Construction & Engineering

Overview

Construction is a diverse, complex and multibillion-dollar industry. The rewards can be high - but with correspondingly high risk. To bring any project to completion, you need practical legal advice and representation during all phases of the construction process to increase your chances of delivering a project on time, on budget and with minimal risks.

At Gowling WLG, we want to be an integral part of your team, providing one-stop advice from project conception to completion. As part of your industry, we understand the issues you face, the obstacles to avoid and how to maintain momentum on any project.

Cradle-to-grave service

Representing major contractors and leading developers, we enjoy strong and longstanding relationships with some of the sector's most significant players. Our strong client base also includes employers, funds and end-users.

In working with us, you'll be engaging a cradle-to-grave team with substantial experience. Our lawyers have worked on all types of projects for all parties in all sectors: infrastructure/P3, energy (hydro-electric, LNG, renewable, nuclear), mining, oil and gas, financial, conventional construction, industrial, residential and commercial. Because we operate globally, we can seamlessly manage your project wherever it's based.

A commercial approach

Technical excellence is a given, but with backgrounds in the construction industry, we also provide a commercial approach. With many years' combined experience, we have in-depth knowledge of all the major standard forms of industry contracts, as well as the ability to draft and negotiate bespoke documentation. You can obtain tailored advice at every stage of the development process - from project conception and choice of procurement, through to the tender process, complex contractual negotiations, contract management, dispute avoidance and resolution.

Our track record in all forms of dispute resolution - including mediation, adjudication, conciliation, litigation and arbitration - means you're in safe hands. It's why we can frequently be found advising big-name companies on big-ticket cases.

Effective legal counsel is critically important to increasing the chances of completing your project on time, on budget and with minimal risks. That's why our goal is to be an integral member of your team.

Genuine specialists

As a global law firm, Gowling WLG is home to hundreds of legal professionals - many of whom specialise in areas of law directly related to the construction and engineering industry, including:

Disputes
Employment and labour law
Energy
Environmental law
Financial services
Government affairs
Indigenous law
Insurance & professional liability
Intellectual property law
Municipal law
Occupational health and safety
Real estate
Regulatory law
Surety bonds

Our contract services involve assistance with the bidding, tendering and RFP/RFQ process, land acquisitions and security issues, regulatory approvals, and the protection of intellectual property and confidentiality requirements. Our litigation services include advancing and defending lien rights and claims, receivership and bankruptcy matters, third party and product liability, and statutory liabilities.

In tune with your changing reality

Because we're embedded in the construction industry, our team is the first to know about the latest changes that could impact your business and your bottom line.

In Canada, these include extensive amendments to Ontario's Construction Lien Act (CLA). Anticipated in early 2018, the amendments are expected to introduce a new prompt payment regime, the use of adjudication to resolve construction disputes, and changes to lien rights and time periods. To learn more, visit our CLA resource page.

Find out more