The Peruvian Society of Construction Law ("SCL") held its inaugural conference at the Universidad Del Pacifico in Lima on 9th and 10th April 2014. The SCL has not been long constituted in Peru and so it was gratifying that some 300 delegates attended the Conference. Goodman Derrick partners John Wright and Richard Bailey attended; Richard is the current Chairman of SCL UK and Vice President of the European Society of Construction Law.

The format of the sessions at the Conference was that a keynote speaker gave a presentation on a topic related to construction law and then a distinguished panel discussed that topic in detail. There were six such sessions; Richard gave a keynote speech on "Variations, Changes and related Financial Issues" and John spoke on the topic of "Disputes in Construction Projects; trends and best practices for prevention and resolution."

Other keynote speakers included the well international arbitrator, Professor Doug Jones AM from Sydney, Australia, Keith Kirkwood of Bennington Green in the UK (the immediate past Chairman of SCL UK) and Hector Mairal, a senior partner of Argentina's largest law firm, Marval, O'Farrell and Mairal.

The entire event was very well organised by the University and by an enthusiastic team led by the Chairman of the Peruvian SCL, Jaime Gray of Navarro Sologuren, Paredes & Gray.

The Conference demonstrated an increasing interest in construction law in Peru, exemplified by the support given to the Conference by the University, who run a course on the subject, and also the attendance of Cesar Guzman-Barron, the director of The Centre of Conflict Analysis and Settlement of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica Del Peru. Under the guidance of Sr. Guzman-Barron, the Catholic University has combined with the Peruvian Society of Construction Law in drafting and promulgating Dispute Board rules, which were discussed at length in the session at which John spoke.

Goodman Derrick is delighted that it was able to participate in this outstanding conference and hopes to participate further in the development of construction law and dispute resolution in Peru.

This guide is for general information and interest only and should not be relied upon as providing specific legal advice. If you require any further information please contact the author.