Description

Book Synopsis
In the United Kingdom, adjudication is available as a right for parties to a construction contract, following the enactment of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

Trade Review
"If one had to name a single outstanding feature of the text, it would be its structure as a formidable practice tool. I share the sentiments of The Honourable Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart, expressed in the book's foreword, that it sets out not to rival existing works (such as the leading adjudication text by Mr Justice Coulson), but to complement them. This book does not dwell in the dominion of academic debate. It is instead structured around the questions that inevitably arise in the conduct of every-day construction business and, of course, when payment disputes arise. Its answers to these questions are concise, accurate, and commercially acute. It is well-suited for any adviser or decision-maker in the construction industry, to whom I would recommend this book strongly."
Professor Doug S Jones AO, International Construction Law Review, Part 3 July 2016


"The name of Pickavance is a well-known one in dispute circles, and James is a chip off the old block. It seems a fair bet that through this very practical but at the same time scholarly work he will become as well known and regarded as his father and uncle. The book could perfectly well serve as a key resource for lawyers, construction claims consultants and adjudicators. It will certainly be a book I turn to for guidance on knotty adjudication issues."
Jeremy Winter, FCInstCES, Adjudicator, Civil Engineering Surveyor 05.16


From the foreword

Part 1 of this book, whilst fully supported by references to decided cases, is very much directed towards the practitioner who has to advise his or her client on a construction dispute and then conduct or defend proceedings brought by way of adjudication. To this end it provides a clear route map together with helpful checklists at the conclusion of each chapter. It is this different approach that I think readers will find so helpful. The guidance in relation to insolvency and administration is particularly valuable. As an added benefit, there is Part 2 – which deals with adjudication in other jurisdictions. I know of no other similarly comprehensive guide and it is a fascinating and illuminating source of reference. This book does not set out to be a rival to existing works but to complement them. That is a role that I have no doubt that readers will find that it amply fulfils.
The Hon Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart


Solicitor James Pickavance has really come up to snuff. He has gone for a practical guide to adjudication. Pickavance is a partner at Eversheds: The firm can be proud of the book. He tells the reader what to do and when and how and why. …yes it is a must for the representative lawyers/consultants … yes for the adjudicators … yes especially for you contractors. Pickavance’s book style is practical too. I do like his “In a Nutshell” paragraphs.
Tony Bingham, Building Magazine, 04.12.15


This book certainly lives up to its name – the reader is navigated through adjudication with each chapter starting with an overview of the subject matter which is then addressed by individual topics initially caught by an ‘in a nutshell’ paragraph followed by excellent discussion with clear signposting to the relevant case law. It is evident throughout that the focus of this text is on practicality, a key theme which flows throughout the entirety of the book, offering sound advice to parties at all stages of the process – including before and after the adjudication itself. Finally the book provides a comparison of UK and international statutory regimes – something no one else has published to date as far as I am aware – which ensures the subject of statutory adjudication is well and truly covered in one book! The author is to be congratulated on the practical and strategic guidance offered to those involved in the process at various levels– this book certainly delivers – it will prove a very useful tool.
Janey L. Milligan, Construction Law

… the author is to be commended for producing an interesting, informative and a very detailed analysis of the Adjudication process. There is a comprehensive analysis of various cases, and the author has provided an interesting case index by subject matter, which is extremely helpful I have no doubt that … this extensive publication will be of interest to future Adjudicators and party representatives, and it is crammed with helpful commentaries on the practical aspects of Construction Adjudication. It is without doubt, in my view, that this textbook will be an essential addition to the library of the practitioner, and is a very useful reference point, and is also very reasonably priced as well.
Len Bunton, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

The author has produced a clear and sensible guide to the subject. The guide is thorough and well-researched. The author’s discussions are generally lucid and helpful and he has wisely avoided the temptation to go into too much academic debate. I particularly liked his use of ‘nutshell’ introductions and shaded ‘checklists’ at the end of lengthier sections. I warmly recommend this book to the construction industry, adjudicators and lawyers alike. Mr Pickavance clearly has a wise head on his relatively young shoulders and he and his publisher deserve to be congratulated on this achievement: kudos!
Nick Lane, Construction News



