When a Single Document Decides: How Proper Records Can Prevent or Resolve a Construction Dispute

Proper management of project documentation is one of the key challenges in delivering construction projects, and also an important instrument for preventing disputes and resolving them efficiently. Incomplete documentation and inadequate recording of delays, variations, additional costs and other circumstances during project execution can make it considerably harder to prove a claim, or to defend against the other contracting party’s claims, should a dispute arise.

This workshop will bring together representatives of different professions – contractors, supervising engineers, project managers, lawyers and arbitrators – to consider, from different perspectives, best practice in creating, maintaining, preserving and using project documentation throughout the life cycle of a construction project and any subsequent arbitration.

Particular attention will be given to document management at three key stages: (i) during the ordinary course of the project, (ii) when circumstances arise that may lead to a dispute, and (iii) during the dispute itself, i.e. the arbitral proceedings. Drawing on practical examples and the participants’ experience, the workshop will address which documents must be prepared and retained, how to record relevant events and potential claims in a timely manner, and how to organise project documentation and use it as evidence in arbitration. The discussion will enable participants to see how decisions taken on site can affect the outcome of a future dispute, and how good documentation practice can help avoid one.

This workshop is free for SCL Serbia members. Non-members are welcome to attend for 3,000 RSD. To register as a non-member, please contact events@scl-serbia.org.

Panellists:

• Marinković, Jelena
• Nikolić, Dragana
• …
• …
• Moderator: Đorđević, Milena