Adjudication Specialist — Resolving Construction Payment Disputes in 28 Days

Adjudication is the most powerful tool available to contractors and sub-contractors chasing payment disputes in the construction industry. It is statutory, fast, and binding — the adjudicator's decision must be honoured within seven days of issue, regardless of whether the losing party intends to appeal. I have conducted and defended adjudication proceedings across a wide range of construction disputes, from straightforward payment notice challenges to complex final account, extension of time, and loss and expense referrals involving millions of pounds. I handle the entire adjudication process from start to finish. That begins with a realistic assessment of your prospects, because referring a poorly framed dispute to adjudication wastes time and money. If the case is strong, I draft the referral notice — the document that defines your entire claim and sets the scope of the adjudicator's jurisdiction. I then manage the response timetable, respond to any rejoinders, and make any further submissions the adjudicator requests. Tight timetables and late-night document exchanges are normal in adjudication and I am set up to handle them. On the defence side, if you have received a referral notice you did not expect, I can take on jurisdiction challenges, draft the response, and run a counter-claim where appropriate. Enforcement of an adjudicator's decision through the Technology and Construction Court is usually swift — most applications succeed — and I handle that process if the paying party refuses to comply. How It Works 1. Case assessment — I review your contract, payment notices, and correspondence 2. Referral notice drafted and adjudicator nomination request sent 3. Adjudicator appointed; referral submitted on day one 4. Response to any rejoinders; further submissions as directed 5. Decision issued; enforcement if required What You Get - Jurisdiction and prospects assessment before any commitment - Referral notice and all subsequent submissions - Defence and counter-claim if respondent - TCC enforcement application if decision not honoured FAQ Q: How long does adjudication take? A: The statutory timetable is 28 days from referral. This can be extended to 42 days with the referring party's consent, or longer with both parties' agreement. Q: Can the decision be challenged? A: Adjudicator decisions are temporarily binding and can only be challenged in litigation or arbitration on limited grounds. In practice most are enforced and paid. Q: What types of dispute can go to adjudication? A: Payment, extension of time, loss and expense, defects liability, final account, and termination disputes — almost any construction dispute under a qualifying contract.