Reconstruction projects need advisers who understand both Ukrainian law and international contract practice. A practical guide to choosing construction lawyers in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s reconstruction has created demand for a specific kind of adviser: one who knows Ukrainian construction and procurement law, works confidently with international contract forms, and understands how projects are actually built. Choosing among construction lawyers in Ukraine is therefore less about general legal reputation and more about a narrow set of practical capabilities.
Five things to look for
1. Working knowledge of international contract forms
Donor-funded and multilateral projects are typically delivered under FIDIC or similar forms. An adviser who has administered these contracts — not merely read about them — will recognise a defective notice or a missed time bar before it becomes a claim. See our note on why FIDIC contracts matter for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
2. Dispute resolution experience across forums
Construction disputes move through several stages: engineer’s determination, dispute board, then arbitration or litigation. Ask which forums the adviser has actually appeared in and how many of those matters were construction-specific.
3. Technical literacy
Delay and quantum arguments rest on programmes, records and measurement. Advisers who can read a critical path and interrogate an expert report add more value than those who rely entirely on external consultants.
4. Sector coverage
Reconstruction work spans buildings, transport, water and energy. Each sector carries its own regulatory and permitting profile — a point we examine in five questions every infrastructure project should answer.
5. Language and international working practice
Where lenders, contractors and consultants sit in different jurisdictions, the ability to work in English on international documentation is not a convenience but a requirement.
Where the Society fits
SCL Ukraine does not act for clients and does not recommend individual firms. What it provides is the professional infrastructure around the discipline: conferences, seminars and publications where construction lawyers, engineers, arbitrators and industry professionals meet, exchange experience and keep current with international best practice.
Members come from law firms, in-house legal teams, engineering consultancies, contractors and academia. You can see the professionals leading the Society on our Board of Directors page, and read about membership if you would like to join the community.
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