Construction & engineering solicitors
Harper Macleod’s construction & engineering team has a reputation for quality, built on decades of experience in the sector.
Overview
Construction law advice in Scotland, the UK and beyond
The Construction & Engineering team advises a wide range of public and private sector clients including contracting authorities, developers, funders, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants as well as owners, purchasers and tenants. We deal with all aspects of construction and engineering projects from advising on procurement processes and contract structures to providing strategic guidance during the delivery of a project.
The team, two of whom are Law Society of Scotland Accredited Specialists in Construction Law, provides assistance with contract drafting, negotiation, interpretation and assembly for all types of industry standard form and bespoke contracts. We have an unrivalled knowledge of projects procured under the hub initiative and broad experience in delivering residential/affordable homes, commercial real estate (offices, retail, hotel and mixed use developments), renewable energy and civil engineering and other infrastructure projects.
Our construction dispute resolution practice is known for sound, commercial advice in cases ranging from small scale disputes to complex Court of Session actions.
Key contacts
THE TEAM
Our team is led by construction and engineering legal experts recognised as leading practitioners in their field. Our commerical approach and innovative solutions set us apart from other legal teams in the industry.
The Blueprint
In spring 2023 and in partnership with leading integrated project and programme management consultancy Faithful+Gould, Harper Macleod hosted two thought-provoking discussions with Scotland’s public sector construction profession.
The Blueprint was a forum to discuss the key issues impacting upon public sector construction projects in Scotland, with a particular focus on working towards net zero.
More than 150 professionals joined us over the two events. This insight-led report captures the discussion and priority themes, including innovative legal considerations, market conditions and an overview of how City of Edinburgh Council is responding to the net zero challenge.
Coming together with the sector we want to create an actionable path to overcome the barriers to sustainable growth and delivery. Collaboration, innovation and recalibration are all key, as well as having the confidence to challenge existing behaviours. We hope you find it interesting and useful.
Services
Our services
Contract negotiation
Overview
Our specialist advisers guide clients through the negotiation and conclusion of construction and engineering contracts for projects of all sizes. We are experienced in residential and commercial real estate development, renewable energy projects and large scale public infrastructure projects. We are known for applying innovative solutions to joint venture projects. Our in-depth knowledge of complex development finance, leading role in the hub initiative and our commercial approach to projects makes us the number one choice for many clients in the construction and engineering sector.
Contract administration, compliance and management
Overview
Construction and engineering contracts are living documents, designed to ensure the smooth running of your project. Our experienced team supports clients in the day to day administration, compliance and management of construction and engineering contracts including documenting variations, negotiating extension of time and loss and expense claims, advising on contractor insolvency and dealing with other termination scenarios.
Taking early legal advice to support proper contract administration can save time, money, and business relationships by avoiding disputes further down the line.
Contract disputes
Overview
Timely specialist advice is key to the successful resolution of disputes in construction and engineering projects. Whether a dispute is looming on the horizon or has already crystalised, our team will offer strategic advice on the best available remedy and the most efficient and cost effective means of achieving a positive outcome.
The team takes a commercial approach and represents clients at all stages from dispute avoidance, negotiation and mediation through to adjudication, arbitration and litigation.
Specialist advisory team
Overview
We recognise that construction and engineering companies have a wide range of corporate and commercial needs – advice on property, planning, procurement, employment law and corporate law for example.
Harper Macleod’s construction and engineering team work closely with specialist colleagues in real estate, banking & finance, renewable energy, infrastructure & projects, corporate, employment and planning & environmental to ensure that you receive the best legal advice for your business on the full range of matters.
Work
Our work
V&A at Dundee
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
Final account payment dispute
Commercial mixed-use development
Large scale offshore windfarm development
Aberdeen Western Peripheral route
V&A at Dundee
Overview
We acted for signature Japanese architect KKAA in relation to the drafting and negotiation of their appointment agreement with Dundee City Council as multi discipline consultant for the prestigious V&A Museum at Dundee.
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
Overview
We advised Glasgow 2014 Limited on all contracts for the delivery of overlay for the Games venues for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Our team prepared a variety of template supply contracts for the multitude of necessary contracts for the design, supply and installation of all components and for temporary as well as permanent legacy works. We acted in the drafting and negotiation of the build contract for the conversion of Hampden Park from a football stadium to the athletics venue for the Commonwealth Games.
