News items

16 Apr 2008	ACCL CONFERENCE SCL is delighted to have the involvement in this major international conference of the American College of Construction Lawyers. On Sunday 5 October 2008, the American College of Construction Lawyers will present a supplementary program on International Construction Law Fundamentals from a US Perspective, featuring 12 fellows of the ACCL including His Honour Humphrey LLoyd Q.C. and Mr Justice Ramsey. This session will be held from 2.00pm to 6.00pm at the Guoman Tower Hotel, St Katherine's Way, close to the venue of the first event of the SCL conference, the cocktail reception at Tower Bridge. The ACCL is pleased to invite SCL members to attend this session, whether or not they are attending the SCL conference. To assist in the planning of its session, the ACCL has asked that SCL members who plan to attend the ACCL session so indicate so that the ACCL will know the likely attendance. SCL members, who have not already done so, are requested to send an e-mail containing name and country of residence to franceswhitehead@scl.org.uk by 30 April 2008. As noted in the Conference publicity material the attendance charge for the ACCL session is £35. Members not attending the SCL Conference can book and pay for just the ACCL Conference via the online shop, and should also register at the Conference website. The ACCL thanks all SCL members for this kind assistance, which will assist the ACCL in structuring its session.
29 Feb 2008	BREWERY LUNCH 2008 The SCL Brewery Lunch this year attracted 650 people and was, judged by early soundings, enjoyed by all. Our distinguished guests were Mr Justice Rupert Jackson, HHJudge Frances Kirkham, HH Judge Anthony Thornton QC and Caroline Cummins, Chairwoman of TECSA. Follow this link for further details, and photos of the event: More
6 Dec 2007	SCL MAURITIUS LAUNCHED On 21 November the Society of Construction Law in Mauritius was formed. Nicholas Gould attended the Fifth Annual Construction Law Conference in Mauritius, not only to speak, but also to represent the Society of Construction Law. SCL Mauritius was formally launched at the conference. The first Chairman of SCL Mauritius is Kailash Dabeesingh. 67 delegates provided their support to the formation of the new society. SCL Mauritius has adopted a constitution which is almost identical to that of the UK, and so the main aims of SCL Mauritius are to encourage education and participation of not only construction professionals but also lawyers in the area of construction law.
1 Dec 2007	OFFICIAL NEW LOGO FOR SCL Council of SCL has decided to make some very slight adjustments to SCL's logo. Adjustments are very subtle and basically comprise a slight simplification of the logo and the removal of the flute in the column. Otherwise the colour, layout and format is the same. Why then have we made the change? SCL is now very much an international organisation. Our membership represents 50 different countries, and we now have a number of sister institutions in a number of countries around the world. Together these SCLs and the UK SCL stand for an International Society of Construction Law. It is important to differentiate between the various SCLs in different countries, but also at the same time to know that they all belong to the same principles. Therefore, this logo has been produced in a variety of electronic formats to assist the reproduction of the logo around the world, and to provide for new SCLs to include their country name at the bottom of the logo. It is hoped that this approach will mean a greater consistency of identity for SCLs around the world, and that members and the public will be easily able to identify an SCL outside of the UK that has been ratified wherever they are in the world rather than a institution that has nothing to do with us, but has adopted the same or a very similar name.
30 Nov 2007	G4C AWARDS AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM Generation 4 the Collaboration held its second annual awards ceremony for junior members of the Construction profession with awards including ambassador, collaboration, diversity and employer of the year entrepreneurship, innovation, inspiration, leadership, newcomer of the year and sustainability. it was a very successful event attended by nearly 400 junior members of the Construction profession including a number of members of the junior society of construction law.
22 Nov 2007	JUNIOR SCL CHRISTMAS LECTURE "And I also believe in Christmas" - Tony Bingham. Tony Bingham spoke at the inaugural Junior SCL Christmas lecture and gave an entertaining speech to some 70 members of the junior society arguing for his proposition that there is a need to return to a simpler form of construction contract. The event took place at the Punch Tavern, Fleet Street and drinks were kindly provided by the Council of the Society of Construction Law.
24 Sep 2007	ATTENTION BUDDING SOLICITOR ADVOCATES! SCL is pleased to announce that it will be holding its Advocacy Training Course again this Autumn. The course will be run in central London over five evening sessions in November and December. It is only open to solicitors and will be most beneficial to those solicitors who will be (or who have recently started) acting as a solicitor advocate.
13 Sep 2007	JUNIOR SCL SITE VISIT The well attended junior site visit to 200 Aldersgate Street was hosted by Christopher Hamp of Allied London and visitors were taken through the refurbishment of what most lawyers know as 'The Old Clifford Chance Building'. Starting from the top of the building (boasting views over London) and working down into the bowels of the soon to be born again edifice. The site visit was followed by the customary drinks.
