Adjudication
Adjudications are our bread and butter. For better or worse, it’s the industry’s go-to dispute resolution forum. While adjudication has its flaws – believe us, we know – it can be a quick and cost-efficient route to unlock a dispute. And like it or not, if you’ve got a construction contract, you’re stuck with it anyway.
We are used to referring and responding to adjudications of all shapes and sizes. We have the capacity to advise and turn round submissions in short order, and we know the right people to help when experts are needed.
In the last couple of years, we have seen a steady increase in the number of adjudications: in 2020, Carolyn, Hanna, Oli and Ruth handled around 50 adjudications between them. Together they have been one of the top users of the RICS’s adjudicator nomination service – so much so that Hanna now sits on the RICS’s Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.
Many adjudications concern discrete or procedural issues – including smash and grabs – although kitchen sink valuation disputes, negligence claims, and other more unusual issues still make up a large amount of our workload. To give a flavour, you can consider some of our previous adjudication case studies. We also give training on adjudication and what to look out for. But there is no substitute for talking things through – so if you’ve got an adjudication in mind, are expecting to be on the receiving end, or just want to talk through a problem, please get in touch.
Adjudication enforcement
When you’ve got an adjudication decision in your favour, you’ll probably want to enforce it if the other side isn’t playing ball. We’re frequent and successful users of the Technology and Construction Court’s fast-track adjudication enforcement framework – so we can help.
We’re equally able to advise on resisting enforcement, if you find yourself on the other end of a decision. While the grounds for resisting enforcement of an adjudication award are limited, they are available, and we know how to explore indirect avenues for getting round a bad decision too.
When we’ve acted on an adjudication for you, advice on enforcement comes as part of the package. We’re also happy to take over matters that reach the enforcement stage even if we didn’t act in the adjudication itself – whatever the reason. We have a network of claims consultants who frequently pass their enforcement business to us, because they know we offer an expert pair of hands.
Because we do it so often and we know the type of work involved, we’re happy to discuss alternative fee arrangements for adjudication enforcement work. Damages-based agreements and fixed fees can be good alternatives – drop us a line and we’d be happy to talk through the options.
Adjudication
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Arbitration
ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution)
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Public Sector
I have been working with Ruth and the Team for a number of years on various complex issues. They always go the extra mile to understand the commercial reality of situations providing detailed and well thought out guidance and legal advice every time. They are an invaluable support service when required and it is clear that they genuinely care about providing the best service possible to our business.
Daniel Maguire
Commercial Director – Rail & Infrastructure Division | VolkerFitzpatrick
I use Archor because it’s a one stop shop, I get made to feel important and like I’m a priority. They work quickly and allow me to get on with other things, and I trust their judgement and advice implicitly.
I don’t think I’ve ever had to chase you them on a legal matter, it’s normally the other way around which is another reason why I wouldn’t take our business elsewhere – I very much feel like we are a team working towards the same outcome.
Luke Harris
Construction Director | Frontier Estates
I find Rory to be very approachable, with a can-do attitude. Which combined with his attention to detail, understanding of the potential risks and practical approach makes him a very valued and respected member of our consultant team.
Spencer Burrell
Director | Big Sky Living
Rory and the team at Archor provide HUB with an excellent service across ourwhole living portfolio. They are very responsive, knowledgeable, trusted and have build lasting relationships with the whole HUB team.
Damien Sharkey
Managing Director |. Hub Residential
It’s always a pleasure working with the team at Archor. They are proactive, diligent and happy to offer genuine, practical advice.
Alex Hall
Director | Common Projects
Adam was an excellent all around. Disputes can often be stressful so it is incredibly helpful to have someone who can cut through the fog to deliver clear and concise advice that was still meticulous. He was always quick to respond when needed and was great at balancing the legal position against the reality of a commercial
environment
Aslan Ryskali
Director | MBIL Developments
‘We work with Archor for our legal matters as we find their professional, down to earth, flexible, relationship lead approach adds additional value beyond the standard legal advice you would achieve with others. We have great long-term relationships at various levels and the results we have achieved with Archor’s help have been fantastic’
Mark Burrows
Regional Commercial Director | Breheny Civil Engineering
