Howard Kennedy’s International Construction team is delighted to launch the Spring 2027 FIDIC Contracts Seminar Series, delivered in collaboration with Cornerstone Seminars.

Running from 11 February to 1 April 2027, this eight-week programme will provide a focused and practical exploration of the key issues that arise under FIDIC contracts and in dispute resolution.

Building on the success of previous series, the sessions will cover core themes including:

• The role of the fair and neutral Engineer
• Design responsibility and risk allocation
• Approaches to delay and time-related claims
• Entitlement to payment and monetary claims
• Developments across the FIDIC 1999 and 2017/2022 suites

Each session will be delivered online in a 90-minute format, combining expert-led presentations with interactive workshops and time for discussion. The series will be led by Victoria Tyson, Jo Clarke, Gabriel Mulero Clas, James Reader and Edward Corbett, drawing on their extensive experience to address the contractual and strategic challenges that practitioners encounter in practice.

Previous attendee feedback

Feedback from earlier series reflects the practical value and engaging format of the seminars:

“Excellent presentation with combination of case law and theory. Very good workshop discussion and the case was very interesting.”

“The selection of speakers was spot on – a fantastic experience with real thought given to knowledge sharing.”

“One of the most well organised seminar series I have attended, with excellent speakers and a strong overall concept.”

“Highly informative and very well structured – I would readily recommend the series to others.”

Earlier participants have also praised the programme for its clarity, relevance to day-to-day practice, and the opportunity to engage directly with experienced practitioners.

Course overview

The series will follow a structured programme, including:

Introduction to FIDIC Contracts – 11 February 2027

• The FIDIC suite (“Rainbow”)
• Particular Conditions
• Golden Principles

Roles and Responsibilities – 18 February 2027

• The Engineer’s dual role
• Independence and agency
• Employer and Engineer functions

Design Risk and Allocation – 25 February 2027

• Traditional vs design-build
• Fitness for purpose obligations
• Risk under the Red, Yellow and Silver Books

Time and Delay – 4 March 2027

• Time for Completion
• Time at large
• Managing delay risk
• Delay damages

Complex Delay Issues – 11 March 2027

• Acceleration
• Concurrency
• Critical path analysis

Claims for Payment – 18 March 2027

• Ground conditions
• Geological Baseline Reports
• Prolongation costs

Additional Monetary Claims – 25 March 2027

• Variations
• Force majeure and changes in law
• Disruption

Dispute Avoidance and Resolution – 1 April 2027

• DAB and DAAB processes
• Decisions and enforcement
• Arbitration

If you would like to be kept informed of future events, or to register your interest, please contact the International Construction team via the link here.

Please get in touch at joanne.clarke@howardkennedy.com or victoria.tyson@howardkennedy.com with your thoughts or to discuss any concerns.