6 Sep 2007	5TH INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS CONFERENCE The 5th "Introduction to the basics" conference was provided jointly between Junior SCL and King's College. The format was the same as in previous years. Once again there was a substantial turnout and the conference was a great success. The conference started at 2 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m. after which many delegates attended the King's 2007 Michael Brown Lecture given by Professor Phillip Capper. This was followed by a drinks reception.
20 Jul 2007	CONSTRUCTION ACT - CONSULTATION UPDATE Paul Smith of the BERR (formerly DTI) spoke at a meeting on July 19 in London. The panel included Richard Bayfield, Dominic Helps, Frances Paterson, Tony Bingham and Graham Watts.Photos of the event, as well as information about the Consultation process and a PowerPoint presentation/handout by SCL, are available on our consultations page. More
12 Jul 2007	JUNIOR SCL BOAT TRIP The Junior SCL, along with MatRICS and KCCLA, hosted the Junior Society's boat trip which followed directly after the King's College Construction Law Association SCL joint afternoon conference on adjudication. The boat trip was a very popular event and is becoming well established on the junior SCL calendar. It was attended by over 120 people this year who were treated to drinks throughout the boat trip and a light finger buffet. The boat trip as in previous years commenced from Temple Pier and went down past Docklands to the Thames Barrier and back.
18 Apr 2007	PETER HORNE It is with great sadness that we report the death of Peter Horne, a member of SCL Council.
6 Mar 2007	JUNIOR SCL SITE VISIT AT IMPERIAL COLLEGE SOUTHSIDE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT The junior members were afforded the opportunity of visiting the new Halls of Residence being built for Imperial College by Laing O'Rourke. The junior members were given a very informative talk and walk around the site, seeing the inner workings of student halls of residence and for the older members of the junior society an opportunity to see the vast improvement in Halls of Residence. The site visit included a trip to the roof (access to which has been denied students) which gave the junior members an opportunity to view London from the rooftop of the building. The site visit was then followed by drinks in the local student union bar.
1 Mar 2007	2006 HUDSON PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED The SCL Hudson Prize Judging Panel is pleased to announce the following results in the 2006 competition: 1st Prize: Julian Bailey, B Com LLB (Hons), Solicitor, CMS Cameron McKenna - “What Lies Beneath” 2nd Prize: Ronan Champion, BSc, LLB, PhD, FRICS, FCIOB, Partner, EC Harris LLP, London - “Variations, Time Limits and Unanticipated Consequences” Highly Commended: Scott Adams, BEng, LLB, CEng, MICE, FCIArb, MAPM, MAE, Chartered Civil Engineer, Scott Adams Consultants Ltd, Hong Kong - “Better Ways than the ‘Best Way’? Improving the Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol” Commended: Anders Axelson, BE(Civil), LLB(Hons), MCIArb, MIEAust, Senior Consultant, Neilsen Wurster, Melbourne, Australia - “The Discretion of the Certifier: A Drafting Tool Best Left in the Toolshed?” The First and Second Prize winners will present their papers to the Society meeting on Tuesday, 1st May at the National Liberal Club.
28 Feb 2007	ANNUAL SCL BREWERY LUNCH Almost 600 people attended the annual Lunch at the Brewery. The speaker was Alan Chambers MBE. General photos and photos from all the tables may be viewed. More
22 Nov 2006	"THE BUSINESS OF JUDGING JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS" This was a very informative talk, at a Joint Junior SCL/King's College London Event, was given by Baroness Usher Prashar and Her Honour Judge Francis Kirkham of the TCC Birmingham. During the talk they encouraged non barristers to consider becoming Judges.
1 Nov 2006	INTERNATIONAL SCL CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE The Singapore Society of Construction Law hosted the first ever Society of Construction Law International Conference in Singapore between 15th and 17th October 2006. The event was sponsored by the Societies of Construction Law from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, UAE, and the UK. The Singapore SCL must be congratulated on their organisation of this ambitious Conference which ran extremely smoothly and efficiently. The whole event was judged by those there to have been a huge success. This was the first chance for the various Societies from around the world to gather together in one place to meet, network and keep abreast of international developments in the area of construction law. There were delegates from over 17 countries worldwide with a total of 25 papers presented over the two-day period. The conference opened with an excellent keynote address by Chao Hick Tin, the Attorney-General of Singapore, followed by a comprehensive examination of the application of FIDIC Contracts, highlights of construction law in the Middle East, India and China and then a close look at the oil and gas industry, professional negligence and insurance challenges within the construction industry. It was wrapped up with a review of some “Mega Projects” around the world. All the papers will eventually be available to UK SCL members via the Singapore SCL website. http://www.scl.org.sg/conf2006/
17 Oct 2006	PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION 90 people attended this reception at Ironmongers Hall. More
7 Sep 2006	JOINT JUNIOR SCL/KING'S COLLEGE LONDON EVENT The 4th "Introduction to the Basics" Conference was provided jointly between junior SCL and King's College. The format was the same as the previous year. Once again, there was enormous turnout and the conference was a great success. The conference started at 2 p.m. ending at 6 p.m. when many delegates attended the King's 2006 Michael Brown Lecture. This was followed by a drinks reception.
