Navigating Construction Disputes with Expertise
In the early 1990's there were two notable Testifying Quantum Experts in the courts, one of whom was Gordon Stapleton. When he died prematurely I moved to his company, SCCS, as their new Quantum Expert. In his honour we changed the name to Stapleton International. Then an idol of mine, Ivor H Seeley, the author and the most famous QS of his time, asked me to write my first book. I wrote Conflicts in Construction. Ivor, the publisher and a number of others referred to me as 'the quantum expert' in reviews and as I continued to testify in major reported cases, the name stuck.
So,since the 1990's I have written as, or have been interviewed as, The Quantum Expert for Blogs, Vlogs, Newspapers, TV and Radio. That epithet is the one I use for YouTube and for my Linked In articles. Of course, now there are now many fantastic Quantum Experts out there, I know that that I'm not the only one. But I might be the longest serving.
About The Quantum Expert, Jeff Whitfield
Over the last three decades I have been:
- Providing expert consultancy in construction disputes.
- Supporting clients, lawyers, and contractors.
- Ensuring effective and efficient outcomes.
- Delivering tailored solutions for complex disputes.
In addition to the above I have been writing books to guide, direct and inspire others to pursue good practice when resolving disputes.
33
Years of Experience
300+
Reports
Up to $1.2 Billion
Individual case value, quantum claimed.
Expertise
I studied law with a single purpose, not to practice but to deepen my knowledge of construction law and dispute resolution processes, so that I would understand my instructions in their proper legal context.
Litigation, Arbitration, ADR and Construction Act Adjudications all require different approaches, yet they all have similarities. It is important to recognise the differences to ensure that a report/testimony is relevant to the particular tribunal, whilst being efficiently prepared. Likewise it is vital that we also identify the similarities, so that we can transition from one arena to another, with minimum effort and subsequently lowering overall fees.
Tailored Solutions
It has always been my intention to create custom strategies designed to meet the specific needs of each client. This applies equally to smaller advisory work and to extensive extensive expert research and opinion work.
Probably the best way to use an expert is for dispute avoidance, which is ultimately the least expensive methof of resolving a conflict. However, this requires you to have faith in the expert and confidence in the process they recommend.
I have been providing bespoke training since 1985 on a wide variety of construction management issues from FIDIC, JCT and NEC contracts & formation, to negotiation skills and strategies.
I have never found these training situations to be anything less than truly beneficial and I often wonder how many expensive disputes were avoided, controlled or minimised because of the training/ lecture we have all attended.
Client Focused & Prove Results
Throughout my career I have been dedicated to understanding and addressing client concerns. Here are some of my headshots starting from 1985 when I was Commercial Director of an International Contractor, to today as lead Quantum Expert at Rimkus.
Over the years, I have been forever vigilant when controlling my fees and sundry expenditure, the resolution process is already expensive enough.
Time after time this approach has proven to be the correct methodology to adopt as I have never had a quantum or delay report rejected by a tribunal and my costs have always been generously awarded by Court Masters when challenged. Over the years I have seen worried clients recovering more that they were expecting.
Can you use me?
The truth is that there are many experts out there that encompass some of my experience and expertise, perhaps more than enough for your needs. However, I am always happy to discuss your strategy for entering into robust agreements that deter disputes, or advise you on the best path to resolution - even if you were to choose a different expert. Likewise, I always prefer to advise on how to keep the project on track, help minimise conflict, even if my advice is Pro Bono.
I would also be delighted to entertain your staff with my endless industry anecdotes parading as training.
Finally, as many of you will know, I surround myself with the very best delay and quantum experts/ assistants around. Some I had worked with previously, some against, but they are here and available to help you, as am I.
So, can you use me or my colleagues? I think so. If you want references just ask. Or you could search my articles on linked in, or read my books. It's all out there, I'm no man of mystery, you will know in advance the kind of man you are using.
Get in touch
Telephone: +44 771 2520650
E-mail: jeff@jefferywhitfield.com
Address: Fidus House, Chorley, PR6 7YD, Lancashire, United Kingdom