Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects

Construction projects are complex undertakings – and even with the best preparation, disagreements can arise over time, cost, or quality. At The Jonathan Lea Network, our construction solicitors provide expert advice and representation in resolving disputes efficiently, strategically, and with minimum disruption to your business.

We act for developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and funders across a full range of construction and engineering disputes throughout England and Wales.

Practical, Commercial Dispute Resolution

Our approach is pragmatic and commercially focused. We understand that disputes in construction are rarely just about legal principles — they often affect ongoing relationships, project delivery, and cash flow.

Whether you’re facing a claim for delay, a disagreement over payment, or an allegation of defective work, our goal is to resolve matters swiftly, proportionately, and with the best possible outcome for your project and business.

Types of Construction Disputes We Handle

We advise clients across the full spectrum of contentious construction issues, including:

• Delay and disruption claims – assessing entitlement to extensions of time, loss and expense, and concurrency.
  
• Defects and quality disputes – pursuing or defending claims for defective workmanship, materials, or design.
  
• Payment and retention disputes – enforcing or challenging interim and final account valuations, retention sums, and pay less notices.
  
• Termination and breach of contract – advising on lawful termination, repudiation, and associated damages claims.
  
• Professional negligence – claims against architects, engineers, and consultants arising from design defects, specification omissions, or breaches of professional duty.
  
• Final account and variation disputes – resolving disagreements over scope, variations, and cost recovery.
  

We work closely with construction professionals and experts to ensure every claim is supported by robust evidence and technical analysis.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Our solicitors are experienced in all statutory and contractual forms of dispute resolution under UK construction law, including:

• Adjudication: A fast-track statutory process under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009). We prepare and defend adjudication claims, ensuring compliance with notice requirements and tight procedural deadlines.
  
• Mediation: A confidential and cost-effective process that allows parties to reach settlement with the help of an independent mediator.
  
• Arbitration: A private, expert-led process commonly used in domestic and international construction and engineering contracts, particularly under NEC, FIDIC, and bespoke agreements.
  
• Litigation: Full representation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC), part of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, and the County Courts for complex or high-value disputes.
  

We tailor our approach to your situation — whether you require urgent adjudication, pre-action negotiation, or court proceedings.

Early Strategy and Risk Management

Early intervention can significantly reduce the cost and impact of disputes. We assist clients from the moment issues first arise by:

• Reviewing contractual and evidential positions
  
• Advising on compliance with notice and payment procedures
  
• Preparing or responding to claims for extensions of time, loss and expense, variations, or additional costs
  
• Conducting without prejudice negotiations to explore early settlement options

We also advise on dispute avoidance and early neutral evaluation, helping parties identify solutions before positions become entrenched.

Our team provides clear guidance on prospects, costs, and strategy — helping you make informed decisions that protect your position and manage risk.

How We Help

We offer comprehensive legal support through every stage of the dispute resolution process:

• Case assessment: Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and evidential gaps.
  
• Adjudication management: Drafting referral and response documents, and managing procedural timelines.
  
• Negotiation and settlement: Using commercial leverage to achieve favourable outcomes without escalation.
  
• Court or arbitration representation: Coordinating expert witnesses, disclosure, and advocacy through to final hearing or award.
  
• Enforcement: Pursuing or defending adjudication decisions and court judgments, typically via summary enforcement proceedings in the TCC.
  

Our objective is always to resolve disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, without compromising your commercial goals.

Who We Act For

We represent a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

• Developers and employers
  
• Main contractors and subcontractors
  
• Design consultants and engineers
  
• Funders and insurers
  

Whether you’re pursuing or defending a claim, we provide clear, strategic advice grounded in both legal and industry understanding.

Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network

• Specialist expertise: Experienced in adjudication, arbitration, and TCC litigation.
  
• Strategic focus: We balance legal rights with commercial realities.
  
• Cost transparency: We offer fixed-fee and staged-fee options for predictable budgeting.
  
• Collaborative approach: We work closely with your project and finance teams to align legal strategy with operational needs.
  

Contact Our Construction Dispute Solicitors

If you are facing a construction dispute or wish to understand your legal position before it escalates, our team can help you develop a strategy that protects your commercial interests.

📞 Call us on 01444 708 640
📧 Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net