Table of Contents

Foreword v

Acknowledgements vii

Part I The United Kingdom

1 Introduction 3

1.1 Overview 3

1.2 Background to statutory adjudication in the UK 4

1.3 Statutory adjudication regimes 5

1.4 Use of case law in this part 6

2 Adjudication in a nutshell 9

3 Deciding to adjudicate 13

3.1 Overview 13

3.2 Do I have a claim? 14

3.3 Is it worth it? 15

3.4 Is adjudication the right forum? 18

3.5 Other forms of ‘rapid’ dispute resolution 24

3.6 Adjudication on behalf of, or against, an insolvent party 30

3.7 Who to involve 40

3.8 Checklist: considering whether or not to adjudicate 42

4 Statutory adjudication 43

4.1 Overview 43

4.2 Old or new act 44

4.3 Existence and terms of a contract 44

4.4 Construction contract 49

4.5 Construction operations 55

4.6 Excluded construction operations 58

4.7 Excluded agreements 62

4.8 Contract in writing 66

4.9 Checklist: What form of adjudication am I subject to? 74

5 Contractual and ad hoc adjudication 75

5.1 Overview 75

5.2 Contractual adjudication 75

5.3 Ad hoc adjudication 79

6 Adjudication procedure 83

6.1 Overview 83

6.2 Scheme 84

6.3 Contractual procedures 88

6.4 Checklist: What adjudication procedure am I subject to? 96

7 Preconditions and restrictions to statutory adjudication 97

7.1 Overview 97

7.2 Is there a dispute? 98

7.3 More than one dispute 108

7.4 Substantially the same dispute (Scheme p. 9) 111

7.5 Does the dispute arise ‘under’ the contract (Act s. 108(1))? 115

7.6 More than one contract 117

7.7 Commencing an adjudication ‘at any time’ 119

8 Adjudication strategy 123

8.1 Overview 123

8.2 Commencing the adjudication process 123

8.3 More than one adjudication 125

8.4 Choosing the dispute to refer 126

8.5 Deploying arguments 139

8.6 Assessing the other party’s willingness and ability to pay 141

8.7 Removing procedural uncertainty 142

9 Initiating the adjudication 144

9.1 Overview 144

9.2 A precis on jurisdiction and natural justice 145

9.3 Notice of adjudication 146

9.4 Checklist: Before serving the notice of adjudication – referring party 151

9.5 Checklist: On receiving the notice of adjudication – responding party 151

9.6 Appointing the adjudicator 152

9.7 Checklist: Appointing the adjudicator – referring party 171

9.8 Checklist: Appointing the adjudicator – responding party 171

9.9 Checklist: Accepting the appointment – adjudicator 172

10 The adjudication 173

10.1 Overview 173

10.2 Referral notice 174

10.3 Response 181

10.4 Reply, rejoinder and sur-rejoinder 184

10.5 Meetings 186

10.6 Other matters 188

10.7 Adjudicator’s powers and duties 201

10.8 Checklist: Managing the adjudication – the adjudicator 212

11 The decision 214

11.1 Overview 214

11.2 What is the adjudicator required to do? 214

11.3 On receiving the decision 218

11.4 Timing 219

11.5 Effect and compliance 223

12 Post decision 227

12.1 Overview 227

12.2 Adjudicator’s costs 228

12.3 Parties’ costs 233

12.4 Apportioning costs 237

12.5 Correcting errors in the decision 239

12.6 Setting off against the decision 241

13 Enforcement: options and procedure 249

13.1 Overview 249

13.2 Key statements of principle and the court’s policy 249

13.3 TCC summary enforcement procedure 252

13.4 Other procedures for enforcement 276

13.5 Complying with an order of the court 280

13.6 Checklist: Avoiding the consequences of an adjudicator’s decision 284

14 Enforcement: insolvency, stay and severability 285

14.1 Overview 285

14.2 Insolvency avoids summary judgment 286

14.3 Stay of execution 290

15 Final determination 304

15.1 Overview 304

15.2 Finalising the adjudicator’s decision 305

15.3 Adjudication and other proceedings 307

