The construction industry in recent decades has seen an explosive growth in the contractual designation of review boards as dispute resolution mechanisms. These Boards generally serve two goals: dispute avoidance and, if necessary, dispute resolution.
The Boards are most frequently constituted by each party’s designation of a representative, with a chair then elected by the representatives. Early, ongoing participation by the Board in a project’s progress is vitally important, as it fosters collaboration, issue recognition and early development of potential dispute resolutions.
When efforts at early resolution of disputes are unsuccessful, knowledgeable Boards are well-equipped to deliver timely, well-reasoned decisions. In practice, such decisions most frequently induce the parties to agree on settlements.
Early, ongoing Board monitoring of the project’s progress fosters collaboration, issue recognition, and early development of potential dispute resolutions
Scott St. Marie serves as a dispute review board member on projects totaling nearly $5 Billion in value. His deep experience with all the facets of construction disputes inform his ability to serve Boards as an important resource in evaluating disputes before and after they arise.
Scott is a member of the Dispute Review Board Foundation.