Hawkswell Kilvington is a niche and award-winning law firm, one of only a handful of firms in the UK whose sole focus is on providing legal services to the construction and engineering industries. We work for a diverse range of domestic and multinational employers, main contractors, sub-contractors, and supply chain clients on contracts across the UK and beyond.
Our team of professional and highly experienced lawyers have up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of the latest legal developments, and always adopt a pragmatic, commercial and cost-effective approach. We offer an incredibly personal service and a high level of partner involvement.
Our contentious team is renowned for understanding objectives and developing effective, practical, and commercial dispute resolution strategies. Where formal disputes cannot be avoided the team have vast experience in dealing with construction-related disputes under all forms of construction contract (including JCT, NEC and FIDIC) and in a wide range of forums, including adjudication, litigation and arbitration, direct negotiation, early neutral evaluation, and mediation. The team have also successfully enforced and resisted enforcement of many adjudication decisions through the Technology and Construction Court.
Our non-contentious team is known for providing a straightforward approach to project documentation, always with a view to minimising client risk. We support clients by drafting, advising on and negotiating amendments to all standard forms of construction contracts, including JCT, NEC and FIDIC, along with more bespoke forms of contracts. They also deal with professional appointments, novation agreements, letters of intent, performance bonds, parent company guarantees, framework and joint venture agreements and warranties. Finally, they provide practical advice on procurement options and regularly help with negotiating project reset documentation, including deeds of variation.
We are recognised and ranked in the top tier of Legal 500 for construction and receive regular glowing reviews in Chambers & Partners. We have been described as providing an “unparalleled service across the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters” and boasting “an enviable client roster of leading companies in the construction space”.
Examples of our expertise include:
Construction Adjudication
- Successfully recovered multi-million-pound sums for a main contractor involved in a complex dispute over a high-pressure gas pipeline project.
- Advised an internationally renowned contractor on multiple adjudications relating to a £1 billion renewable energy infrastructure project, securing a significant eight-figure settlement. Key issues included extension of time claims, liquidated damages, variations and contra charges.
- Represented a specialist steelwork contractor in a series of successful adjudications against a water utility provider.
- Achieved a seven-figure award for a major subcontractor in a complex adjudication on extensions of time, loss and expense and termination rights.
- Defended a flooring subcontractor against defect claims on a supermarket project and successfully defended a main contractor in adjudication related to an external façade system.
Litigation in the Technology & Construction Court (TCC)
- Enforced adjudicators’ decisions successfully in cases such as J Tomlinson Ltd v Balfour Beatty Group Ltd and J B Hopkins Ltd v Trant Engineering Ltd.
- Represented a specialist steelwork contractor in a preliminary trial on subcontract terms.
Construction Arbitration
- Defended a main contractor in a final account arbitration claim by a specialist subcontractor.
- Acted for an international geotechnical company in a multimillion-dollar ICC arbitration related to highway construction in the Caribbean.
Construction Mediation
- Facilitated settlements in disputes involving variation valuations and multi-party defect claims for main contractors.
- Successfully mediated a $31 million offshore engineering claim on behalf of a global geotechnical consultancy.
Building Safety and Compliance
- Advised leaseholders on remediation options for building and fire safety defects.
- Provided guidance on emerging Building Liability Orders and their impact on the liability landscape.
- Counselled design and build contractors on liabilities related to cladding, cavity barriers and fire-stopping systems.
Conciliation & Dispute Resolution
- Resolved a final account dispute for a main contractor in a commercially sensitive project.
- Settled a multi-million-pound claim between a main contractor and an employer through conciliation.
Professional Negligence Claims
- Advised on professional negligence claims against geotechnical and structural engineers involving retaining walls and steel-framed multi-storey car parks.
Commercial & Strategic Construction Advice
- Supported a main contractor on fire-stopping defects in a mixed-use development, including pursuing third-party claims.
- Advised on complex mining infrastructure projects and high-profile stormwater relief systems.
Construction Procurement & Contract Management
- Advised a leading UK confectionery manufacturer on procuring a new £19 million production facility.
- Drafted and negotiated construction documentation for a £35 million hotel and residential development.
- Supported contract negotiations for a £150 million office hub project under amended JCT terms.
- Provided ongoing NEC4 framework contract support to a global pharmaceuticals company.
- Managed contract documentation for large-scale student accommodation, infrastructure works and mixed-use developments across the UK.
- Assisted a local authority with funding condition compliance under an Enterprise Partnership scheme.
- Negotiated complex construction and fit-out contracts for high-end retail and Ministry of Defence projects.
Public Procurement Disputes
- Successfully defended a police authority against claims from unsuccessful tenderers in competitive construction procurement processes.
Hawkswell Kilvington Construction Law is your trusted partner for navigating the complexities of construction and engineering legal matters. Our in-depth sector knowledge, combined with a pragmatic, client-focused approach, ensures that we deliver practical, commercially sound outcomes for every project and dispute.
Why Us
We take a truly personal approach—offering expert, joined-up solutions that span your personal and professional life.
Our People
Our experienced team of specialists is committed to understanding your goals and protecting what matters most.
Our Reputation
Trusted by clients and professionals alike, we’re known for our integrity, insight, and exceptional joined-up service.
Our Capabilities
From contract negotiation to dispute resolution, we offer end-to-end legal support across the construction lifecycle.
BECAUSE WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
Because we do things differently, we listen first – crafting bespoke, forward-thinking solutions built entirely around you and your future.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL
BEYOND ORDINARY
BEYOND EXPECTATION
BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.
Contact us today for tailored advice that ensures the success of your construction projects and protects your business interests.
