Construction and development contracts cover the drafting, negotiation and management of agreements for building projects from site acquisition and planning through to handover and development financing. A solicitor in this area drafts and reviews main contracts, sub-contracts, collateral warranties and design and build or standard form documents, and advises on milestones, payment provisions, extensions of time, and remedies for breach. They coordinate with engineers, contractors, lenders and clients, and help resolve disputes through adjudication, arbitration or litigation when necessary.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
The provisions, structures and procedures—such as payment regimes, risk allocation, progress milestones and dispute resolution—are the key focus. The solicitor handles drafting, review and negotiation of contracts, collateral warranties, and performance securities, and advises on applicable standards (e.g., JCT, NEC) and project finance arrangements, ensuring alignment across design, construction, and procurement streams.