Construction Contract Review & Procurement Advice
Sound contracts are the cornerstone of every successful construction project. At The Jonathan Lea Network, our specialist construction solicitors help clients draft, review and negotiate construction contracts that manage risk, protect their interests, and keep projects running smoothly.
We act for developers, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and funders across a broad range of commercial, residential and infrastructure projects throughout England and Wales.
Why Contract Review and Procurement Advice Matters
Every construction project is different — but most share the same core challenges: cost certainty, risk allocation, and timely delivery. A well-drafted contract provides clarity, reduces the risk of disputes, and sets out what happens when things don’t go to plan.
Our team ensures that your contractual arrangements are not only legally compliant, but also commercially practical. We focus on the details that make the difference — from payment schedules to change control — so you can move forward with confidence.
Expertise in Standard and Bespoke Contract Forms
We work with all major UK construction contract forms and tailor them to your project’s unique requirements:
- JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal): Widely used for building and development projects, including Design and Build, Intermediate, and Minor Works Contracts.
- NEC (New Engineering Contract): A suite of collaborative contracts widely used for infrastructure, engineering, and construction projects across both public and private sectors.
- Bespoke Contracts: For complex or high-value projects that demand tailored drafting beyond standard forms.
Our solicitors ensure that contract terms are clear, consistent and aligned with your project goals and procurement strategy.
Key Issues We Advise On
We provide focused legal advice on all contractual aspects of procurement, risk management and project delivery, including:
- Risk allocation: Defining the allocation of contractual and operational responsibilities between parties to reduce ambiguity and mitigate potential disputes.
- Liquidated damages: Ensuring that delay damages comply with current enforcement principles under English contract law and remain proportionate to potential loss.
- Variations: Managing change in scope or specification through clear procedures.
- Extensions of time: Setting fair and workable mechanisms to deal with delays.
- Subcontracting: Drafting and reviewing subcontract terms to maintain consistency, manage flow-down obligations, and minimise supply chain risk.
- Change control: Establishing contractual mechanisms to manage variations, design changes, and other unforeseen events efficiently and transparently.
Our role is to make sure every contractual provision supports the project’s commercial success and operational reality.
How We Help
Our construction lawyers take a proactive, strategic approach to contract drafting and procurement support:
- Contract strategy: We advise on procurement routes, tender documentation, and contract selection to balance cost, flexibility, and control.
- Drafting amendments: We prepare tailored schedules of amendments or bespoke drafting to align with your objectives and minimise exposure to risk.
- Negotiation support: We represent you in negotiations with counterparties, ensuring that key terms reflect your commercial position while maintaining project momentum.
- Due diligence: We review counterparties’ proposed terms and identify any clauses that could lead to dispute or financial exposure.
Whether you’re entering into a major development contract, appointing a consultant, or engaging subcontractors, our team ensures that your documentation is watertight and commercially balanced.
Who We Act For
We regularly advise a range of stakeholders within the construction and property sectors, including:
- Property developers and employers
- Main contractors and subcontractors
- Architects, engineers and consultants
- Funders, investors, and purchasers
Our advice covers everything from early-stage procurement strategy through to post-contract management and performance issues.
Why Choose The Jonathan Lea Network
- Sector knowledge: We combine construction law expertise with a deep understanding of how projects are delivered in practice.
- Clear, practical drafting: Our focus is on clarity, precision, and workability — not legal jargon.
- Negotiation experience: We know where to push and where to compromise, ensuring deals are fair and commercially sound.
- Transparent pricing: We offer clear fee estimates, fixed-fee options, and retainer arrangements for ongoing support.
Contact Our Construction Contract Solicitors
If you need legal support with reviewing or negotiating a construction contract, our experienced team can help you manage risk and achieve your project objectives.
📞 Call us on 01444 708 640
📧 Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What are the main standard forms of construction contracts?
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The most widely used are the JCT suite (for building works) and the NEC suite (for infrastructure and engineering projects). Both are standard forms recognised under UK construction procurement frameworks.
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Why is it important to review a construction contract before signing?
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Even standard forms contain terms that may not reflect your project’s commercial reality. A legal review helps you identify hidden risks and negotiate fairer terms.
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What’s the difference between JCT and NEC contracts?
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JCT contracts tend to be more traditional and prescriptive, while NEC contracts promote collaboration and flexibility. The right choice depends on the nature and structure of your project.
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Can you help with negotiating amendments to standard contracts?
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Yes. We regularly prepare schedules of amendments and provide negotiation support to ensure the contract aligns with your objectives and risk appetite.
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Do you act for both developers and contractors?
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Yes, but never on the same project. We act for both types of clients on separate matters, giving balanced and practical advice informed by our experience on both sides.
Our Construction Law Team
What Our Clients Say
Request a Free
No Obligation
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.