Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication, Statutory Adjudication

Reflecting on the Second Edition of International Contractual and Statutory Adjudication

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.

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

Why the World Bank Use DAABs: A Shield for Development Projects

The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other multilateral development banks (MDBs) impose the use of Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Boards (DAABs) in the projects they fund for several critical reasons, all aimed at ensuring the successful and efficient delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects in developing countries. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Project Management

Decoding Concurrent Delay: The SCL Protocol and Employer Responsibility

Delays in construction and infrastructure projects are almost an inevitability. But what happens when multiple delays hit at once, and some are the client’s fault while others lie with the contractor? This is the tricky terrain of concurrent delay, a concept that can lead to significant disputes over extensions of time and financial compensation.

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

Navigating the Tensions: A Guide to Mediation in Construction Disputes

Construction projects are inherently complex, often fraught with variables that can lead to disagreements, claims, and disputes. When a conflict arises, it can be costly in terms of time, money, and professional relationships. While a traditional approach might be to head straight to litigation, it is often more effective to leverage alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like negotiation and mediation. The key to success lies in understanding and managing three core tensions that exist in every dispute.
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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

The Crucial Choice: One or Three Decision Makers in Construction Disputes

A fundamental question often arises at the heart of dispute resolution planning: should a dispute be decided by a single individual or a multi-member tribunal? This choice carries profound implications for speed, cost, expertise, and the ultimate robustness of the decision. This post delves into the arguments for each approach across various dispute resolution mechanisms, offering insights to inform this critical decision.

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

Dispute Boards in Construction: Enforcement and Governing Law

Construction projects are complex undertakings, breeding grounds for disagreements that can escalate into costly, project-derailing disputes. For decades, the industry has sought better ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to lengthy arbitration or litigation. Enter the Dispute Board (DB), a project-based, real-time resolution mechanism designed to keep projects moving and relationships intact.

However, the power of a Dispute Board decision is not absolute. Its real-world teeth depend heavily on a crucial, often overlooked factor: the governing law of the contract. This article dives into the world of Dispute Boards, exploring how they function, how their decisions are enforced, and how the choice of jurisdiction can make or break their effectiveness, especially when compared to the statutory adjudication process. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration

The Critical Edge: Why Early Warning Notices Matter in FIDIC 2017

Unforeseen events and potential issues are almost inevitable in construction and infrastructure projects. How these challenges are identified, communicated, and addressed can significantly impact a project’s success, cost, and timeline. The FIDIC 2017 suite of contracts places a strong emphasis on proactive risk management and dispute avoidance, with the Early Warning Notice (EWN), specifically under Sub-Clause 8.4 [Advance Warning], being a cornerstone of this philosophy.

This post dives into the rationale and utility of Early Warning Notices under FIDIC 2017, exploring what happens if these provisions are not complied with, and outlining the responsibilities of all parties when such a notice is issued. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

Beyond Battles: How Dispute Boards Transform Construction Conflict into Collaboration

In the complex world of construction and large-scale infrastructure projects, effective dispute resolution is paramount to keeping ventures on track and budgets intact. While traditional methods like litigation and arbitration have their place, the rise of Dispute Boards (DBs) offers a proactive and often more efficient alternative. These independent bodies aim not just to resolve disputes, but, crucially, to manage and even prevent them from escalating, acting as an integral part of project delivery. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Statutory Adjudication

Governing Law in Contracts: Navigating the Nuances of Jurisdiction and Practicalities

The seemingly straightforward governing law clause in any contract holds immense power, acting as the legal compass that guides the interpretation and enforcement of an agreement. While its fundamental purpose—to specify which legal system will apply in a dispute—remains constant, its practical application, particularly in dispute resolution forums like adjudication and arbitration, presents a fascinating array of challenges and jurisdictional distinctions. This post demonstrates how governing law truly operates across different legal systems. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration

The Challenging Role of the Engineer/CA/PM in Construction Dispute Resolution

Disputes are an inevitable byproduct of complex projects, involving multiple parties, intricate contracts, and high stakes. At the heart of managing these conflicts, often with a heavy and unenviable burden, stands a key figure: the Engineer, Contract Administrator (CA), or Project Manager (PM).

Their role, as defined by various standard forms of contract, is often multifaceted, requiring them to be simultaneously technical experts, project leaders, financial custodians, and, crucially, initial dispute resolvers. It’s a tightrope walk where impartiality is expected, but practical realities often tug them towards one side. …

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Construction Law, Contract Administration, Contractual Adjudication

How Mediation Builds Bridges in Construction Projects?

Construction projects, with their intricate contracts, multiple stakeholders, tight deadlines, and complex technicalities, are fertile ground for disputes. When disagreements arise, traditional litigation can be a protracted, expensive, and relationship-damaging ordeal. This is where mediation steps in as a powerful and increasingly preferred alternative.

Mediation, at its core, is a flexible, confidential, and voluntary process where a neutral third party, the mediator, assists disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement. Unlike arbitration or litigation, the mediator does not impose a decision but rather facilitates communication, clarifies issues, explores options, and helps the parties find common ground.

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Construction Law, Contractual Adjudication, Statutory Adjudication

Your First Strike: Why Adjudication is the Ultimate Opening Move in Construction Disputes

In the high-stakes, fast-paced world of construction, disputes are not a matter of “if,” but “when.” From payment disagreements and extension of time claims to quality issues and unforeseen ground conditions, conflicts are an inherent part of managing complex projects. When these disputes inevitably arise, how you choose to address them can be the difference between project success and crippling delays or financial ruin. …

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