Candidate’s Perspective

I recently attended the Construction Law 101 series and found it to be a well-structured and accessible introduction to the key legal principles relevant to the construction industry. With a background in live project delivery – where contractual challenges are a regular feature – and more recent experience in delay expert witness consulting, I particularly valued how the course broke down a complex subject into clear, practical concepts that could easily be related back to real project scenarios.

It also offered a helpful perspective on how issues are viewed from a legal standpoint, which, in my experience, does not always align with the priority issues typically focused on during project delivery – often due to a limited awareness of the legal implications. This is where the course adds real value, helping to raise that awareness and highlight key issues from a legal perspective.

The course was also valuable from a team development perspective. A junior member of my team attended alongside me and found it beneficial in building a strong foundational understanding of construction law, reinforcing its suitability for those earlier in their careers. As a result, it has been a regular recommendation for our junior team members.

The faculty brought a range of engaging delivery styles, and their consistent use of real-world examples helped connect legal principles to familiar project situations. Overall, the programme provides a practical and relevant grounding in construction law for both emerging and experienced professionals.

Contributed by:

Daniel Hobson - Manager, Accuracy

Trainer’s Perspective

We recently concluded our 16th run of the Construction Law 101 series, a four module programme offering a practical and accessible introduction to the legal framework governing construction projects in Singapore. Participants were highly engaged throughout the programme, asking thoughtful and practical questions that sparked lively discussion.

The series covered the fundamentals of construction law, including project structures and procurement methods, the roles and relationships of key project participants, and the use of standard form contracts such as SIA, PSSCOC, and REDAS. Core contractual principles were explored, including variations, fitness for purpose, and time related issues such as completion, liquidated damages, and extensions of time. Participants were also introduced to the complexities of sub contracting, the architect’s dual role as employer’s agent and independent certifier, and the principles governing certification and payment. The programme went on to address common construction disputes, risk allocation issues, prolongation and disruption claims, and dispute resolution mechanisms, before concluding with a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s Security of Payment Act (SOPA) – including the adjudication process, enforcement, and the concept of temporary finality. We hope the sessions provided a useful and practical foundation for navigating construction projects and disputes in practice. 

Contributed by:

Wynne Tay - Partner, MPillay

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