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Construction & Engineering Disputes

Within our construction and engineering practice, we have a highly regarded team able to handle the largest and most complex disputes. We are called in to handle issues of the highest strategic importance.

What is involved?

Within our construction and engineering practice, we have a highly regarded team able to handle the largest and most complex disputes. We are called in to handle issues of the highest strategic importance.

We provide earliest possible judgment calls by:

  • Intelligent and effective use of electronic platforms to assess, interrogate and utilise dispute evidence and data
  • Adopting an incisive approach which does not require all evidence to be available before making liability calls
  • Effective use of instinct and common sense gained from extensive industry experience which allows our lawyers to make robust assumptions which join the dots or fill the blanks

Why choose Freeths?

  • Our team works exclusively on construction, engineering and infrastructure projects
  • We offer supply chain expertise and a proven record of reducing legal spend and delivering results
  • Our focus is your bottom line – we own our disputes and are accountable for your balance sheet
  • We advise on all stages, from procurement to completion and operation of projects

Freeths deliver results-driven dispute management. We build and deliver merit-based results by knowing what evidence is needed and where and how to get it. Our team will assess, predict and deliver successful outcomes which can be measured in terms of results, time and costs.

Our litigators and arbitration specialists aim to provide intellectual and robust action, whilst remaining pragmatic and relationship-orientated. Whether acting for claimant or defendant, our focus and primary driver is to achieve the earliest possible closure, which delivers the result that our client deserves.

We have achieved national recognition for our work on projects throughout the UK. We also have a unique offering combining an English and Spanish specialism in construction and engineering law, with a particular focus on energy and infrastructure projects. Our team understands the cultural issues our Spanish clients face when dealing with projects in the UK, as well as commercial issues associated with NAECI.

Call our Construction & Engineering Dispute Resolution team now to see how we can help you.

Freeths x Kingsfield Academy: The Engineering Construction Podcast

Freeths Construction and Engineering Partner Alex Johnson hosts this engaging podcast series alongside Kingsfield Academy Partner, John Fotherby, to uncover the complexities of international engineering construction projects by answering the question of what causes disputes and which solutions can pave the way to success. Check back regularly for new episodes.

Episode 1: The Claims Territory – Ever wondered why there are so many disputes & claims in global engineering and construction projects? Dive deep into the claims territory with the first episode of our enlightening podcast series hosted by John Fotherby & Alex Johnson.

Episode 2: Delay and Time Extension – John Fotherby & Alex Johnson continue their enlightening discussion, addressing the complications and disputes revolving around delays and time extensions in engineering and construction projects.

Episode 3: Liquidated Damages & Penalties – This time, we delve deep into the world of Liquidated Damages and Penalties. These are recurring features of engineering construction disputes and are often misunderstood.

Episode 4:Making Successful EOT Claims – Alex Johnson & John Fotherby discuss the intricacies of crafting well-prepared extension of time claims.

Episode 5: Prolongation – In this insightful episode, Alex and John address a widespread myth: does an extension of time automatically grant contractors more money? Spoiler alert: Not always!

Episode 6: Variations and Changes – Alex & John unravel the complex interplay between owner-instructed changes, contractual language, and the reality on the ground.

Key contact

James Hartley's Profile

James Hartley

Partner & National Head of Dispute Resolution

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Our accreditations

We are celebrating another year of accreditations and rankings.

Testimonials

  • I have always found him to provide exceptional commercial advice, with the ultimate aim of providing cost effective dispute resolution. I have no h...

    Client testimonial, Managing Director

    SGI Group

  • HT

    For people like me a court case is a traumatic experience. Fortunately I was lucky to have Li Yen Lim as my solicitor. She gave me great support an...

    Huw Thomas

    Huw Thomas Architects

  • PA

    Rachael Yates has consistently provided good value, technically sound, fantastically responsive, commercially focused dispute resolution advice to...

    Paul Andrews

    Amber Infrastructure

  • He has a way of getting to the nub of a problem that I find quite refreshing. He can turn problems over and debate the issues on a commercial basis...

    Client testimonial

  • "Team players. Exceptional at controlling and managing the resolution of a construction dispute by working as a team with the construction professi...

    The Legal 500, 2025

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