13 Jul 2006	JUNIOR SCL BOAT TRIP The second junior boat trip took place on 13 July 2006. Members met at Temple Pier with a boat departing promptly at 6 p.m. travelling down the river towards Docklands. A light finger buffet with drinks was provided.
18 May 2006	NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR 2006/7 The election process for Council members was concluded at the AGM on 17th May when the votes of those present were added to those who had voted electronically or by fax. Of the nine members standing for election the following five were successful and now become Members of Council: Mr Ronan Champion, Ms Nerys Jefford (re-elected), Dr Hamish Lal, Mr Peter Phillippo, Mr David M Richards. Congratulations to the successful candidates and thanks to all who stood and who voted in the election. (Anthony Lavers, Chairman, SCL)
6 May 2006	SCL JUNIOR “BEHIND THE SCENES” SITE VISIT – PALESTRA, LONDON The Palestra site visit on May 3 was indeed an informative and insightful experience. SCL junior members were shown around the 287 000 sq foot site by Project Director John Crawley of Skanska and his team who shared their experiences working on the site. Their comments and views helped facilitate the junior members understanding of the building process in so far as the Palestra site office was concerned. The view from the terrace of the £67 million Palestra site was breathtaking offering an uninterrupted view of the city of London. The combination of steel and glass has culminated in a building which is truly visually enriching to the environment. The internal orientation and the services within the building allow occupants to inhabit it with ease. The project is ahead of schedule which is a rarity in the industry and physical progress has been moving along with little or no hindrances. All credit to Skansksa and the team for a job well done!
7 Mar 2006	SCL OLYMPIC BREWERY LUNCH The annual SCL Brewery lunch was held on 17th February at the Brewery in Chiswell Street; this year with an Olympic theme to celebrate the success of the 2012 London Bid. Over 400 members and guests attended. More
1 Feb 2006	SCL HUDSON PRIZE WINNERS FOR 2005 ANNOUNCED The SCL Hudson Prize Judging Panel is pleased to announce the results in the 2005 competition. The First and Second Prize winners will present their papers to the Society meeting on 2nd May. More
20 Oct 2005	THE GREAT DELAY ANALYSIS DEBATE The Great Hall at King's College, London on the Strand was the imposing setting for a novel and stimulating event organised by the Society of Construction Law and the Centre for Construction Law and Management on 18th October. More
7 Sep 2005	THIRD INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS CONFERENCE The third "Introduction to the Basics" Conference was provided jointly between Junior SCL and King's College. The format was the same as the previous year. Once again, there was an enormous turn out and the conference was a great success. The conference started at 2 pm and ended at 6 pm and delegates then attended King's 2005 Michael Brown Lecture given by Dr Peter Fenn. This was followed by a drinks reception.
14 Jul 2005	JUNIOR ORGANISATION'S BOAT TRIP The first Junior SCL boat trip took place on 14 July 2005. It was developed in collaboration with MatRICS, the Junior Branch of the RICS together with the Junior Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and KCCLA. Members met on the "Sundance" at Temple Pier between 5.15 and 5.45 pm. The boat departed promptly at 6 pm and travelled down the River Thames towards the Docklands. The Sundance arrived back at Temple Pier at 9.45 pm. A light finger buffet together with drinks and a jazz band was provided. A free drink was provided on arrival.
11 May 2005	AGM AND COUNCIL ELECTION Approximately 60 members attended the AGM which was held on Wednesday, 11th May at Middle Temple Hall, London. SCL Chairman Anthony Lavers gave his Chairman's report, and SCL Treasurer Corrina King her Treasurer's summary. The candidates standing for Council who were present gave brief election statements. The final ballot papers were handed in and the results of the election were announced later at the annual dinner. The five successful candidates were: Peter Higgins, Peter Horne, Adrian Hughes, Barry Milton and Colin Reese QC.
18 Oct 2004	PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION 230 members and guests of the Society of Construction Law gathered in the Ironmongers Hall, Barbican, London, for the President's Reception which also marked the 21st birthday of the Society. More
10 Sep 2004	SECOND INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS CONFERENCE Building on the success of the first Introduction to the Basics Conference on 9 September 2003, the second conference was held in September 2004. The speakers were: Tendering and Procurement: Andrew Hemsley - Cyril Sweett PFI: Helen Garthwaite - Taylor Wessing Standard Forms, old and new: Professor Phillip Capper - Lovells and King's College Claims: Liam Holder - EC Harris Defects and their Legal Remedies: Philip Britton - King's College Dispute Resolution Techniques: Nicholas Gould - Fenwick Elliott LLP and King's College. Once again, a large number of junior and other members attended and the conference was extremely successful. The close of the conference was followed by drinks for all those that attended.
