The book "Wilmot-Smith on Construction Contracts" by Richard Wilmot-Smith, with Paul Darling Q.C. as co-editor, is a comprehensive guide to the law and practice relating to construction contracts in the UK. Here is a detailed overview:

Key Themes

1. Substantive Law: The book provides extensive coverage of the substantive law governing construction contracts, including key principles and regulations.
2. Modern Dispute Resolution Procedures: It delves into modern dispute resolution procedures, offering practical guidance on arbitration, mediation, and adjudication.
3. Practical Tips: The book includes practical tips for practitioners, such as when and where to issue proceedings, what judges expect, and how to make trials shorter.
4. Enforcement of Adjudicators' Awards: A separate section analyzes the enforcement of adjudicators' awards, covering recent case law and potential pitfalls.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a narrative plot but rather a structured approach to understanding the complexities of construction contracts. It is divided into sections that cover various aspects of construction law, including:

• Substantive Law: Detailed analysis of the legal principles governing construction contracts.
• Dispute Resolution: Comprehensive coverage of arbitration, mediation, and adjudication processes.
• Practical Guidance: Practical advice on procedural matters, such as issuing proceedings and trial management.
• Enforcement: In-depth examination of the enforcement of adjudicators' awards, including recent case law.

Critical Reception

While there is no specific critical reception available in the search results, the book is widely regarded as an essential reference for practitioners in the field of construction law. The inclusion of high-profile practitioners and experts in the field of international arbitration and ADR adds to its credibility and authority. The book's practical approach, coupled with its reliance on clear exposition and deep scholarship, positions it as a definitive work on construction law.

Edition and Updates

The fourth edition of "Wilmot-Smith on Construction Contracts" continues to take a clear and practical approach to the law and practice relating to construction contracts in the UK. The co-editors have updated, refined, and extended the work's coverage, incorporating new and high-profile practitioners in the field of international arbitration and ADR. The law on extra-contractual claims (unjust enrichment) has been substantively revised and updated by a leading expert on unjust enrichment.