Sectors

Construction

    The UK construction industry is central to the nation’s economic growth, delivering work that ranges from residential developments and commercial buildings to critical infrastructure and specialist engineering projects. Each comes with its own legal, commercial, technical and regulatory pressures, requiring experienced construction lawyers who understand how projects operate on the ground.

    In recent years, that operating environment has shifted materially. Legislative reform has reshaped building safety and accountability, with post-Grenfell requirements now embedded within the Building Regulations. New dutyholder roles, clearer lines of responsibility and closer regulatory scrutiny have become part of day-to-day project delivery. Health and safety regulation has tightened, with greater scrutiny on compliance and accountability.

    Environmental obligations have also expanded as sustainability objectives and the move towards Net Zero increasingly influence procurement and delivery decisions. In housing, regulation has been strengthened to improve tenant safety and to equip regulators with wider enforcement powers.

    Alongside these changes, the sector continues to face persistent operational pressures. Supply chain volatility, skills shortages, logistics challenges and the ongoing effects of Brexit on labour and materials all affect how projects are planned, priced and delivered. When pressures combine, risk and delay can escalate quickly, often giving rise to the need for measured and effective dispute resolution.

    Our specialist construction lawyers work with these issues daily. We stay close to regulatory change and market conditions, translating sector insight into clear, practical advice. We provide focused legal advice, helping clients protect their position, manage risk and make informed decisions as projects progress.

    Devonshires is recognised in The Legal 500 for both contentious and non-contentious construction matters and as a ‘Firm to Watch’ for health and safety. Our multi-disciplinary team advises contractors, developers, local authorities, housing associations and construction professionals across all areas of real estate and construction law.

    Our support includes:

    • Project procurement and early-stage strategic advice.
    • Contract negotiation, drafting and risk allocation – delivered by our experienced non-contentious construction team.
    • Dispute resolution through adjudication, arbitration, expert determination, litigation and mediation, handled by specialist construction adjudication and arbitration lawyers.
    • Being engaged as trusted business advisers in providing live project support, including guidance where issues need rapid intervention.
    • Public procurement challenges.
    • Project insolvency advice.
    • Health and safety investigations and enforcement, with a focus on health and safety legal compliance in construction.
    • Building and fire safety.
    • Insurance and coverage issues.
    • Party wall matters.
    • Support for construction and engineering professionals.

    Across all areas, our aim is to help you move forward with clarity - anticipating risk, protecting your position and giving you confidence in your next step.

    Our Services

    Construction matters rarely sit in isolation. We work closely with colleagues across the firm to provide a joined-up service that reflects the full life cycle of a project. Whether you are structuring a site acquisition, navigating procurement rules or managing a complex dispute, we bring in the right people at the right time.

    Our related expertise includes:

    • Commercial Contracts & Procurementstrategic input on procurement structures and contract design.
    • Government & Local Governmentsupport with statutory duties, regulatory scrutiny and project delivery.
    • Health & Safetypractical guidance on investigations, enforcement and sector-specific compliance.
    • Housing Managementadvice on safety, asset management and regulatory obligations.
    • Infrastructure & Projects – support across energy, transport and regeneration schemes, including specialist legal advice.
    • Inquests & Inquiriesrepresentation in proceedings arising from construction or engineering incidents.
    • Litigation & Dispute Resolutionpragmatic solutions to dispute resolution for construction contracts.
    • Planningstrategic guidance on permissions, challenges and development risk.
    • Real Estateacquisitions, disposals, development structures and joint ventures.
    • Sustainability & Decarbonisation – practical pathways to emerging environmental requirements.

    Our cross-disciplinary approach gives clients a single, coordinated source of advice that reflects both legal and commercial realities.
     

    Meet the Team

    Our Construction, Engineering & Procurement team is known for clear thinking, calm advice and a practical approach to problem-solving. We understand how projects work on the ground and help you focus on what matters most, moving your project forward without unnecessary delay.

    Our Partners combine technical depth with sector insight. They work alongside you and your project team, helping you make decisions quickly and with confidence. Whether you need guidance from a construction contract dispute lawyer, support from our litigation specialists or advice on project delivery, you will receive advice that is clear, commercial and grounded in the realities of your project.

    Meet the Full Team

    Don’t just take our word for it…

    Contact us

    For initial enquiries please complete this form and send us a message. We’ll direct your enquiry to the appropriate person.

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