News & Insights

January 2026

Jonathan Cope to speak at TECBAR’s Advocacy Panel Event

Jonathan will be speaking at the TECBAR Advocacy Panel Event on 4 February 2026.

Chaired by Mrs Justice Joanna Smith, the seminar will bring together senior judicial and practitioner perspectives on effective advocacy. Jonathan will address “What makes a good adjudication submission?” He will be joined by Sir Rupert Jackson, speaking on Appellate advocacy in the Court of Appeal, and Mr Justice Constable, who will focus on what Judges want to see in High Court cross-examination.

The event will be held in The Bingham Room, Gray’s Inn at 6pm, followed by a short Q&A, and drinks and nibbles.

The event is free of charge and open to TECBAR members and their pupils. Due to overwhelming demand, the event is already at full capacity; however please email Hugh Saunders at h.saunders@4newsquare.com with the subject “TECBAR Advocacy Seminar” to be added to the waiting list.

FIND OUT MORE

January 2026

ICE Adjudicators Qualifying Exam Preparation Webinar

On 5 February 2026, Debbie Scott will be delivering an examination preparation webinar for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Adjudicators Qualifying Exam alongside Nigel Davies. The session will provide practical guidance on exam technique, key legal principles, and tips on achieving a higher-level answer in both the Paper 1 decision-writing and Paper 2 procedural exams, including worked examples from past papers.

Date: 5 February 2026
Time: 10:00–12:30 GMT
Location: Online
Preparation: Completion of two past paper questions in advance

To find out more and register, please contact samantha.wood@ice.org.uk

December 2025

Jonathan Cope - Guest Speaker at Osborne Clarke’s Construction Review of the Year

Jonathan Cope of MCMS will join Osborne Clarke as a guest speaker at their upcoming “Construction Review of the Year” event. The session will feature an interactive and collaborative workshop built around a live case study of a construction project. Jonathan, along with Osborne Clarke’s construction specialists, will work with the audience to unpack real-world project challenges, explore effective claim strategies, and consider the full range of dispute resolution options.

The programme will also include expert legal updates on the key issues currently influencing construction, including: adjudication developments; building safety; the Planning & Infrastructure Bill; JCT 2024 updates; and the use of AI in construction projects.

Event details:

Date: 29 January 2026

Time: 08:30–11:30 (GMT)

Venue: One London Wall, London

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

December 2025

Debbie Scott to speak at ICE’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop

MCMS's Debbie Scott will be speaking at the Institution of Civil Engineers’ 17th Alternative Dispute Resolution Workshop, taking place in London in January 2026. This year’s theme, “Fairness, Bias and the Role of the Engineer in Dispute Resolution: Getting Back to Basics,” explores the critical issues shaping the future of dispute resolution within the engineering and construction sectors.

Together with construction lawyer Suryen Nullatamby, Debbie will be facilitating Workshop 3: “Is Adjudication for You? How to Join the ICE Panel and Keep Your Practice Current”. Event details below:

📍 Institution of Civil Engineers, One Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AA

📅 22 January 2026

⏰ 09:00 – 16:40

REGISTER HERE

December 2025

HMP Wandsworth Livery Lenten Sponsored Prison Walk

On 2nd March, in his role as Master of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, Matt Molloy will be taking part in the HMP Wandsworth Livery Lenten Sponsored Prison Walk to raise money for the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund. The Fund supports prisoner leavers and prison-based rehabilitation projects, helping people turn their lives around and make a fresh start.

Everyone taking part is asked to raise £1,000, with the aim of finding 100 sponsors to donate at least £10 each. Every donation will help provide practical support, hope and second chances to those who need them most. Matt would be very grateful for any support you’re able to give.

DONATE HERE

December 2025

Season’s Greetings from us all at MCMS

As we approach the end of another busy year, we would like to wish you all a peaceful and joyful festive season.

Wishing you every happiness, good health and success for 2026.

December 2025

SCL – Arbitration Advocacy & Expert Witness Training

Jonathan Cope of MCMS recently delivered a workshop for the Society of Construction Law on How to be an Effective Advocate or Testifying Expert.

Alongside Jess Stephens KC of 4 Pump Court, Jonathan gave insights and practical tips for legal professionals and experts to build confidence in conducting cross-examination and being cross examined. The session explored, among other aspects, some of the core skills needed to present evidence confidently, handle cross-examination, and communicate with clarity and credibility.

For many attendees, this was their first real insight into the dynamics of cross-examination and gave them simple, practical techniques to strengthen their advocacy and testifying skills.