15.4 Commencement, onus of proof and costs 312

16 The adjudicator’s jurisdiction 319

16.1 Overview 319

16.2 When to think about jurisdiction 319

16.3 Options when a jurisdictional issue arises 320

16.4 Losing the right to challenge the adjudicator’s jurisdiction 331

16.5 Threshold jurisdiction challenges 338

16.6 Process jurisdiction challenges 342

16.7 Decision based jurisdiction challenges 349

16.8 Checklist: Jurisdiction – the parties 360

16.9 Checklist: Jurisdiction – the adjudicator 361

17 Natural justice 362

17.1 Overview 362

17.2 When to think about natural justice 364

17.3 Options when a natural justice point arises 364

17.4 Bias and apparent bias 366

17.5 Procedural fairness 378

17.6 Checklist: Natural justice – the parties and the adjudicator 399

18 Further grounds for resisting enforcement 400

18.1 Overview 400

18.2 Fraud or deceit 401

18.3 Duress 402

18.4 UTCCR 403

18.5 Human Rights Act 404

19 Scotland: Tony Jones 406

19.1 Overview 406

19.2 Differences between the Scheme and the Scottish Scheme 408

19.3 Enforcement of an adjudicator’s award 411

19.4 Issues of divergence between England and Wales and Scotland 418

20 Northern Ireland: Michael Humphreys QC 427

20.1 Overview 427

20.2 Enforcement of adjudicators’ awards 429

20.3 An alternative remedy – declaratory relief 434

20.4 Judicial consideration 435

Part II International

21 Introduction 443

22 Australia: Peter Wood and Phillip Greenham 446

22.1 Overview 446

22.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 449

22.3 Adjudication process 453

22.4 Determination, effect and costs 456

22.5 Enforcement 458

23 Ireland: Dermot McEvoy 461

23.1 Overview 461

23.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 462

23.3 Adjudication process 464

23.4 Determination, effect and costs 469

23.5 Enforcement 470

23.6 Conclusion 471

24 Malaysia: Philip Koh 473

24.1 Overview 473

24.2 Requirements for commencing the adjudication process 474

24.3 Adjudication process 478

24.4 Administration of the adjudication 481

24.5 Determination, effect and costs 482

24.6 Enforcement 484

24.7 Conclusion 485

25 New Zealand: Tómas Kennedy-Grant QC 487

25.1 Overview 487

25.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 488

25.3 Adjudication process 490

25.4 Determination, effect and costs 493

25.5 Enforcement 496

25.6 Proposed amendments 500

26 Singapore: Steven Cannon 501

26.1 Overview 501

26.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 502

26.3 Payment regime 504

26.4 Adjudication process 508

26.5 Determination, effect and costs 515

26.6 Enforcement 518

26.7 Conclusion 520

Appendices

Appendix 1 – The 1996 Act as amended 523

Appendix 2 – The 1998 Scheme as amended 530

Appendix 3 – Glossary (UK only) 538

Appendix 4 – Model forms 542

Appendix 5 – Summary comparison of UK adjudication rules 561

Appendix 6 – Details of UK adjudicator nominating bodies 570

Appendix 7 – Comparison of UK and international statutory regimes 578

Appendix 8 – Case index: by subject matter 584

Appendix 9 – Alphabetical case index 678

Index 709

A Practical Guide to Construction Adjudication

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    View other formats and editions of A Practical Guide to Construction Adjudication by James Pickavance

    Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
    Publication Date: 11/12/2015
    ISBN13: 9781118717950, 978-1118717950
    ISBN10: 1118717953

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    In the United Kingdom, adjudication is available as a right for parties to a construction contract, following the enactment of the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996.

