If you are involved in a construction dispute, you may be wondering whether you should turn to a construction claims consultant or a construction disputes solicitor for support. While a construction claims consultant can provide valuable technical and project-based insight, resolving a dispute effectively and protecting your long-term commercial interests almost always requires specialist legal expertise. That is why involving a construction disputes solicitor experienced in the construction adjudication framework and litigation processes is usually a safer and more sensible choice for your business.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
Understanding the role of a Construction Claims Consultant and a Construction Disputes Solicitor
When deciding whether to instruct a construction claims consultant or a construction disputes solicitor, it is important to understand the difference between the roles that these two professionals play.
A construction claims consultant is usually a professional with experience of working in the construction industry. As a result, they can offer insight into the technical side of construction projects. They may analyse project documentation, assess delays or cost overruns, and provide expert opinions on matters such as valuation, programming, and quality of works. A construction claims consultant can help to identify where things went wrong operationally and provide their expert opinion on the impact on the project.
A construction disputes solicitor, on the other hand, focuses on the legal framework governing construction disputes. Solicitors provide legal advice, interpret contracts, assess liability, manage correspondence and negotiations, and represent you in formal legal proceedings, whether adjudication, arbitration, mediation, or litigation.
In short, a construction claims consultant may understand how a project went off course, but only a construction disputes solicitor can advise you on your legal rights, obligations, and remedies, and ensure that your business is legally protected.
Why you need a Construction Disputes Solicitor
Disputes are an unfortunate reality for businesses working in the construction industry. Whether it is a disagreement over payment, delays, defective work, or a breach of contract, even the most carefully planned project can run into conflict.
Construction disputes solicitors like ours specialise in advising businesses facing disputes, offering an invaluable combination of legal expertise and commercial experience. Just some of the reasons why most construction businesses seek support from construction disputes solicitors include the following:
- We can offer legal advice.
Crucial to the effective and favourable resolution of a construction dispute is a deep understanding of the applicable laws and legal principles. Construction disputes solicitors are highly experienced legal professionals who have a thorough grasp of the legal landscape and can provide their clients with advice tailored to their unique situation.
Only qualified solicitors or barristers are permitted to give legal advice. A construction claims consultant can discuss the technical aspects of a project, but they cannot interpret or advise on contractual obligations in a legal sense.
- We are trained in dispute resolution strategy.
A construction dispute is not just about who is right or wrong; it is about ascertaining how best to resolve the issue quickly and cost-effectively.
Our construction disputes solicitors are trained strategists. We understand the full spectrum of dispute resolution options, from informal negotiation to adjudication, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. We can assess which forum is the most appropriate to your dispute, taking account of factors such as your contract, objectives, risk appetite, and budget.
A construction claims consultant may be able to prepare technical reports, but without a solid legal strategy, those reports may not hold up under legal scrutiny. A solicitor ensures that your approach is aligned with the relevant legal procedure and that deadlines, notices, and evidence requirements are met.
- We understand contracts and risk allocation
Construction contracts are complex documents. They allocate risk, define responsibilities, and establish procedures for dealing with delays, payments, and variations.
While a construction claims consultant should be able to identify practical issues, construction disputes solicitors understand how those issues translate into legal rights and liabilities. We can interpret contract clauses, assess potential breaches, and determine what remedies you are entitled to. In addition, we can also help you to manage future risk and minimise the chance of disputes by reviewing and drafting your business’s contractual documentation.
- We can negotiate settlements that protect your business
Not every dispute needs to go to court. In fact, many issues can be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution methods, such as adjudication, arbitration, or mediation.
Our construction disputes solicitors are skilled negotiators. We combine legal knowledge with commercial awareness to reach practical, cost-effective settlements. We do not simply aim to “win” at all costs; we devise strategies that protect our clients’ long-term business interests and relationships and ensure that any settlement is legally binding and enforceable.
In short, a construction claims consultant should work alongside solicitors, not instead of them. Some complex and high-value cases may require input from both a construction claims consultant and construction disputes solicitors. If we consider that collaborating with a construction claims consultant would offer a tangible benefit in your case, we will advise you on the cost implications of us doing so, and ensure that the strategy achieves your desired results in the most cost-effective way.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