For more information about the Society of Construction Law's training sessions, please visit their website: https://www.scl.org.uk/

December 2025

Matt Molloy on the “No Disputing That” podcast

Matt recently joined Gregory Hunt of Hunt ADR for the latest episode of the “No Disputing That” podcast.

During the discussion, Matt talks about how construction adjudication works in practice and why it’s earned its place as an effective and trusted form of dispute resolution. He also offers a glimpse into his academic research on investment treaty arbitration, explaining how it complements his practice in construction disputes.

Now newly installed as Master, Matt goes on to highlight the mission of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, and the importance of nurturing the next generation of practitioners.

🎧You can listen to the podcast on most hosting sites, including Apple:

LISTEN HERE

November 2025

Amy Bonczyk to speak at SCL and TECBAR London Lecture

On 9th December, MCMS’s Amy Bonczyk has been invited to join James Frampton of Keating Chambers to talk at the Society of Construction Law (SCL) and Technology and Construction Bar Association (TECBAR) Joint London Lecture: “How to get paid? An update on cases on payment applications, payment notices and payless notices in 2025.”

Drawing on her experience as an adjudicator and quantum expert, Amy will share her perspective on some of the recurring themes and issues she sees in payment-related disputes.

Remaining places are limited - please click below to register.

REGISTER HERE

October 2025

Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Master’s Challenge 2026 - Land’s End to John o’Groats

As part of his year as Master of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, Matt Molloy has the honour of announcing the Master’s Challenge 2026. The Master’s Challenge is a long-standing tradition in which an incoming Master may select a charitable or community-focused project that brings members together and leaves a lasting positive impact.

October 2025

Matt Molloy Speaks at QSX Executive Seminar in South Africa

Matt Molloy was invited to speak at the QSX (Pty) Executive Seminar held in South Africa over the weekend. His session explored adjudication in the UK, tracing its background, key trends and practical learnings relevant to the continued development of dispute resolution practices in South Africa.

The stimulating event brought together a select group of professionals to share experiences and discuss emerging challenges and ideas within the field. Notably, the informative contribution from Daniel Bromfield of NEOM, who spoke about the distinctions between KSA and the common law system.

Matt extends his thanks to Mark Grant at QSX for the kind invitation and the opportunity to contribute to such a forward-looking and thought-provoking event.

October 2025

Amy Bonczyk and Dr Debbie Scott appointed to RICS President’s Panel of Adjudicators

Congratulations to MCMS’s Amy Bonczyk and Dr Debbie Scott on their recent appointments to the RICS President’s Panel of Adjudicators, a well-deserved recognition of their professionalism and contribution to construction and dispute resolution.

October 2025

Webinar: “Contracts, Treaties, and Turbines: Disputes in the Renewables and Clean Energy Sector”

Jonathan Cope and Matt Molloy recently joined Bill Barton for the latest session in the Barton Legal Limited Webinar Series.

In “Contracts, Treaties, and Turbines: Disputes in the Renewables and Clean Energy Sector”, they discussed some of the contractual issues underpinning renewable energy projects and how investment treaties, policy shifts and rapid technological change are driving increasingly complex disputes in the sector.

If you missed it or would like to watch it again, the webinar recording and presentation slides, please click on the button below.

WEBINAR RECORDING AND SLIDES

September 2025

RICS Dispute Resolution Service - Women in Construction Scholarship

MCMS's Matt Molloy has been invited to sit on the judging panel for this year’s RICS Women in Construction Adjudication Scholarship to join the RICS Diploma in Adjudication starting in June 2026. The Diploma of Adjudication provides practical, hands-on training in adjudication delivered by experienced practitioners who have worked extensively in the field. It is a great way to build essential skills and knowledge, gain confidence and can open the door to further professional opportunities.

The Scholarship initiative, run by the RICS Dispute Resolution Service, is dedicated to supporting and encouraging more women to build careers in construction adjudication and dispute resolution. By doing so, the scholarship plays a vital role in promoting greater diversity, representation, and opportunity across the construction sector.

As a member of the judging panel, Matt will be working alongside industry experts to assess applications, recognise talent, and help identify future leaders in adjudication, and his involvement reflects MCMS’s ongoing commitment to advancing fairness, inclusivity, and professional excellence within the construction industry.

The application window will close on Monday 5th January 2026.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

July 2025

MCMS on the Barton Legal Podcast

Matt Molloy and Jonathan Cope recently joined the Barton Legal Podcast to discuss careers, collaboration, and, of course, construction disputes.

Hosted by Bill Barton, Matt and Jonathan take listeners behind the scenes of their personal and professional journeys to becoming two of the construction industry's most well-respected dispute resolvers. They delve into the origins and evolution of their working relationship over the last three decades and the unique dynamics that make their “MCMS marriage” a success.

