Construction Law
We provide expert legal advice to clients across the construction industry – from developers and contractors to consultants, funders, and investors. Our team understands the commercial realities and technical complexities of construction projects and delivers practical, cost-effective solutions to help you move forward with confidence.
Whether you need support drafting a construction contract, managing risk, or resolving a dispute, our solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of your project.
How We Support the Construction Industry
Construction projects often involve multiple parties, large financial commitments, and tight timelines. With so many moving parts, clear contracts and proactive legal support are vital. We help clients to anticipate risks, maintain project momentum, and resolve problems before they escalate.
Our services cover both non-contentious and contentious construction law matters, including:
1. Construction Contract Review & Procurement Advice
The foundation of every successful project lies in a well-structured contract. We help clients draft, review and negotiate construction agreements that balance risk, responsibility and commercial intent.
Our team works with all major forms of contract, including:
- JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) suitable for a wide range of UK building projects.
- NEC (New Engineering Contract) a suite of collaborative contracts widely used for engineering, construction, and infrastructure projects.
- Bespoke Contracts tailored for complex or high-value projects where standard forms are unsuitable.
We advise on:
- Risk allocation and project governance
- Liquidated damages, delay and extension of time provisions
- Variations and change control procedures
- Subcontracting structures and consultant appointments
How we help: We assist with contract strategy, drafting amendments, and negotiation support to ensure clarity and compliance at the outset of your project.
2. Funding, Security Documentation & Collateral Warranties
We act for developers, funders, and lenders in structuring and securing project finance. Our solicitors ensure that your funding arrangements are legally sound and aligned with your commercial objectives.
Our services include:
- Drafting and negotiating development finance and facility agreements
- Structuring security documentation, including performance bonds, parent company guarantees and project warranties
- Preparing and negotiating collateral warranties between contractors, consultants, funders, purchasers and tenants
How we help: We combine technical knowledge with commercial insight to safeguard your investment and ensure funders’ interests are protected throughout the build.
3. Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects
Construction disputes can quickly derail a project. We focus on resolving disputes swiftly, cost-effectively and strategically, always with your commercial priorities in mind.
Common issues include:
- Delay and disruption claims
- Defective or non-compliant works
- Payment and retention disputes
- Termination and breach of contract
- Professional negligence and design errors
We guide clients through all key dispute resolution mechanisms:
- Adjudication
- Mediation, to reach negotiated settlements
- Arbitration, for private, expert-led dispute resolution
- Litigation, where court proceedings are necessary
How we help: From early case strategy and cost modelling to full representation, we provide practical, outcome-focused support at every stage of the dispute process.
4. Professional Negligence & Consultant Liability
We represent designers, consultants and their clients in professional negligence and liability matters across the construction and engineering sectors.
We advise on:
- Design errors and specification omissions
- Liability under the Defective Premises Act 1972 and subsequent amendments (including the Building Safety Act 2022)
- Joint-venture and novation issues
- Breach of professional duties and standards
How we help: We pursue and defend claims, provide early advice to limit exposure, and help prevent repeat issues through robust contractual and procedural measures.
5. Subcontracting, Supplier & Consultant Agreements
Subcontractors, suppliers and consultants often face distinct commercial and legal challenges within the construction supply chain. We help ensure that your contractual position is protected and clearly defined.
Our services include:
- Drafting and reviewing subcontracts, supply agreements and consultant appointments
- Advising on flow-down clauses, warranties and indemnities
- Addressing termination rights and insolvency risks of main contractors
How we help: We provide strategic advice to safeguard your interests and ensure contractual compliance throughout the delivery chain.
Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network?
- Specialist Expertise: Our solicitors combine deep sector knowledge with commercial understanding.
- Collaborative Approach: We work closely with clients and technical teams to deliver clear, workable solutions.
- Transparent Costs: We offer competitive fixed-fee and retainer options to help you plan ahead with confidence.
- National Reach: Based in Sussex, we act for clients across England and Wales on projects of all sizes, including both private and public sector developments.
Contact Our Construction Law Solicitors
If you need legal advice for a construction project, whether it’s about drafting contracts, securing funding, or resolving a dispute — our team can help.
📞 Call us on 01444 708 640
📧 Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Photo by Joe Holland on Unsplash
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What type of contract is best for my project?
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The choice of contract depends on your project’s size, complexity, and risk allocation preferences. Standard forms like JCT are suitable for building projects, while NEC contracts are ideal for engineering or collaborative approaches. We can advise on the best option based on your specific requirements.
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How can I reduce the risk of disputes during a project?
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Clear and comprehensive contracts, effective communication, and ongoing risk management are key. Ensuring that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities from the outset minimizes misunderstandings and reduces the likelihood of disputes.
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What are collateral warranties, and why are they important?
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Collateral warranties are agreements that extend rights under a contract to third parties, such as funders, tenants, or purchasers. They provide protection and allow these parties to pursue claims directly if something goes wrong.
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How do adjudication and mediation differ in construction disputes?
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Adjudication is a fast-track process to resolve disputes under the Construction Act, often completed in 28 days. Mediation, by contrast, is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps parties reach a negotiated settlement. Both have their benefits depending on the nature of the dispute.
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What is a bond or guarantee in construction projects?
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Bonds and guarantees provide financial security to one party if the other party fails to meet its obligations. For example, a performance bond ensures that the contractor completes the project as agreed, while a parent company guarantee protects against contractor insolvency.
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What should I do if my contractor fails to deliver on time?
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Your options depend on the terms of the contract. Remedies may include seeking liquidated damages for delay, negotiating an extension of time, or terminating the contract. We can advise on the best course of action based on your specific situation.
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Can I terminate a construction contract if the work is defective?
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Termination rights depend on the severity of the defects and the terms of your contract. Many contracts allow for rectification periods before termination is considered. We can help you assess your options and take appropriate action.
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How do construction finance agreements work?
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Finance agreements often include staged payments tied to project milestones, with security documentation (such as guarantees or warranties) to protect the lender. We can assist in drafting and negotiating finance agreements to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Our Construction Law Team
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
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20 Minute Call
Whether you need help drafting a contract, or with resolving a dispute, our team would be very happy to help.
Contact us today to discuss your matter and find out how we can support your business.
Please be aware that the free 20 minute call is at our discretion. If you are looking for advice and guidance on an initial call, we may instead offer a one-hour fixed fee appointment instead.
Our fixed fee appointments are charged from £250 plus VAT to £350 plus VAT* depending on the complexity of the issues and seniority of the solicitor taking the call.