About | Fortfield & Brown

About Fortfield & Brown

Fortfield & Brown are recognised experts in the fields of construction law, dispute resolution and training. We provide a high-quality legal service which is pragmatic and commercially focused.

The aim of our business is to deal with all of the legal issues that arise on construction projects, so that our clients can get on with getting the work done whilst making as much margin as possible. We operate using a “cradle to grave” approach. This means we get involved with projects when they are starting up – by drafting and reviewing contracts, warranties, guarantees etc. We then assist clients during delivery by dealing with ongoing issues such as claims for additional payment. Finally, we then work with clients at final account stage to resolve any outstanding disputes.

What makes us different from other firms, is the fact that construction is our sole focus. Our staff are dual-qualified as both construction professionals and as construction lawyers. This unique combination allows us to provide commercially focused and practical legal advice.

Director led approach

William originally qualified as a civil engineer and project manager before cross qualifying as a solicitor advocate. He is the lead consultant at Fortfield & Brown and is the point of contact for all client matters.

William has worked in a number of roles within the construction legal sector, including as an Associate Director at an international law firm and as Senior In-House Counsel for a £500m turnover building and civil engineering contractor. He is also a lecturer in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at Queen’s University Belfast.

Qualifications & Accreditations

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Law
MSc Construction Project Management
LLM Legal Practice
Fellow Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (FCICES)
Advanced Certificate in Law and NEC4 Contracts Management
Solicitor (England & Wales)
Solicitor Advocate (England & Wales)
Institution of Civil Engineers Panel Adjudicator
RICS Diploma in Construction Adjudication

Recent Experience Highlights

Adjudicator appointed to resolve three separate disputes under a single ICC Design and Construct Contract.
Adjudicator appointed to resolve six separate disputes arising under a single NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract.
Appointed by NEC drafting committee to draft secondary option Y(NI)
Represented a major infrastructure contractor in resolving a complex dispute with its client in relation to delay and disruption via a mediated settlement.
Successfully defended a local authority in a series of “smash and grab” style adjudications across a number of projects.