Noticias

The journey of a civil engineer into claims consultancy

As a recent civil engineering graduate, I am delighted to have joined Diales in the United Arab Emirates as a Trainee Consultant where I have spent the past three months gaining hands-on experience in the world of construction claims and disputes. This journey has already provided me with invaluable insights, inspiring me to share my experiences and to encourage those who may be considering a similar career path.

Author: Mayar Matar, Trainee Consultant, Dubai, UAE

My understanding of claims consultancy

Claims in construction projects typically stem from a variety of causes often leading to project delays. This in turn usually leads to a claim for the additional time required by a contractor or subcontractor to complete a project together with recovery of their associated additional costs. Conversely, claims can be levied by an employer against a contractor or by a contractor against a subcontractor if it considers that the contractor or the subcontractor has failed to comply with its contractual obligations and has delayed the project. Such claims would typically include for things such as delay penalties and other damages.

The role of a claims consultant is therefore diverse; it can involve preparing claims on behalf of a contractor, subcontractor or employer. It can also involve assessing claims submitted by a contractor on behalf of an employer, a subcontractor on behalf of a contractor, or providing impartial opinion as an independent third party. With the increasing complexity of modern construction projects and the ever-expanding advances in technology, there is a growing demand for skilled consultants, who possess a good understanding of the requirements of construction contracts, project programmes, and the technical elements of construction.

In the example of project delays, consultants are usually required to review contemporaneous project documentation and investigate and analyse the cause and effect of events that have arisen during a project and to assess the impact on both the project time for completion and the costs incurred by the parties to the contract arising from delays.  

Transferable skills of Civil Engineers 

Civil engineers offer a wealth of technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities that I believe make them effective in the field of claims consultancy. Their understanding of construction processes, project lifecycles, and their familiarity with project programming and resource allocation, facilitates their ability to assess project delays and cost overruns in a pragmatic manner. Their analytical skills, coupled with forensic insights, enable them to interpret complex data, investigate delays, uncover root causes, evaluate the impact on project completion dates and subsequently provide individual and tailored advice.

Key areas Civil Engineers should build on in claims consultancy

To succeed in this role civil engineers may wish to consider focusing on areas that complement their existing expertise. Gaining familiarity with standard forms of contract allows civil engineers to appropriately interpret contract terms, identify potential risks, and proactively address issues before they escalate into disputes. By utilising programming software such as Primavera P6, civil engineers can conduct precise programme analysis and model potential scenarios to identify delays. Pursuing professional membership of organisations such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) enhances credibility while providing access to exclusive resources and opportunities to develop skills.

Importance of soft skills in claims consultancy 

Given the collaborative nature of the work, I have quickly learnt that effective communication is one of the most important skills for claims consultants. They must clearly articulate often complex issues to their clients and opposing parties. Managing multiple projects demands efficient time management and organisational skills to handle various claims in a manner that allows you to meet deadlines and manage client expectations. These skills, combined with technical expertise, enable claims consultants to deliver effective, well-rounded opinion and solutions.

Conclusion

As a civil engineer entering the claims consultancy field, I am excited about the prospect of integrating my technical background with new skills to navigate complex challenges in the field of dispute resolution. Each project and assignment brings valuable lessons, such as discovering innovative ways to resolve disputes or manage client expectations. The challenges within this field have and continue to encourage me to develop both professionally and personally, aligning with my drive for continuous learning and growth, whilst contributing to complex and challenging projects in a dynamic environment. 

This article was originally written for issue 28 of the Diales Digest. You can view the publication here: www.diales.com/diales-digest-issue-28