    Trade Review
    "If one had to name a single outstanding feature of the text, it would be its structure as a formidable practice tool. I share the sentiments of The Honourable Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart, expressed in the book's foreword, that it sets out not to rival existing works (such as the leading adjudication text by Mr Justice Coulson), but to complement them. This book does not dwell in the dominion of academic debate. It is instead structured around the questions that inevitably arise in the conduct of every-day construction business and, of course, when payment disputes arise. Its answers to these questions are concise, accurate, and commercially acute. It is well-suited for any adviser or decision-maker in the construction industry, to whom I would recommend this book strongly."
    Professor Doug S Jones AO, International Construction Law Review, Part 3 July 2016


    "The name of Pickavance is a well-known one in dispute circles, and James is a chip off the old block. It seems a fair bet that through this very practical but at the same time scholarly work he will become as well known and regarded as his father and uncle. The book could perfectly well serve as a key resource for lawyers, construction claims consultants and adjudicators. It will certainly be a book I turn to for guidance on knotty adjudication issues."
    Jeremy Winter, FCInstCES, Adjudicator, Civil Engineering Surveyor 05.16


    From the foreword

    Part 1 of this book, whilst fully supported by references to decided cases, is very much directed towards the practitioner who has to advise his or her client on a construction dispute and then conduct or defend proceedings brought by way of adjudication. To this end it provides a clear route map together with helpful checklists at the conclusion of each chapter. It is this different approach that I think readers will find so helpful. The guidance in relation to insolvency and administration is particularly valuable. As an added benefit, there is Part 2 – which deals with adjudication in other jurisdictions. I know of no other similarly comprehensive guide and it is a fascinating and illuminating source of reference. This book does not set out to be a rival to existing works but to complement them. That is a role that I have no doubt that readers will find that it amply fulfils.
    The Hon Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart


    Solicitor James Pickavance has really come up to snuff. He has gone for a practical guide to adjudication. Pickavance is a partner at Eversheds: The firm can be proud of the book. He tells the reader what to do and when and how and why. …yes it is a must for the representative lawyers/consultants … yes for the adjudicators … yes especially for you contractors. Pickavance’s book style is practical too. I do like his “In a Nutshell” paragraphs.
    Tony Bingham, Building Magazine, 04.12.15


    This book certainly lives up to its name – the reader is navigated through adjudication with each chapter starting with an overview of the subject matter which is then addressed by individual topics initially caught by an ‘in a nutshell’ paragraph followed by excellent discussion with clear signposting to the relevant case law. It is evident throughout that the focus of this text is on practicality, a key theme which flows throughout the entirety of the book, offering sound advice to parties at all stages of the process – including before and after the adjudication itself. Finally the book provides a comparison of UK and international statutory regimes – something no one else has published to date as far as I am aware – which ensures the subject of statutory adjudication is well and truly covered in one book! The author is to be congratulated on the practical and strategic guidance offered to those involved in the process at various levels– this book certainly delivers – it will prove a very useful tool.
    Janey L. Milligan, Construction Law

    … the author is to be commended for producing an interesting, informative and a very detailed analysis of the Adjudication process. There is a comprehensive analysis of various cases, and the author has provided an interesting case index by subject matter, which is extremely helpful I have no doubt that … this extensive publication will be of interest to future Adjudicators and party representatives, and it is crammed with helpful commentaries on the practical aspects of Construction Adjudication. It is without doubt, in my view, that this textbook will be an essential addition to the library of the practitioner, and is a very useful reference point, and is also very reasonably priced as well.
    Len Bunton, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

    The author has produced a clear and sensible guide to the subject. The guide is thorough and well-researched. The author’s discussions are generally lucid and helpful and he has wisely avoided the temptation to go into too much academic debate. I particularly liked his use of ‘nutshell’ introductions and shaded ‘checklists’ at the end of lengthier sections. I warmly recommend this book to the construction industry, adjudicators and lawyers alike. Mr Pickavance clearly has a wise head on his relatively young shoulders and he and his publisher deserve to be congratulated on this achievement: kudos!
    Nick Lane, Construction News