12 May 2004	AGM AND ANNUAL DINNER Nearly 100 members attended the AGM, held at Middle Temple Hall in London. A further 100 members joined for the Annual Dinner. The five successful candidates in the Council election were announced. Tribute was paid to the retiring President, Sir Philip Otton, and his successor Lord Justice May was introduced. More
1 Apr 2004	SCL SITE VISIT 30 members of the Society of Construction Law enjoyed a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and below ground at the King’s Cross Redevelopment Project. More
11 Mar 2004	JOINT SCL/RICS CONFERENCE IN WAKEFIELD A half-day conference on 'Innovation and Change in Construction Law' took place on 11 March 2004. The speakers were Paul Darling QC, Fiona Hammond and Peter Hibberd, and the event was chaired by His Honour Judge Humphrey Lloyd QC. To see photos, follow this link. More
2 Mar 2004	PRIZE FOR BEST KING'S DISSERTATION IN 2003 SCL has awarded the prize for best King's Dissertation in 2003 to Argyris Hadjimiltis. His prize includes a year's membership of the Society. More
27 Feb 2004	ANNUAL LUNCH AT THE BREWERY Almost 400 people attended SCL's annual Lunch at the Brewery, London, on February 27th. The speaker was Her Honour Judge Frances Kirkham on 'Adjudication - the Future'. More
2 Dec 2003	JOINT SCL/TECBAR MEETING This meeting in London, on the theme 'Ethics and Construction Law - where to start?' was very well attended, with over 150 delegates representing all sides of the construction industry and legal fraternity. You can view photos of the meeting. More
25 Sep 2003	LETTER TO THE MINISTER Following a request from Nigel Griffiths MP, Minister for Construction, for the thoughts of SCL members on issues relating to the future of the construction industry, and following consultation with members of the Society, Victoria Russell has written him in full on the Society's behalf. More
10 Sep 2003	INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS CONFERENCE The first Junior SCL and King's College collaborative "Introduction to the Basics Conference" took place at King's College in London on 9 September 2003. The conference focussed on those specialising in construction law for junior or more recently appointed staff encountering construction issues for the first time. It provided a general introduction to many of the widely encountered principles, as well as some identifiable current "hot topics". The speakers were: Tendering and Procurement: Helen Garthwaite - Taylor Wessing PFI: Mark Handley - Hammond Suddard Standard Forms, old and new: Professor Phillip Capper - Lovells and King's College Claims: Liam Holder - EC Harris Defects and their Legal Remedies: Philip Britton - King's College Dispute Resolution Techniques: Nicholas Gould - Fenwick Elliott LLP and King's College. The conference commenced at 2 pm and concluded at 6 pm and was followed by drinks and a buffet. Approximately 140 people attended the conference, and it was a resounding success.
23 May 2003	PLANTATION PLACE "BEHIND THE SCENES" TOUR Plantation Place is a substantial 64,000 sq metre (net) office development at 1 Plantation Place, Fenchurch Street in London. The construction of the super structure commenced in June 2002 and the work was completed in 2004. British Land kindly provided a "behind the scenes" tour for Junior SCL on 22 May 2003. As a result of the substantial response two tours took place, the first commencing at 4.30 pm and the second, at 5.50 pm. On the conclusion of the tour, the groups met at a All Bar One close to the site for drinks and a buffet.
6 May 2003	HUDSON PRIZE 2002 WINNERS AWARD CEREMONY IN LONDON The 2002 SCL Hudson Prize papers were presented by their authors at the Society's London meeting at the National Liberal Club. More
16 Oct 2002	PRESIDENT'S RECEPTION At a reception in London, Sir Philip Otton awarded an honorary medal for services furthering the Society's aim of promoting the study and understanding of construction law in the construction industry. More
16 Oct 2002	DELAY & DISRUPTION PROTOCOL LAUNCHED Sir Philip Otton (President of the Society of Construction Law) chaired the launch event held in London, saying it marked an important milestone for the Society of Construction Law. The launch was attended by almost 200 senior representatives of the Construction Industry and the Legal Profession. More
9 Apr 2002	HUDSON PRIZE 2001 WINNERS AWARD CEREMONY IN LONDON The award ceremony for the 2001 SCL Hudson Prize-winning papers took place at the National Liberal Club, London. More
1 Mar 2002	ANNUAL SCL BREWERY LUNCH About 250 people attended the SCL Lunch at the Brewery, London, on Friday March 1st. Guest speaker was Zara Lamont OBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of Construction Clients. There are extensive photos available via this link. More