Book Review
FIDIC 2017: A Definitive Guide to Claims and Disputes, Second Edition
Nicholas Brown LLB (Hons) (QUT) & LLM (Hons) (QUT), DiplCArb, FCIArb, FSIA, Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP ISBN 978-1-83608-467-9 ISBN electronic 978-1-83608-466-2
If you’re a construction law professional navigating the labyrinth of FIDIC 2017 contracts, this book is your compass. The second edition of FIDIC 2017: A Definitive Guide to Claims and Disputes builds on the strengths of its predecessor, offering a masterfully clear and comprehensive roadmap through the entire dispute resolution journey – from initial claim notification to dispute board referrals and arbitration. The book excels at demystifying the intricate provisions of the red, yellow, gold and silver books, making them accessible without oversimplifying.
It compares how these provisions operate across diverse jurisdictions including England and Wales, China, South Africa, Singapore, the USA and more. While not suited for undergraduates, it’s a goldmine for postgraduate students pursuing LLMs, MScs or diplomas in construction law or adjudication.
The book is structured into 14 meticulously crafted chapters, each tackling a vital aspect of dispute resolution: Ch. 1–3 introduces the dispute avoidance and adjudication board (DAAB), the anatomy of a claim and the procedural nuances of claim notification. Ch. 4–6 explores dispute avoidance strategies, the role of the engineer in facilitating settlements and the DAAB’s adjudicative powers.
Ch. 7–9 covers enforcement mechanisms, the definition and evolution of a dispute and the procedural requirements for DAAB referrals. Ch. 10–11 delves into adjudication management, interim measures and summary enforcement via courts and emergency arbitrators. Ch. 12–14 examines post-decision settlement options, ICC arbitration procedures and the international enforcement of arbitral awards. Each chapter is supported by a robust bibliography and authoritative references, making it not just informative but academically sound.
This guide doesn’t just explain the rules – it contextualises them. Whether you’re administering contracts or conducting research, this book is a definitive reference that earns its title.
Sean Sullivan Gibbs FCInstCES
The Law of Net Zero and Nature Positive, First Edition
Nigel Pleming KC (ed.), Camilla ter Haar (ed.), Karim Ghaly KC (ed.), Richard Wilmot-Smith KC (ed.), Stephanie David (ed.), Stephen Tromans KC (ed.) London Publishing Partnership £125.00 ISBN 9781916749214
When I volunteered to review this book, I expected a straightforward read. It wasn’t. This is a dense, meticulously researched volume – 41 chapters spanning over 900 pages – that dives deep into legal terrain I had only lightly traversed. Yet, despite my limited background in many of the areas covered, I found it to be exceptionally well written and surprisingly navigable. The book guides readers through the evolving legal frameworks of net zero and nature positive, with a primary focus on England and Wales.
It also situates these developments within broader domestic and international contexts, unpacking key legislation such as the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Environment Act 2021. What’s striking is how it translates these obligations across sectors – from planning and property to financial services, construction and even environmental protest. One of the book’s most important contributions is its treatment of biodiversity alongside climate change.
These issues are often siloed, yet the authors make a compelling case for their interdependence. Nature, they argue, is frequently overlooked in legal discourse.
This book seeks to correct that by integrating both net zero and nature positive obligations into a coherent legal narrative – one that practitioners, policymakers and academics can use to shape meaningful action. The breadth of coverage is impressive. It touches on public international law, fiscal measures, consumer protection and corporate responsibility, all while maintaining clarity and accessibility.
The contributors – 35 barristers from a single set of chambers – bring authority and nuance to each chapter, making this not just a reference text but a strategic resource. It helped me understand the legal scaffolding behind the environmental challenges we face – challenges that are increasingly being addressed in courtrooms rather than parliaments. The Law of Net Zero and Nature Positive is a landmark publication. It’s ambitious, timely and essential reading for anyone working at the intersection of law, climate and biodiversity.
Sean Sullivan Gibbs FCInstCES