    Table of Contents

    Foreword v

    Acknowledgements vii

    Part I The United Kingdom

    1 Introduction 3

    1.1 Overview 3

    1.2 Background to statutory adjudication in the UK 4

    1.3 Statutory adjudication regimes 5

    1.4 Use of case law in this part 6

    2 Adjudication in a nutshell 9

    3 Deciding to adjudicate 13

    3.1 Overview 13

    3.2 Do I have a claim? 14

    3.3 Is it worth it? 15

    3.4 Is adjudication the right forum? 18

    3.5 Other forms of ‘rapid’ dispute resolution 24

    3.6 Adjudication on behalf of, or against, an insolvent party 30

    3.7 Who to involve 40

    3.8 Checklist: considering whether or not to adjudicate 42

    4 Statutory adjudication 43

    4.1 Overview 43

    4.2 Old or new act 44

    4.3 Existence and terms of a contract 44

    4.4 Construction contract 49

    4.5 Construction operations 55

    4.6 Excluded construction operations 58

    4.7 Excluded agreements 62

    4.8 Contract in writing 66

    4.9 Checklist: What form of adjudication am I subject to? 74

    5 Contractual and ad hoc adjudication 75

    5.1 Overview 75

    5.2 Contractual adjudication 75

    5.3 Ad hoc adjudication 79

    6 Adjudication procedure 83

    6.1 Overview 83

    6.2 Scheme 84

    6.3 Contractual procedures 88

    6.4 Checklist: What adjudication procedure am I subject to? 96

    7 Preconditions and restrictions to statutory adjudication 97

    7.1 Overview 97

    7.2 Is there a dispute? 98

    7.3 More than one dispute 108

    7.4 Substantially the same dispute (Scheme p. 9) 111

    7.5 Does the dispute arise ‘under’ the contract (Act s. 108(1))? 115

    7.6 More than one contract 117

    7.7 Commencing an adjudication ‘at any time’ 119

    8 Adjudication strategy 123

    8.1 Overview 123

    8.2 Commencing the adjudication process 123

    8.3 More than one adjudication 125

    8.4 Choosing the dispute to refer 126

    8.5 Deploying arguments 139

    8.6 Assessing the other party’s willingness and ability to pay 141

    8.7 Removing procedural uncertainty 142

    9 Initiating the adjudication 144

    9.1 Overview 144

    9.2 A precis on jurisdiction and natural justice 145

    9.3 Notice of adjudication 146

    9.4 Checklist: Before serving the notice of adjudication – referring party 151

    9.5 Checklist: On receiving the notice of adjudication – responding party 151

    9.6 Appointing the adjudicator 152

    9.7 Checklist: Appointing the adjudicator – referring party 171

    9.8 Checklist: Appointing the adjudicator – responding party 171

    9.9 Checklist: Accepting the appointment – adjudicator 172

    10 The adjudication 173

    10.1 Overview 173

    10.2 Referral notice 174

    10.3 Response 181

    10.4 Reply, rejoinder and sur-rejoinder 184

    10.5 Meetings 186

    10.6 Other matters 188

    10.7 Adjudicator’s powers and duties 201

    10.8 Checklist: Managing the adjudication – the adjudicator 212

    11 The decision 214

    11.1 Overview 214

    11.2 What is the adjudicator required to do? 214

    11.3 On receiving the decision 218

    11.4 Timing 219

    11.5 Effect and compliance 223

    12 Post decision 227

    12.1 Overview 227

    12.2 Adjudicator’s costs 228

    12.3 Parties’ costs 233

    12.4 Apportioning costs 237

    12.5 Correcting errors in the decision 239

    12.6 Setting off against the decision 241

    13 Enforcement: options and procedure 249

    13.1 Overview 249

    13.2 Key statements of principle and the court’s policy 249

    13.3 TCC summary enforcement procedure 252

    13.4 Other procedures for enforcement 276

    13.5 Complying with an order of the court 280

    13.6 Checklist: Avoiding the consequences of an adjudicator’s decision 284

