CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL LAW / EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR BUSINESSES / BUSINESS IMMIGRATION /
CONSTRUCTION LAW / DISPUTE RESOLUTION & LITIGATION /
Construction Law
The construction industry involves complex legal contracts, compliance regulations, and disputes over payments and project delays. Forest & Co supports contractors, developers, and construction firms with contract drafting, dispute resolution, adjudication, and regulatory compliance to safeguard projects from costly legal challenges.
Clear, well-structured contracts are essential to prevent disputes in construction projects — whether you are a contractor, subcontractor, developer, or supplier. At Forest & Co, we assist clients in drafting and reviewing robust construction agreements, as well as resolving disputes swiftly when they arise.
We advise on:
- JCT and NEC standard form contracts
- Bespoke building and subcontractor agreements
- Collateral warranties, consultant appointments, and project documentation
- Contract variations, delays, and extensions of time
- Early dispute resolution through negotiation or mediation
- Formal litigation and enforcement in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC)
Our goal is to help you avoid disputes wherever possible — but when conflicts do arise, we act quickly and strategically to protect your position and minimise financial loss.
Whether you are planning a new development or responding to a breach or delay, we provide practical, legally sound advice at every stage of your project.
Payment issues are one of the most common sources of conflict in the construction sector. At Forest & Co, we help clients resolve disputes over unpaid invoices, interim payments, retentions, and variations — often through fast-track adjudication, as permitted under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.
We assist with:
- Preparing or responding to adjudication proceedings
- Payment notices and pay less notices
- Disputes over variations, delay costs, or performance
- Final account disagreements
- Enforcement of adjudicator’s decisions
- Recovery of retention sums or withheld payments
Adjudication offers a quick and cost-effective method of resolving disputes, often within 28 days. Whether you are a contractor, subcontractor, or client, we guide you through the process and present your case clearly and persuasively.
If adjudication is not appropriate or has already taken place, we also represent clients in arbitration, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to secure payment or defend unjustified claims.
Health and safety compliance is not only a legal obligation in the construction industry — it is also essential for safeguarding workers, avoiding site shutdowns, and protecting your business from criminal liability. At Forest & Co, we help contractors, developers, and site managers understand and meet their legal duties under UK health and safety law.
We advise on:
- Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM Regulations
- Drafting and reviewing health and safety policies and risk assessments
- Responding to HSE investigations, enforcement notices, or improvement plans
- Defending against prosecutions or corporate manslaughter charges
- Advising on accident reporting, site incidents, and staff training obligations
Whether you are launching a new build, managing subcontractors, or recovering from a safety breach, we provide prompt, practical advice tailored to the realities of construction work.
We also support businesses with:
- Proactive compliance audits and gap assessments
- Crisis management following accidents or fatalities
- Board-level training on health and safety governance
Forest & Co works to protect your people and your business — ensuring that safety is not just a tick-box exercise, but an integral part of your operations.
Book a legal consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Adjudication is a fast-track legal process used to resolve construction disputes — especially those involving payment — within 28 days. It is often the preferred route when cash flow is critical, and it can be enforced through the courts if necessary.
Yes. Even for small or short-term works, having a written agreement protects all parties by setting out scope, timelines, payment terms, and dispute resolution procedures. We can help you draft or review contracts of any size.
Only under strict legal conditions. You must issue a pay less notice within a specific timeframe, and the reason for withholding must be valid under the contract. Failure to follow the correct process could lead to adjudication or legal action against you.
As an employer or contractor, you must comply with the CDM Regulations and other health and safety laws — including risk assessments, site inductions, safe working practices, and reporting serious incidents. We can guide you through your specific duties.
You should seek immediate legal advice. Depending on the notice (Improvement or Prohibition), you may be required to take action or stop work entirely. We can help you respond to the notice, appeal where appropriate, and liaise with the Health and Safety Executive.
Yes — if the conditions have been met and the retention period has expired. We regularly assist clients in recovering final payments through negotiation, adjudication, or litigation if needed.
You may still have a claim based on a verbal agreement or correspondence (e.g. emails, invoices). We will assess the evidence and advise on the strength of your position — whether you are seeking payment or defending a claim.
Ideally both. Early legal input helps prevent disputes by ensuring your contracts, policies, and procedures are sound. If issues arise later, we are already familiar with your setup and can respond swiftly and effectively.
