Exploring Legal and Compliance Risks: A Deep Dive with Expert Speakers

As the construction industry navigates increasingly complex legal landscapes, ensuring compliance and managing risks has never been more important. Our Exploring Legal and Compliance Risk workshop brings together leading experts in construction law to provide invaluable insights and practical guidance for professionals across the sector.

We are excited to introduce our speakers, each of whom brings a wealth of experience in handling legal challenges within the construction industry. Their expertise will offer attendees the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of legal and compliance issues that can arise in construction projects.

Sam Bawden: Leading the Charge on Construction Law Education

Sam Bawden, Partner at Holmes & Hills Solicitors, is a driving force in the construction law space. As a specialist solicitor within Holmes & Hills’ highly regarded Legal 500 recommended Construction Division, Sam leads the firm’s Dispute Resolution Department, where he handles some of the industry’s most complex legal disputes.

Sam firmly believes that education is key to preventing disputes before they arise. His mission is to arm construction professionals with the foundational knowledge of construction law, empowering them to avoid costly legal pitfalls. This passion for education has made him a sought-after speaker, whether at live events, webinars, or on leading industry podcasts.

Sam has a unique ability to break down complex legal concepts into simple, actionable advice, ensuring that his audience walks away with practical insights they can immediately apply to their projects. Attendees of the workshop can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how to manage legal risks proactively, helping them safeguard their businesses in an increasingly regulated industry.

Chrissie Parkes: Pragmatic Legal Advice with a Commercial Focus

Chrissie Parkes, a solicitor in Holmes & Hills’ Construction Division, is another key voice at the workshop. With a background in construction law, Chrissie provides invaluable advice on both contentious and non-contentious matters. Her hands-on experience with construction contracts and disputes has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor to contractors, sub-contractors, and project managers.

Chrissie’s approach is grounded in the realities of construction projects. She understands that legal advice must be practical, not just theoretical. Whether she’s drafting bespoke contracts, reviewing existing agreements, or representing clients in disputes, Chrissie ensures that her guidance reflects the commercial interests of her clients.

In addition to her advisory work, Chrissie has a proven track record in resolving payment disputes through adjudications and enforcement proceedings. Her success in this area has led to a secondment with a large contractor, where she provides live, on-the-ground legal advice for ongoing projects. Chrissie’s ability to combine technical expertise with real-world application makes her an invaluable resource for workshop attendees looking to navigate the legal challenges of their construction projects.

Lawrence Pearce: Mitigating Risk and Resolving Disputes Efficiently

Lawrence Pearce has extensive experience in handling construction contract claims and disputes. As a solicitor with Holmes & Hills, Lawrence works closely with main contractors, sub-contractors, and contract managers to identify and mitigate risks associated with construction projects.

Lawrence’s focus is on ensuring that disputes are resolved as cost-effectively as possible while protecting his clients’ commercial interests. He regularly partners with construction consultants, quantity surveyors, and trade associations to deliver comprehensive solutions to legal challenges. His ability to work collaboratively across the industry makes him a key asset for any construction professional looking to navigate the complexities of contract law.

Attendees at the workshop will benefit from Lawrence’s practical approach to dispute resolution, learning strategies to avoid legal conflicts and manage risk before it impacts their projects.

Alicia Hilton:

Alicia works with main contractors, sub-contractors, and contract managers; supporting in the making and defending of claims related to construction contracts and projects alongside Holmes & Hill’s Division of specialist construction solicitors. As a trainee solicitor, Alicia works closely with the senior members of the Legal 500 recommended Construction Division, assisting on both the contentious and non-contentious legal matters dealt with. She has worked in several legal support roles, most recently as a paralegal.

Beverley Peace: Managing Director at Consilium ESG Ltd

Beverley Peace has 30 years of experience specialising in risk management, alongside health, safety, and environmental consulting. As the Director of Consilium ESG Ltd, she supports commercial clients in identifying and mitigating risks through comprehensive ESG services, including gap analysis, and training.

Previously, she served as Group Compliance Director at HB Projects Limited, where she developed robust risk management systems aligned with ISO standards, ensuring business continuity and governance. 

Beverley’s extensive background spans both public and private sectors, including significant contributions to construction and fit out environments. She holds a BSc in Environmental Technology and Management and is a Chartered Member of IOSH.    

With a pragmatic approach and excellent communication skills, Beverley excels at guiding organisations through risk management and developing strategies for safer and more sustainable operations.

Why Attend the Workshop?

The Exploring Legal and Compliance Risk workshop is taking place on 2nd October 2024 at the prestigious Founders’ Hall. It promises to be an essential event for professionals in the shopfitting and construction industries. With legal compliance becoming increasingly complex, understanding the risks involved and how to manage them is important for safeguarding your business.

Our speakers, Sam Bawden, Chrissie Parkes, Lawrence Pearce and Beverley Peace bring together a wealth of expertise and practical insights, offering attendees a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge. Whether you’re looking to avoid disputes, draft robust contracts, or resolve ongoing issues, this workshop will equip you with the tools needed to navigate the legal challenges of today’s construction landscape.

Reserve your place on our website: https://www.shopfitters.org/events/