    14 Enforcement: insolvency, stay and severability 285

    14.1 Overview 285

    14.2 Insolvency avoids summary judgment 286

    14.3 Stay of execution 290

    15 Final determination 304

    15.1 Overview 304

    15.2 Finalising the adjudicator’s decision 305

    15.3 Adjudication and other proceedings 307

    15.4 Commencement, onus of proof and costs 312

    16 The adjudicator’s jurisdiction 319

    16.1 Overview 319

    16.2 When to think about jurisdiction 319

    16.3 Options when a jurisdictional issue arises 320

    16.4 Losing the right to challenge the adjudicator’s jurisdiction 331

    16.5 Threshold jurisdiction challenges 338

    16.6 Process jurisdiction challenges 342

    16.7 Decision based jurisdiction challenges 349

    16.8 Checklist: Jurisdiction – the parties 360

    16.9 Checklist: Jurisdiction – the adjudicator 361

    17 Natural justice 362

    17.1 Overview 362

    17.2 When to think about natural justice 364

    17.3 Options when a natural justice point arises 364

    17.4 Bias and apparent bias 366

    17.5 Procedural fairness 378

    17.6 Checklist: Natural justice – the parties and the adjudicator 399

    18 Further grounds for resisting enforcement 400

    18.1 Overview 400

    18.2 Fraud or deceit 401

    18.3 Duress 402

    18.4 UTCCR 403

    18.5 Human Rights Act 404

    19 Scotland: Tony Jones 406

    19.1 Overview 406

    19.2 Differences between the Scheme and the Scottish Scheme 408

    19.3 Enforcement of an adjudicator’s award 411

    19.4 Issues of divergence between England and Wales and Scotland 418

    20 Northern Ireland: Michael Humphreys QC 427

    20.1 Overview 427

    20.2 Enforcement of adjudicators’ awards 429

    20.3 An alternative remedy – declaratory relief 434

    20.4 Judicial consideration 435

    Part II International

    21 Introduction 443

    22 Australia: Peter Wood and Phillip Greenham 446

    22.1 Overview 446

    22.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 449

    22.3 Adjudication process 453

    22.4 Determination, effect and costs 456

    22.5 Enforcement 458

    23 Ireland: Dermot McEvoy 461

    23.1 Overview 461

    23.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 462

    23.3 Adjudication process 464

    23.4 Determination, effect and costs 469

    23.5 Enforcement 470

    23.6 Conclusion 471

    24 Malaysia: Philip Koh 473

    24.1 Overview 473

    24.2 Requirements for commencing the adjudication process 474

    24.3 Adjudication process 478

    24.4 Administration of the adjudication 481

    24.5 Determination, effect and costs 482

    24.6 Enforcement 484

    24.7 Conclusion 485

    25 New Zealand: Tómas Kennedy-Grant QC 487

    25.1 Overview 487

    25.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 488

    25.3 Adjudication process 490

    25.4 Determination, effect and costs 493

    25.5 Enforcement 496

    25.6 Proposed amendments 500

    26 Singapore: Steven Cannon 501

    26.1 Overview 501

    26.2 Requirements for commencing an adjudication 502

    26.3 Payment regime 504

    26.4 Adjudication process 508

    26.5 Determination, effect and costs 515

    26.6 Enforcement 518

    26.7 Conclusion 520

    Appendices

    Appendix 1 – The 1996 Act as amended 523

    Appendix 2 – The 1998 Scheme as amended 530

    Appendix 3 – Glossary (UK only) 538

    Appendix 4 – Model forms 542

    Appendix 5 – Summary comparison of UK adjudication rules 561

    Appendix 6 – Details of UK adjudicator nominating bodies 570

    Appendix 7 – Comparison of UK and international statutory regimes 578

    Appendix 8 – Case index: by subject matter 584

    Appendix 9 – Alphabetical case index 678

    Index 709

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