By Dr Samer Skaik
Over the past decade, my work in construction law and adjudication has consistently reinforced one reality: adjudication has become a cornerstone of modern dispute resolution across the global construction industry. It has therefore been a privilege to contribute to the Second Edition of International Contractual and Statutory Adjudication, as an Assistant Editor as well as a Contributor of six chapters, bringing together perspectives from across multiple jurisdictions. The book is edited by the prominent author & practitioner Andrew Burr with editorial assistance from Narudee Chuekitkumchorn and myself.
📘 Why This Book Matters Today
Since the first edition in 2017, adjudication has evolved rapidly. We are now seeing:
- Expansion and refinement of Security of Payment regimes
- Increased reliance on adjudication to protect cash flow
- Wider adoption of Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) under FIDIC contracts
- Growing convergence between contractual and statutory approaches
This edition captures those developments and offers a comparative, practice-oriented perspective for professionals navigating complex, multinational construction environments.
🛠️ My Contribution – Grounded in Practice
My contributions to this edition are deeply informed by my extensive research on adjudication over the last decade as well my dual role as a Panel Adjudicator under Security of Payment legislation, and as a Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) member under FIDIC contracts.
This second edition also builds on my involvement in the first edition, where I contributed four chapters. In this updated edition, I have expanded my contribution significantly—not only in terms of volume, but also in depth—with several chapters being substantially revised and reworked to reflect developments in practice, legislation, and case law across jurisdictions as follows:
- Authoring six chapters on Australian adjudication regimes, covering all States and Territories
- Supporting the book as Assistant Editor, ensuring consistency and practical relevance across jurisdictions
- Developing a comparative appendix on adjudication review mechanisms.
In many respects, this work aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice—drawing on lived experience to inform comparative analysis.
🌐 A Global, Yet Converging Landscape
This book explores a wide range of jurisdictions—including the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Canada, the United States, etc. It also covers dispute boards under ICC rules and DAAB under FIDIC contracts.
🔍 Invitation to Explore
For researchers and practitioners involved in contracts, claims, and dispute resolution, I invite you to explore the available Preview of the book in advance:
👉 Preview the publication here: https://www.routledge.com/International-Contractual-and-Statutory-Adjudication/Burr/p/book/9781041152910
💬 Final Reflection
Working on this edition over the last two years has been both professionally rewarding and reflective. It highlights how adjudication has matured—from a jurisdiction-specific innovation into a globally recognised tool for managing construction risk and disputes. My hope is that this book contributes not only to knowledge, but also to better practice in delivering fair, timely, and effective outcomes in construction projects worldwide.