Contentious construction law
Contentious construction legal experts
Our specialist contentious construction team has vast experience in a range of disputes, thereby bringing flexible and practical solutions to problems as they arise. Whether the dispute involves renewable energy projects, construction of specialist facilities, sports stadia, hotel or housing construction, hospitals, roads, bridges, universities or similar, we can assist.
We are experienced in all forms of construction dispute resolution including adjudication, mediation and litigation. We find that prevention is generally better than cure and where possible we assist our clients in managing risk and resolving issues at an early stage. We are also able to offer training and seminars on practical issues arising out of construction law.
We appreciate that choosing the best option for you your business and dispute is about more than simply ‘knowing the law’. This approach means that we can often work alongside clients to resolve the dispute before it escalates into formal proceedings.
We can tailor our advice to suit modest sized disputes and advice involving specific construction issues, as well as highly complex, technical and sizable disputes that involving millions of pounds. We also recognise that not all disputes can be solved at the outset, so look to provide practical, commercial advice, applying the legal tools available to reach a solution.
Our work
Clarke Willmott’s contentious construction team has a breadth of experience in a range of sectors including renewable energy, local governments, infrastructure, housing, social housing and retail. We act for a number of housebuilders, social housing providers, developers, specialist contractors, sub-contractors, retailers and consultants both nationally and internationally
We advise on a broad range of construction related matters including risk management, extensions of time, liquidated damages, defects and loss and expense claims.
Mediation services for construction disputes
The financial impact of a construction dispute can be huge and swift resolution of the issue, where the involved parties leave on good terms, is essential for a project if it is to be completed on time. Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes and is used by many professionals and organisations in the construction industry as an alternative to court action.
A number of our construction lawyers are accredited mediators. As experts in construction law, we understand the sector in which you operate. This in-depth understanding helps us ask the right questions to help all parties explore the issues they are facing and navigate to a solution that works for everyone. Read more about the benefits of mediation and meet our mediators.
What they say about us
‘Every individual we have worked with has a very keen eye for detail, incredibly well-articulated, but most importantly, they look for the least confrontational means to reach a mutually agreeable solution. This is so important as it reflects how we like to operate as a business, working towards a fair and reasonable outcome.’ – The Legal 500 2025
‘They are pragmatic and focus on delivering solutions. They are a pleasure to work with, and they are efficient in their work.’ – The Legal 500 2025
“Peter McHugh is very easy to get on with, he listens and is quickly able to grasp the issues and deliver swift results.” – Client
