Construction Arbitration Solicitors

When a construction dispute reaches an arbitration clause, the process moves quickly, and the outcome is binding. Our construction arbitration solicitors advise contractors, subcontractors and developers on construction arbitration, from understanding the clause in your contract to preparing for the process ahead.

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Two construction workers in safety gear discussing plans at a site entrance.

Arbitration, Adjudication or Litigation

Construction disputes can be resolved in several ways, and which route applies usually comes down to what your contract says. Adjudication is the fast track most construction contracts use first, decided within 28 days but not always final. Construction arbitration is different. Both sides agree, often through a clause written into the contract at the outset, to let an arbitrator decide the dispute instead of a judge. The arbitrator’s award is binding and enforceable in the same way as a court judgment. Our construction arbitration solicitors working with businesses across Manchester and the UK explain which process applies before a dispute reaches that stage, so you are not deciding under pressure.

How Our Construction Arbitration Solicitors Help Contractors and Developers

Construction arbitration can move fast once triggered. Here is where our support typically comes in, whether you are contractor, subcontractor or developer.

Reviewing the Arbitration Clause

We review the arbitration clause in your construction contract before a dispute arises, checking what it requires, which rules apply, and whether the wording gives you a fair route to a decision if things go wrong.

Advising on Notices of Arbitration

We explain what a notice of arbitration means, the time limits it triggers, and what you need to do next, so a formal step in the process does not catch you off guard.

Preparing Your Position

We help you set out the facts, the contract terms in dispute, and the evidence you will need, so your case is ready before the arbitrator’s timetable takes over.

Advising on Arbitrator Selection

We advise on how an arbitrator is chosen or appointed for construction dispute resolution, including the experience and construction knowledge worth looking for given the nature of your dispute.

Explaining the Arbitration Award

We explain what the arbitrator’s award means for you, how it is enforced, and the narrow grounds on which it could be challenged if something has gone wrong in the process.

What This Means for You

Clarity on whether arbitration or adjudication applies to your dispute
Confidence in what your contract’s arbitration clause requires
A properly prepared position before the arbitrator’s timetable begins
Reduced risk of missing a notice deadline or procedural step
A clear understanding of what a binding award means for you

Contact Us for Construction Arbitration

At MAR Legal, a delay on one issue, an arbitration clause, a disputed payment, or a contract that was never properly reviewed, can hold up an entire project. Our construction arbitration solicitors work directly with you to resolve the legal side quickly, so the project keeps moving and your position stays protected.

Get in touch today for a consultation, and let us help you protect your project and your business.

When To Seek Advice

Your construction contract includes an arbitration clause you have not reviewed
You have received a notice of arbitration from the other side
A construction dispute is escalating, and arbitration may be the next step
You are unsure whether adjudication or arbitration applies to your situation
You want the arbitration clause checked before signing a new contract, ask our solicitors first

Meet the Founder

Marium brings 22 years of experience advising businesses on commercial disputes and regulatory matters across the UK. A Solicitor regulated by the SRA (ID: 277854) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb), she founded MAR Legal to give businesses direct access to senior dispute resolution advice without the overhead of a traditional firm.

Marium Razzaq
Solicitor & Director Mar Legal
MCIArb

Why Businesses Choose MAR Legal for Construction Arbitration

Solicitor Led Support

Every arbitration clause and notice is reviewed by our solicitors.

UK Wide Support

We advise businesses across Manchester and the UK, in person or remotely.

Fixed Fee Pricing

Fixed Fee pricing is available for reviewing an arbitration clause or notice.

Construction Sector Knowledge

We work with contractors, subcontractors and developers across the UK on arbitration matters.

Trusted by contractors and developers across the UK for practical construction arbitration advice.

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What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
         
   KOTA 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They handled it wonderfully.
  
 
        
   George Alexopoulos 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Umar Razzaq at MAR Legal is sharp, honest and responsive, and excellent on the detail. Great outcome. Highly recommended.
  
 
        
   Olamide Aribigbela 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really happy with the service from MAR Legal. They were very professional, helpful and efficient throughout the whole process. They handled all my documents quickly and carefully, and made everything simple and stress-free.

Would definitely recommend MAR Legal to anyone looking for a reliable and professional solicitor!
  