Final account payment dispute
Overview
We acted for a public sector client in relation to a major payment dispute with an infrastructure contractor involving a series of adjudications. We provided strategic advice, advised on legal and factual considerations and reviewed and prepared responses to internal management and external requests for justification of actings. We successfully defended all actions raised for payment of a significant sum and negotiated a binding settlement agreement at a value of less than one fifth of the sum claimed.
Commercial mixed-use development
Overview
We prepared and negotiated all construction documentation to be put in place for the design and construction of a 59,000 sq ft cross dock distribution centre and an office. All documentation had to be approved by and negotiated with a purchaser and funder who each required a full suite of warranties and particular project specific environmental guarantees.
Large scale offshore windfarm development
Overview
We are advising a construction joint venture comprising one of the world’s largest contractors in connection with a proposed significant offshore windfarm. The contract involves the design, build and installation of substructures for the windfarm which is to be constructed in a unique location. We are advising on the terms of the proposed main contract and also a sub-contracting strategy.
Aberdeen Western Peripheral route
Overview
This £530m project was procured by Aberdeen City Council, involving the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of mainly new-build highway to form a by-pass for the City of Aberdeen. We acted for a consortium of international and major UK construction companies, bidding to be appointed as contractor for the project works and who were also proposed investors in project co.
The team advised the consortia throughout the competitive dialogue period, including providing advice in relation to and full input on the draft project agreement. We also provided advice on key risk areas such as the identity of the procuring authority, route of the project road, significant new structures, management of utilities companies and ground conditions risk. We developed particular knowledge of security package requirements for bond-financed projects.
Join the club
Construction club
Connect with others in the industry and share perspectives on relevant and contemporary topics affecting the construction and engineering sectors, within a relaxed and social environment.
Learn more“They have excellent knowledge and experience in this field to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.”
“All-rounders in construction, real estate and professional negligence. Strong multi-disciplined team able to deal with complex construction cases.”
“A relatively small firm but with a good construction team.”
“A growing team with a bright future and a quickly developing client base.”
“Harper Macleod has a clear strategy on all matters. It provides clear instructions and is strong but tactful in managing a forceful client. The team is well structured and managed by the partners.”
“The firm’s strong commercial awareness is clear in every case I am involved in.”
“Harper Macleod always deals with complex issues in the most professional and collaborative manner. Our strong relationship has allowed the law firm to deliver to budget and provide value for money.”
“Harper Macleod has a consistent spread of staff. It is very well resourced and able to deal with disputes of considerable value and complexity. The team always responds very quickly.”
“This is the strongest quality of team we have worked with. While very knowledgeable of the legal backdrop, the priority was always our commercial intent – this was particularly important for us.”
“A team with strong depth and breadth. The partners are very good: they are experienced in complex issues.”
“Harper Macleod offers very comprehensive and sound advice. An excellent one-stop legal firm.”
“They provide very good levels of service and are very quick at responding.”
“An increasingly prominent player in the contentious construction sector.”
‘Laura is a dynamic force who is great with clients, experienced in running big cases, and always proactive in managing clients’ expectations and understanding of the issues.’ “Laura…I think you are quite outstanding and did an incredible job for us” “Well done to everyone again and thanks for your support. It was a long road, but we got there!” “It was this preparation along with the calm and measured way Laura delivered our arguments on the day and especially your insights into Scottish law and protocols which clearly gave us an advantage.” “Everyone had expressed how delighted they were with the result, and how impressed they’d been with your work.”
“They have established an excellent reputation in a short amount of time. Their IT systems and platforms are excellent at handling the volume of papers involved in such large construction disputes.”
“Laura McCorquodale has experience of high-value engineering litigation/adjudication. Her technical ability is matched by her pragmatism. A very talented lawyer.” “Laura McCorquodale has built a very strong contentious construction department. An area of the market historically difficult to crack, the team is involved in more and more of the big cases.”
“Euan Pirie and Catriona Kemp are both exceptional and worthy of note.” “Euan Pirie used his vast experience in the construction sector to successfully draft the numerous agreements, contracts and governance documents required. His sector knowledge is the key to the anticipated success of the project.” “Euan Pirie really knows the Scottish PPP market inside out and uses that knowledge to provide pragmatic solutions. He’s a pleasure to deal with.”
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