CLLS unveils 2026 training programme to boost construction law expertise
The City of London Law Society (CLLS) has launched the 2026 edition of its construction law training programme, “Foundations”, aimed at supporting early-career lawyers and those seeking to develop expertise in the sector.
The programme, delivered by the CLLS Construction Law Committee, is a biennial initiative first introduced in 2008. It is designed to provide a structured introduction to construction law in England and Wales, targeting trainees, junior solicitors and students, as well as practitioners wishing to refresh their knowledge.
The 2026 programme will take place across five Thursday afternoon sessions in October. It will cover key areas of construction law practice, including procurement, disputes, security, insurance, and wider sector developments such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, digital construction, and infrastructure.
Each session will consist of presentations and question-and-answer discussions led by senior construction partners from City law firms and other industry specialists. A new addition for 2026 is a panel session titled “Life as a Construction Lawyer”, featuring perspectives from partners, associates, and an in-house lawyer.
For the first time, the programme will be made more widely accessible through free online attendance, alongside participation from CLLS member firms. The organisation stated that this expansion reflects its commitment to supporting professional development across the legal sector.
The construction and infrastructure sector remains a significant part of the UK economy and is becoming increasingly complex, with growing regulatory requirements and international dimensions. Demand for specialist legal expertise continues to increase, particularly in areas such as building safety, net zero transition, and digitalisation.
The programme aims to provide participants with a practical understanding of the legal frameworks underpinning these developments, equipping them with foundational knowledge relevant to current and emerging issues in the sector.
Francis Ho, Chair of the CLLS Construction Law Committee and a partner at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, said the initiative forms a core part of the committee’s work. He noted that expanding access to the programme would enable a broader group of legal professionals to benefit from the experience of practitioners across the City.
The City of London Law Society represents solicitors and law firms operating in the City, with a membership comprising more than 22,000 solicitors and 70 corporate member firms. Its Construction Law Committee serves as a forum for practitioners to review developments across areas, including procurement, disputes, infrastructure, and building safety.
Further details on session content and registration are expected to be made available through the CLLS website.