In the ever-evolving realm of construction law, practitioners continuously seek resources that not only keep them abreast of recent developments but also offer dependable guidance. Recently, I had the privilege of engaging with Tony Bingham, a seasoned expert in construction law, who shared his insights on a newly published construction law compendium and highlighted an array of invaluable online resources for both novice and veteran professionals.
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Tony commenced our conversation with an enthusiastic endorsement of Julian Bailey’s latest edition of Construction Law. “If ever there is value for money, it is the £160 for this three-volume latest edition of Construction Law by Julian Bailey,” he asserted. His respect for Bailey’s work was palpable as he described it as a ‘valued companion’ for every construction law practitioner. The depth and breadth of Bailey’s work make it an indispensable resource, whether it’s sitting on a desk or being referred to in the midst of a heated dispute.
Julian Bailey, a solicitor and partner at Jones Day in London, has made significant contributions to the field of construction law on both the UK and international stages. His latest endeavour, the fourth edition of Construction Law, is a monumental piece of work. Tony elaborated, “This edition adds a mere 2,345 new judgments and awards, making it an extensive and reliable source of guidance.” The level of detail and accuracy in Bailey’s 3,300-page compendium is a testament to his dedication and expertise.
However, Tony did have one minor quibble. “I have a whinge,” he admitted with a chuckle, “I want to have this three-volume encyclopaedia with me when I dash hither and thither. No, not the weighty three volumes – I want it all online, with a search engine.” Despite this, he quickly added, “But I don’t deduct any points from Julian Bailey’s tour de force.” Tony’s admiration for Bailey’s work is echoed by other highly regarded reviewers, including Richard Wilmot-Smith KC, a strong competitor in the textbook world, who has also given top marks to Bailey’s compilation. “Outstanding,” Tony reflected, summing up the general consensus among his peers.
Transitioning from the physical compendium, Tony then shed light on various online resources that can complement Bailey’s work. One of the most notable, according to Tony, is the collection of video recordings of Supreme Court hearings. “The Supreme Court makes available video recordings of many hearings,” he said. “It’s a must for all who participate in the disputes arena to at least watch the video recordings. Better yet, witness the live events at the Supreme Court in Parliament Square.” These recordings provide a front-row seat to top-quality counsels’ arguments and the penetrating questions posed by judges, making them invaluable learning tools.
Tony also recommended visiting the British & Irish Legal Information Institute’s website, commonly known as BAILII. This site offers access to a vast array of freely available case law, including decisions from the Technology and Construction Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. “You can even dive into construction cases in Singapore, UAE, Qatar and more,” Tony noted. The site’s comprehensive database ensures that practitioners have access to the latest judgments, often within 24 hours of being published.
He further highlighted the National Archives’ website, which houses an extensive collection of judgments. “The site has 1,771 judgments, all yours for the sake of a free click,” Tony said, emphasising the wealth of information available at no cost. For those willing to invest in subscription services, Tony mentioned several reputable law-reporting websites such as the All England Law Reports, Weekly Law Reports, Construction Law Reports, and the Construction Law Journal. While these services come at a price, they offer meticulously curated content that can be crucial for in-depth legal research and analysis.
As our conversation drew to a close, Tony reiterated the importance of staying informed and continuously seeking out reliable resources. “Whether it’s Bailey’s comprehensive volumes or the myriad of online resources available, the key is to never stop learning,” he advised. His passion for the field and dedication to sharing knowledge was evident throughout our discussion.
Tony Bingham’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for anyone navigating the complex terrain of construction law. Julian Bailey’s latest edition of Construction Law stands out as a cornerstone resource, complemented by a plethora of online tools that ensure practitioners are always equipped with the latest information. As Tony aptly put it, “There’s a lot to learn, and thankfully, there are plenty of resources to help us along the way.”
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