We’re grateful to Barton Legal Limited for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to their fantastic podcast series.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

July 2025

Conflict Avoidance Coalition and the Conflict Avoidance Pledge

MCMS is a proud signatory of the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, a pivotal initiative launched by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition working to prevent conflict in the built environment by encouraging early identification and constructive resolution of disputes.

Last week also saw the Construction Industry Council (CIC) officially join over 90 leading organisations in signing the pledge and committing to collaborative, non-adversarial approaches to dispute management.

Director of MCMS and Chair of the CIC ADR Management Board, Matt Molloy said: “As a leading forum for professionals across the built environment, the CIC ADR Management Board recognises its responsibility to lead by example in encouraging early intervention and open communication to help prevent disputes. By signing the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more collaborative and less adversarial culture, and we are proud to join the Coalition and our peers in championing this important initiative to build a more resilient, efficient, and productive industry”.

For more details or to sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, please visit www.conflictavoidance.org

June 2025

CICES Commercial Management Conference

On 25th June, MCMS's Matt Molloy delivered the keynote address at the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) Commercial Management Conference. Held at BCLP's offices in London, the event brought together over 100 professionals from across the construction industry to discuss the over-arching theme of improving quality.

In his speech, Matt highlighted that, while construction adjudication has become a vital and effective method of dispute resolution in the UK, ongoing concerns regarding adjudicator competence indicate a need for meaningful reform.

To read Matt’s speech and his thoughts on how to enhance the quality of adjudication and dispute resolution, please click on the “More Information” button below.

MORE INFORMATION

June 2025

MCMS welcomes Amy Bonczyk as Associate Director

As part of our continued growth, MCMS is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Bonczyk.

Amy joins the team with more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry, bringing a strong specialist focus on quantum expert witness work and dispute resolution. Her professional background includes involvement in numerous complex adjudications, arbitrations, mediations, and litigation proceedings across a wide range of sectors, including energy from waste, residential, commercial, industrial, education, and healthcare, throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

In addition to her expert work, Amy is also an adjudicator and is currently on numerous panels, including the CIArb Presidential Panel, UK Adjudicators, and the CIC Low Value Disputes (LVD MAP) panel.

Amy’s appointment strengthens the depth and breadth of the MCMS team and reflects our commitment to investing in diverse, high-calibre professionals with the experience and expertise to manage the growing complexities of construction and engineering disputes.

June 2025

Adjudication Society Yorkshire Regional Committee - Careers in Adjudication

Dr Debbie Scott of MCMS will be joining an esteemed all-female panel at the upcoming Adjudication Society Yorkshire Regional Committee event: “Careers in Adjudication: Progress, challenges and the path ahead”

Debbie, along with Anne Thompson of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP and Rebecca Jackson of Hawkswell Kilvington Ltd, will be discussing the paths to a career in adjudication, the challenges that exist and some of the myths surrounding appointment to Adjudicator Nominating Bodies (ANBs)

Event Details:
📍 CMS I 1–3 Charter Square I Sheffield I S1 4HS
🗓 Thursday 12 June 2025
🕠 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

This promises to be an insightful and engaging evening for professionals involved in or exploring a career in adjudication within the construction sector.

👉 Click here to register

May 2025

Jog On With Fenwick Elliott Charity Run

It was an active end to the month of May as MCMS's Matt Molloy, accompanied by his wife Helen, were delighted to take part in the annual Jog On with Fenwick Elliott charity run in Battersea Park. Huge congratulations to Helen who came 2nd in the Women's 10k with a very impressive time of 46:40!

The event brought together hundreds of professionals from across the construction and legal sectors for two great causes - The Migraine Trust and the Stroke Association. The event was particularly poignant this year as the charities were chosen in memory of Fenwick Elliott partner Jon Miller, who sadly died last September after a short illness.

A big thank you to Fenwick Elliott for organising a fantastic evening, and great work to all who ran, donated and supported their biggest Jog On event to date.

May 2025

Construction and the Climate Podcast - 39 Essex

Jonathan and Matt recently featured as guest speakers on the latest episode of the “Construction and the Climate” podcast series hosted by Camilla ter Haar and Ruth Keating, barristers at 39 Essex Chambers.

During the insightful conversation, Jonathan and Matt delve into the intersection of adjudication and climate considerations within the construction industry. They explore how climate change impacts dispute resolution processes and the evolving responsibilities of professionals in the sector, as it adapts to a more climate conscious future.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on either Apple or Spotify.

