We are a dedicated boutique construction law firm able to advise clients on the entire project lifecycle of construction-related projects from a single point of contact. Our attorneys are particularly experienced in the areas of construction contract advice, dispute resolution, construction-related litigation and commercial disputes.
Our clients include corporates and governments operating within the construction and infrastructure sectors located in Africa and internationally. We work closely with our clients to provide a comprehensive legal solution to all of their construction-related needs, which allows us to manage clients’ timelines, costs and expectations tightly.
Our attorneys are highly regarded for representing clients in dispute resolution processes, both locally and internationally, in litigation before the courts, drafting and advising on various construction-related contracts, and day-to-day claims handling and resolutions. Our clients especially benefit from the fact that two of our attorneys have practised as advocates at the Johannesburg Bar for numerous years. This knowledge allows us to assist clients in-house as far as possible, only involving external counsel if and when necessary. In addition, two of our directors are fellows of the Association of Arbitrators of Southern Africa.
Although we operate as an independent law firm, we have access to various construction experts through Kingsbourne (Pty) Ltd. Kingsbourne is a multi-disciplinary team of quantity surveyors, planners, delay analysis specialists and construction managers who provide hands-on, practical advice on all contractual and commercial management issues as well as being able to provide independent expert reports and evidence. This provides our clients with access to the full spectrum of construction-related services.
Our services cover:
Construction Contract Advice
We have extensive experience in:
- providing advice and formulating claims on a wide variety of construction and engineering-related contracts, including FIDIC, NEC, JBCC, GCC, and PROCSA;
- drafting a full range of contracts related to the construction and engineering sector, including amendments to standard contracts and the drafting of bespoke contracts;
- drafting construction notices, variation orders and instructions;
- assisting with disputes relating to interim certificates and payments, final payments, performance guarantees/security, advanced payment guarantees, issues relating to retention and defect liability period issues and
- closing out of projects and obtaining performance certificates.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our firm was extensively involved in advising a number of parties across the construction industry (including sub-contractors, contractors, principal agents and developers) on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications thereof.
Dispute Resolution
Our expertise includes:
- Adjudication
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Civil litigation
Two of our attorneys were previously advocates and were members of the Johannesburg Bar with extensive experience formulating and presenting cases before various courts and other tribunals.
Two of our attorneys are Fellows of the Association of Arbitrators of Southern Africa and our team is experienced in both adjudication and arbitration proceedings within the construction and engineering sector. Both of these attorneys have been appointed and sat as Arbitrators.
In addition, one of our attorneys is an admitted notary and conveyancer, which brings added invaluable experience in property-related disputes.
Construction Related Litigation
Our capabilities include:
- construction guarantees;
- interpretation of contracts;
- high court litigation relating to adjudications and arbitrations;
- business rescue and
- liquidation.
Association with
Kingsbourne (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1990 and specialises in all aspects of quantity surveying and commercial management, planning and programming, claims and dispute resolution.
Although we operate as an independent law firm, our association with Kingsbourne provides clients with easy access to experts in the construction field including quantum experts and delay analysis experts. This results in the maximisation of efficiency and the reduction of unnecessary utilisation and duplication of resources in providing services.
