Construction adjudication lawyers

Construction projects move quickly, and when disputes arise, delays or cashflow issues can put significant pressure on everyone involved. Adjudication provides a fast, practical way to resolve disagreements without halting progress on site.

Our experienced and specialist construction law solicitors advise employers, contractors, subcontractors and other construction professionals in Adjudications. Delivering clear guidance and effective outcomes under tight deadlines.

What Is Adjudication?

Adjudication is the construction industry’s statutory “quick-fire” dispute resolution process. Under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, most parties have the right to refer a dispute arising under their construction contract to an independent adjudicator at any time.

Decisions are usually issued within 28 days (although in our experience this is quite often extended via negotiation), making adjudication the preferred route for promptly resolving disputes on payment, delay and defects promptly, whilst keeping projects moving.

How We Help

• Early Assessment & Strategy - we assess the strength of your position, explain your options and advise whether adjudication is the best route in light of your commercial priorities, deadlines, and evidence.

• Preparation of the Case - we prepare or respond to Notices of Adjudication and Referral Notices . We work closely with experts where technical input (e.g. quantum, delay or defect analysis) is required and also barristers to advance your case.

• Post-Decision Advice & Enforcement - once a decision is issued, we advise on next steps, including compliance, settlement negotiations or, where necessary, enforcement via the Court. We also guide clients on whether to challenge or revisit the dispute through another forum.

Types of Disputes We Handle

We assist with a wide range of construction disputes, including:

• Payment notices, valuations and final account claims

• Delay and disruption claims, including entitlement to extensions of time

• Defective workmanship or materials

• Interpretation of contract terms

• Loss, expense and prolongation claims

• Alleged breaches of contract and/or failures in performance

Who We Act For

Our clients include:

• Developers and employers seeking swift resolution of contractual or project-critical disputes

• Main contractors needing to protect cash flow, challenge claims or defend allegations

• Subcontractors and suppliers pursuing payment or resolving technical or valuation disagreements.

• Professional consultants facing disputes linked to payment, design, specification or project administration.

FAQs

• Is adjudication compulsory? - no, parties can choose other dispute resolution routes. However, where a construction contract falls under the Construction Act, either party can choose to start adjudication at any time. If the other party refuses to participate it is likely a Decision, which can be enforced via the Court, will be issued against them.

• Is the adjudicator’s decision final? - the decision is binding on an interim basis, but it is not necessarily final. It can later be challenged in court or arbitration if either party wishes to take the dispute further. Although, following a fully contested Adjudication, it is not uncommon to see ‘conflict fatigue’ arise. As a result, the parties may choose to end their dispute at this stage.

• Can we still negotiate after an adjudication decision? - yes, many disputes settle shortly after an adjudicator’s decision. Even though the decision is interim binding and must be complied with, parties often use it as a commercial starting point for negotiation, helping them reach a more practical or long-term resolution without further proceedings. Clearly a party with a favourable decision will be in a much stronger negotiating position.