May 2025

Association of Rural Dispute Resolvers Spring Conference

Delegates convened at the University of Warwick today for the Association of Rural Dispute Resolvers Annual Conference, where Matt Molloy delivered a focused session on “Dealing with Jurisdictional Challenges – A Construction Industry Perspective.”

Drawing on decades of experience as both adjudicator and arbitrator, Matt explored the evolution of the construction disputes landscape, highlighted procedural parallels between adjudication and arbitration, and addressed the practical issues involved in managing jurisdictional challenges.

Many thanks to the ARDR for the opportunity to contribute to a day of insightful discussion, shared learning, and meaningful cross-sector collaboration.

To access the slides from the session, please click on the “MORE INFORMATION” button below.

MORE INFORMATION

May 2025

Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Annual Charter Banquet

On Tuesday 6th May, many of the MCMS team attended the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators Annual Charter Banquet in the magnificent setting of the Mansion House, home of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

This prestigious event in the Livery calendar gathered distinguished guests and members to celebrate tradition, excellence in arbitration, and the enduring values of the Company. The evening featured fine dining, outstanding company, and engaging speeches, including by MCMS's Matt Molloy who currently serves as Senior Warden.

To find out more about the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators, as well as how to become a member, please visit: https://www.arbitratorscompany.org/

April 2025

Jonathan Cope completes 330km ride to Paris Arbitration Week

Huge congratulations to MCMS’s Jonathan Cope and the Cycle to PAW Team on the successful completion of their remarkable 330-kilometre cycling challenge from London to Paris Arbitration Week.

The three-day ride brought together a group of 25 professionals from across the disputes resolution community to raise much needed funds for Save the Children's flexible fund. Flexible funding is the very bedrock of Save the Children - supporting children wherever they need it most.

Overcoming physical and mental challenges along the way, the team have so far raised over £20,000. On behalf of Jonathan, a huge thank you to all of you who have kindly sponsored him personally.

Roll on Cycle to Paw 2026 …..

March 2025

Navigating Adjudication: From UK foundations to global perspectives

Matt and Jonathan will be joining FTI Consulting for an upcoming webinar entitled, “Navigating Adjudication: From UK Foundations to Global Perspectives.” With decades of combined experience in construction industry adjudication, they will offer practical insights into the path to becoming an adjudicator and explore the unique features of adjudication worldwide — from the UK’s well-established framework to evolving international models. So, whether you're new to adjudication or looking to expand your global understanding, please register here and join us on:

📅 Wednesday 30th April
🕓 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM BST

March 2025

Conflict Avoidance Week 2025

On Tuesday 25th March, Matt and Jonathan will be taking part in ‘Exploring ADR Options in Construction Disputes’ during Conflict Avoidance Week 2025.

They will be joined on the panel by Fionnuala McCredie KC (Keating Chambers), Jonathan Pawlowski (Howard Kennedy) and Kim Franklin KC (Crown Office Chambers), who will each share their insights into the pros and cons of different ADR mechanisms, offering practical perspectives and real-world experiences.

To find out more about Conflict Avoidance Week 2025, developed by the Conflict Avoidance Coalition, please visit: https://www.rics.org/dispute-resolution-service/conflict-avoidance/conflict-avoidance-coalition

March 2025

MCMS welcomes Dr Debbie Scott

MCMS is delighted to announce that Dr Debbie Scott has joined the practice as a consultant. Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in dispute resolution, Debbie will be focussing on her role as an adjudicator in construction and engineering disputes.

Debbie is currently on a number of panels of adjudicators (including the Institution of Civil Engineers Register of Adjudicators, the CIArb Presidential Panel, and the UK Adjudicators Panel), and been appointed to adjudicate on a wide range of complex matters regarding, in particular, NEC3 and NEC4 contracts and payment disputes.

February 2025

Cycle to PAW 2025

This April, MCMS's Jonathan Cope will be taking part in Cycle to PAW 2025: an endurance charity bike ride from London, via Dieppe and Beauvais, arriving in time for Paris Arbitration week.

A team of 25 cyclists of all abilities will cover approximately 330kms over three days and aims to raise £25,000 which will be used to raise funds for Club Peloton and Save the Children's flexible fund. Flexible funding is the very bedrock of Save the Children - supporting children wherever they need it most. Funds that aren't tied to specific programmes or places allow them to take on the toughest issues facing children today - no matter what or where they are.

If you're able to show your support, no matter how big or small, please donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonathan-cope-5

You can also follow Jonathan's training progress at Jonathan Cope | Strava Cyclist Profile

From us all at MCMS, we wish Jonathan and the team the very best of luck!

