Customer Reviews

Risk Management & Contract Guide for Design Professionals

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After reviewing this book, I bought over 50 copies for distribution within the engineering and consulting firm for whom I serve as in-house counsel. It is a useful tool for construction lawyers, and a fantastic guide and education resource for design professionals who deal with contract and risk management issues.

Kent Holland's Risk Management & Contract Guide for Design Professionals belongs in evey law office, insurance brokerage and design professional risk management office. It is an invaluable, easily accessible reference for the constantly reocurring topics in design professional contracting. It is usually the first volume I reach for in responding on these issues.

Kent has done an admirable job in not only identifying the various pitfalls faced by design professionals, but also providing practical "real world" solutions to these issues. Any design professional who is serious about managing his/her risk should read this book and take its lessons to heart.

Kent Holland draws on his considerable experience as a lawyer and risk management consultant to deliver a guide that is quite sophisticated yet practical. Kent expertly analyzes critical legal concepts and contract terms with clear, concise prose. After defining the problem from a design professional's perspective, he then provides straightforward advice and sample contract terms to resolve the risk exposure.

The guide's other core strength is its detailed table of contents, which quickly leads readers to specific topics or contract clauses of interest. This guide deserves the highest accolade because it is truly useful; it is rooted in real world construction law practice and benefits both design professionals and their lawyers.

Risk Management & Contract Guide for Design Professionals is a practical, easy-to-use resource book that introduces sound risk management principles for architect and engineering firms. Many examples of frequently seen contract clauses are presented along with discussion on how and when they create liability, and how that liability may affect insurance coverage. The author provides practical recommendations for modifying terms so that the contract can become reasonable for both parties. As a non-attorney responsible for our firms' risk management, I believe this book is a tremendous resource that I use with almost every contract review.

This book could be reviewed while revising or developing general contract clauses. Risk management & design is not referenced in a technical or engineering manner. However, there is emphasis on insurance policies and the generic structure of contract documents. In summary, I would recommend this book to junior Contract Engineers and Insurance personnel as apposed to Design or HSE Professionals.