 
        
   Mrs Whitbread 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service. Very responsive and great at explaining everything I needed. Thanks
  
 
        
   Rachel Marsden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and clear advice. Easy to understand and handled with appropriate sensitivity and confidentiality.
  
 
        
   Gillian Fletcher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Service, quick and efficient and clear communications throughout. Thank you.
  
 
        
   Faye McCarthy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used MAR Legal for a commercial lease on a property in Stockport. Had my initial consultation at their Spinningfields office, where I dealt directly with Marium, one of the directors. She walked me through the lease terms and the timeline upfront, so I knew what to expect at each stage. Would use them again for commercial property work in the Manchester area.
  
 
        
   Chris Johnson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. MAR legal helped with ILA which my mortgage lender required. They acted very quickly and at a good price. Great service.
  
 
        
   Arsa Syed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful. I would definitely recommend using them and will be back if I need any legal work done!!
  
 
        
   Amir Abbou 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They provided professional, sharp, and responsive counsel.  their contractual analysis was strong, and their advice was genuinely practical and commercially minded.
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on MAR Legal Limited's Google Business Profile. Learn more

How Our Company Formation Process Works

Initial Consultation

Tell us about the dispute and whether your contract includes an arbitration clause.

Clause or Notice Review

We review the arbitration clause, or any notice served and explain what it means for your position.

Preparation

We help you prepare your position, evidence and timetable ahead of the arbitration.

Resolution

Our construction arbitration solicitors explain the arbitrator’s award and what it means once a decision is reached.

Visit our Manchester Construction Arbitration Lawyers

MAR Legal is based at Regus, 3 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3HF, in the heart of the city’s business district.

The office is a short walk from Deansgate and Manchester Oxford Road stations, with St Peter’s Square and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stops both within 10 minutes on foot. The nearest car park is on Quay Street, a couple of minutes away.

We advise businesses across Manchester and the wider North West, including Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Bolton and Bury, as well as clients across the UK.

Construction FAQs

Construction arbitration is a private process for resolving a construction dispute, where both sides agree to let an independent arbitrator decide the outcome instead of a court. It is usually triggered by an arbitration clause written into the construction contract at the outset. The arbitrator considers evidence from both sides and issues a decision, known as an award, which is binding and enforceable in the same way as a court judgment.

Adjudication is a fast-track process under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, decided within 28 days, though the decision is only binding until the dispute is finally resolved. Arbitration is a separate process, usually triggered by a clause in the contract, where an independent arbitrator reaches a final and binding decision. Many construction contracts use adjudication first, with arbitration available if either side wants a final resolution.

Generally, yes. An arbitration award is binding on both parties once issued, and the grounds for challenging it in court are narrow, covering issues such as the arbitrator exceeding their authority or a serious procedural irregularity. Simply disagreeing with the outcome is not enough to overturn an award. This finality is one of the reasons arbitration clauses are written carefully, since the decision reached is difficult to unpick once made.

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, but construction arbitration moves quickly once a notice is served, and the clause governing it can be dense to read under pressure. A solicitor can review the clause before a dispute arises, explain a notice you have received, and help you prepare your position and evidence within the arbitrator’s timetable.

There is no fixed timescale. It depends on the complexity of the dispute, the number of parties, and the procedure both sides agree to follow. A straightforward dispute between two parties can conclude faster than a multi-party dispute involving several contractors or subcontractors. The arbitration clause in your contract, and any rules it refers to, usually set out the procedural steps that shape how long the process runs.

Often the parties agree on an arbitrator jointly, drawing on someone with relevant construction or engineering experience. Where they cannot agree, the construction contract or the arbitration rules it refers to will usually set out an appointing body that selects one instead. Getting this stage right matters, since the arbitrator’s expertise and approach shape how the rest of the process runs.

Appeals against an arbitration award are limited under the Arbitration Act 1996 and are not available simply because a party disagrees with the outcome. Grounds are narrow, covering serious irregularity in how the process was conducted or, in some cases, a point of law where the arbitration agreement allows it. This limited right of appeal is part of what makes arbitration a faster route than litigation.

MAR Legal provides advisory support in relation to construction arbitration clauses, notices and preparation. Where a matter proceeds to a formal arbitration hearing or requires representation before a tribunal, we work alongside appropriately regulated professionals to support you through to completion.

Construction Arbitration Lawyers

Arbitration, Adjudication or Litigation