February 2025

ADR - Resolving Disputes Economically

MCMS's Matt Molloy will join fellow industry experts at the Ciarb Northern Ireland branch's event on March 20th.

Join the panel at the Europa Hotel in Belfast for an engaging discussion on how to resolve disputes economically through the different disciplines of ADR.

For more information and to register your place, please visit: Ciarb NI Branch "ADR resolving disputes economically" Tickets, Thu 20 Mar 2025 at 14:00 | Eventbrite

January 2025

Construction Industry Council - ADR Event

CIC ADR Management Board Chair Matt Molloy will chair a roundtable discussion including representatives from the Adjudication Society, Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and RICS Dispute Resolution Service on different pathways available in the construction / built environment sector to develop a career in ADR.

The event, taking place on 5th February, will be hugely beneficial for any new practitioners, professionals that have attended a course, anyone looking to move into a new discipline of ADR or anyone new to ADR entirely.

January 2025

Frank Rayner returns to MCMS!

We are delighted to announce the welcome return of Frank Rayner to MCMS this January. As many of you will recall, Frank retired from the practice last summer following a remarkable 17 year tenure. After a well-earned break, we are thrilled to welcome him back as a consultant, where he will focus exclusively on his work as an adjudicator.

Frank is on the RICS Panel of Construction Adjudicators, among others, and has received numerous appointments over the past two decades. He is widely respected for his profound knowledge, extensive expertise and years of experience resolving a broad range of construction and engineering disputes.

Frank's return further strengthens our dispute resolution practice and we look forward to the continued success and contribution his experience will bring.

For any enquiries, please contact Frank at frank.rayner@mcms.co.uk.

December 2024

Merry Christmas from MCMS

We wish you, your families and loved ones a very Merry Christmas.

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

With season's greetings and festive good wishes from us all at MCMS.

December 2024

ConstructionCast - MCMS Special

Jonathan Cope and Matt Molloy recently joined the team at Limeslade for a special episode of ConstructionCast.

Discussing all things dispute resolution, the pair reflected on their careers to date, the driving force behind the publication of their first book and the secret to their successful partnership over the past two decades.

For anyone who missed it, the recording is now available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-UfmM0O14I.

December 2024

Wildy & Sons at Lincoln’s Inn

Fantastic to see Adjudicating Construction and Engineering Disputes on display at Wildy & Sons at Lincoln's Inn.

Established in 1830, Wildy is the oldest legal bookshop in the world and specialises in new, second-hand, and antiquarian legal books and prints.

You can read more about the history of Wildy on their website at www.wildy.com

November 2024

Ciarb Ireland Branch Seminar & Book Signing

It was a vibrant and engaging panel discussion last Friday at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Ireland Branch’s round table breakfast seminar. Hosted in conjunction with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, ‘‘Adjudication – Lessons from other jurisdictions and the Irish perspective’’ featured a line-up of adjudication stalwarts, including MCMS’s Jonathan Cope and Matt Molloy.

November 2024

Society of Construction Law International Conference - Hong Kong

MCMS Director, Jonathan Cope, joined a distinguished panel of guests at the Society of Construction Law Hong Kong International Conference at HK Football Club earlier this month.

November 2024

MCMS Celebrates Matt Molloy’s Promotion to Senior Warden of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators

We are thrilled to announce that Matt has been promoted to Senior Warden of the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators. Along with new Master Nicola Cohen and Junior Warden Peter King, Matt was installed at the Installation Dinner at Grocers’ Hall last month in front of many friends, family, and members of the arbitration community.

October 2024

39 Essex Annual Construction Law Conference

After last year’s successful event, Jonathan was once again part of a distinguished panel talking about adjudication, including how to steer your clients successfully through the process, with some useful guidance from recent cases.

October 2024

Conflict Avoidance Conference 2024

Matt was honoured to have been asked to speak at the inaugural Conflict Avoidance Conference on 2 October at Westminster. Together with Franco Mastrandrea, HKA, and moderated by Raj Sohal, RICS, the panel gave their views on “how to be a conflict resolution specialist”, looking at real life examples and best practice and to help proactively avoid conflict and facilitate early resolution of potential disputes.

To find out more about the Conflict Avoidance Coalition and sign the Conflict Avoidance Pledge, please use the button below

MORE INFORMATION

October 2024

CIArb West Midlands Branch Event: Adjudication Seminar

Matt will join Louise Smith at Gowling WLG for the CIArb’s West Midlands Branch Adjudication Seminar. Matt and Louise will look at the influence of UK statutory adjudication across other jurisdictions and make comparisons between the UK and other models, including the pros and cons of each.

MORE INFORMATION