Construction and engineering projects require careful and considered legal expertise from inception to completion and, ultimately, commissioning, use, sale or occupation. We provide legal expertise and industry knowledge to ensure that parties to construction and engineering projects have rigorous legal documents and agreements which protect their interests.
In addition to drafting, negotiating and reviewing construction and engineering contracts, our team can assist you across all areas of construction law, including:
We have specific expertise in drafting, amending, negotiating and advising on the various different contracts relating to the construction and engineering industry, including:
We are able to draft using all the major standard form contracts including JCT, NEC, ICE, FIDIC and IChemE as well as bespoke alternatives.
We understand that companies and professionals involved in construction and engineering contend with tight margins while seeking to avoid or mitigate any delays which can threaten the financial viability of projects.
Regardless of type or scale, projects must be undertaken with a thorough understanding of the commercial and legal realities of the deal being entered into. Many of our clients are not aware of the range of legal instruments available to meet their commercial needs; we therefore make it a priority to explain all of your options before proceeding to undertake work on your behalf.
Our specialist construction and engineering lawyers will focus on removing any friction which may slow down or complicate the construction process at any stage, ensuring that all parties to the project work in close collaboration. To do so, we take the time to listen to your commercial imperatives and ultimate goals. We then undertake the necessary due diligence to unearth all of the possible challenges and issues which may conflict with your interests before, during, and after the project.
Our construction solicitors have experience in acting for:
Whatever your involvement in the construction and engineering process, our solicitors can create the documentation and agreements required to safeguard your interests, advising on risk assessment, management and protection. Here we outline the common ways in which we can support you:
We draft, amend, negotiate and advise on construction/engineering contracts, sub-contracts, professional appointments, pre-construction service agreements, performance bonds and collateral warranties. We can also assist with the securitisation documentation required by any funders to the project.
In the developers’ role as an employer, we draft, amend, negotiate and advise on construction/engineering contracts, sub-contracts, professional appointments, pre-construction service agreements, performance bonds and collateral warranties, assisting with the securitisation documentation required by any funders. Further, we draft, amend, negotiate and advise on development agreements/agreements for lease with end users.
We draft, amend, negotiate and advise on construction/engineering contracts (including design and build contracts), sub-contracts, professional appointments, pre-construction service agreements, performance bonds and collateral warranties, ensuring that obligations and associated risks relating to the position of the main contractor are placed with those other parties best-placed to manage them.
We draft, amend, negotiate and advise on sub-contracts, performance bonds and collateral warranties paying particular attention to the provisions relating to payments to sub-contractors and any obligations sought to be imposed over and above those to the main contractor.
We draft, amend, negotiate and advise on professional appointments, collateral warranties and novation agreements paying particular attention to the relevant insurance provisions relating to professionals/consultants.
We draft supplier terms and conditions with particular emphasis on the passing of title in goods and materials supplied.
We review, negotiate and advise on as appropriate construction/engineering contracts, sub-contracts, professional appointments, pre-construction service agreements, performance bonds, collateral warranties and development agreements/agreements for lease relating to projects where a funder is providing finance on the basis of the funders’ securitisation requirements. We can also assist in the finalisation and production of the securitisation documentation.
We draft, amend, negotiate and advise on and development agreements and agreements for lease. As part of that process we review, negotiate and advise on as appropriate construction/engineering contracts, sub-contracts, professional appointments, pre-construction service agreements, performance bonds and collateral warranties. We can also assist in the finalisation and production of the documentation to protect end users’ interests.
We review and report upon the construction documentation relating to projects in which a party is to take a property interest, assisting in the finalisation and production of the documentation to protect that party’s interests.
We review and report upon the construction documentation relating to corporate transactions such as share sale agreements, assisting in the finalisation and production of the documentation to protect our client’s interests.
Finding the right legal partner
Choose a legal partner you can trust: we’ll help protect your goals, your business and your people so you can move forward with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Clear itemised invoices, subscription plans with up to 50% discount, and fixed fee products help you plan and manage legal spend – with no nasty surprises.
We’ve supported over 8,000 businesses since 2014, with an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60+ from monthly client surveys.
We’re here to make things easier, not add complexity. That means fast response times, practical expert legal advice delivered in plain English, and dedicated client service and account management support.
We’re an SRA regulated firm, but more importantly, we build quality, data, and compliance best practice into everything we do.
Appointing a legal partner is a big decision. That’s why we’re open about our values, culture and model, so you can see what makes us tick. And because a productive partnership starts with understanding, we always begin with a conversation – listening to your goals, pressures and plans, then tailoring our support to fit.
Harper James never fail to impress with the speed and efficiency of their service, no matter the query. The team are friendly, knowledgeable and always on hand.
Karis Walker Project Managing Officer, Thyssenkrupp
The lawyers and their support team at Harper James are so accessible, down to earth and easy to deal with. They provide practical advice in a user-friendly format and we have the comfort of knowing there isn't a stopwatch ticking in the background racking up a huge bill.
Joanne Crichton Finance Manager, Brick Hunter
Our solicitor Sarah helped us complete a complicated contract with a large multinational ensuring our interests were protected, but got the contract signed in very tight timescales. Sarah was very easy to work with and quickly understood what was important to us and how to effectively present this to our customer.
Mark Webber MD, Tinsley Bridge
Friendly, helpful and efficient. Thank you!
Beverly Clough Group HR Director, The Guild of Property Professionals
Outstanding so far. Please keep it like this!
Dimitri Konstantindi Director, Homely Appartments
Our lawyers understand how business operates in the real world, with many of them coming from industry themselves. Acting as an extension of your team, we are available whenever you need us, helping you take the next step towards growth whilst making sure your business is protected.
Senior Construction Solicitor
Howard has over 20 years’ experience specialising in construction and engineering law. Prior to becoming a solicitor, he spent 23 years as a Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Builder, giving him extensive knowledge of the construction industry.
Pricing and service plans
Our three transparent service plans are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
Flexible access to senior solicitors at highly competitive rates
An alternative to our subscription plans, offering access to full service legal expertise on a project-by-project basis.
Purpose built legal support for start-ups and smaller businesses
Monthly subscription plan for £259 per month, with £174 monthly credit and access to all legal services at 50% discount on our Standard Rates.
Comprehensive legal partnership for established businesses
Fully account managed and scalable annual subscription plan with support from a curated team of partners and senior solicitors, with up to 33% discount on our Standard Rates.