Hamish is a graduate from the LLM Construction Law at the University of Strathclyde
Tell us a little bit about your background...
I am a chartered architect, having obtained a BSc in Architecture in 1979, a Diploma in Advanced Architectural Studies in 1981 and my final “Part 3” professional qualification in 1982. I undertook the entry course and became a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 1996.
By the time that I joined the course, I had spent over 25 years as an architect in private practice. Twenty of these years was as a partner in a medium sized firm undertaking work across a range of sectors. Construction work was carried out, within various procurement route frameworks. In the majority of projects however I acted as the Contract Administration under a traditional contract.
Tell us about your experience of studying the LLM Construction Law programme at Strathclyde...
I decided to join the course in order to further develop my understanding of contract law, professional obligations and dispute resolution.
The 2-year course involved 2 semesters of classes 1 night a week. Assignments were undertaken during each semester and exams taken at the end of each semester. This was a challenging programme of work to complete alongside running a business with a particularly focussed period of studying leading up to exams. This required me to take time off work. The introductory sessions, carried out in advance of the course were hugely beneficial in providing good practice guides for studying and for navigating library and legal practice resources. As time went by and we grew to know each other, many of us formed our own study groups.
The course concluded with a dissertation on a subject matter of our choosing under the guidance of an external mentor.
What were the most enjoyable parts of your degree?
I found the course fascinating. It filled in many of the gaps in my understanding of contracts and procurement and the knowledge gained in my career provided a significant platform upon which to develop. Meeting others across different disciplines, whether legal or construction, led to healthy discussion and debate around both coursework and topical matters.
Immediately after, and indeed during my course, I was able to put the knowledge gained to use in my day to day practice. It enabled me to better balance risk and come to more decisive courses of action whether that was in respect of professional appointments, the provision of information and the formation of contract information or the administration of building contracts. The time sacrificed for coursework was more than rewarded with greater efficiencies in my work.
How has studying this programme helped in your current role?
After 30 years in practice, I then decided to step away and work as a full time expert witness on architectural matters. This has be a hugely rewarding “second career” and having previously worked in practice almost exclusively in the UK, I am now involved in projects throughout Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Oceania. I spent over 2 years in Sydney developing our expert business and gave evidence at the Court of International Arbitration in Singapore.
In working as an expert, I’ve had to develop new skills such as expert report writing, testifying and engaging in meetings of experts. All this is carried out within the legal frameworks studied on the course and many of the writing and language skills gained on the course are coming to the fore. Fundamentally however, the course gave me the confidence to step up to the new challenge.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for this programme?
I would encourage anyone in the construction professions who has a desire to develop their professional, procurement and contract skills to undertake the course. It provides a detailed understanding of the legal frameworks that dictate our relationships with clients, employers, contractors and the professional team and it gave me greater confidence to make decisions when in practice and then to step out and follow a new path an expert witness.