013 impose requirements regarding the recovery, reuse, recycling and treatment… Read More >
High Court finds Brexit did not frustrate lease – impact on construction contracts

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has lost a High Court challenge brought by the Canary Wharf Group (CW) over the potential termination of its 25-year office lease. The decision will be of interest to those reviewing and negotiating construction contracts in light of Brexit. In this article partner, James Hutchinson, discusses the background of the… Read More >
Examining Educational Negligence Claims (as in an actual exam!)

For many years now, negligence claims against Accountants, Solicitors and Construction Professionals have formed the core subjects on the Professional Indemnity Insurance curriculum. Recently we have seen an increase in negligence claims being pursued against Educational Providers, such that they appear to be becoming a more prominent topic within the Professional Indemnity market. In this… Read More >