Jo Woodcock

Overview

I’m a Senior Paralegal specialising in construction, engineering and development matters. I am a Graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (MCILEx) and have fourteen years’ experience advising clients across both the private and public sectors, having worked at a major Welsh law firm prior to joining Michelmores in 2017.

I advise clients across a variety of different sectors including healthcare, banking, airports, local authorities, retail and renewables. The main focus of my work is the negotiation and drafting of building contracts, consultancy appointments and other bespoke project documents, in addition to commercial due diligence for acquisitions and development funding. Over the years I’ve gained experience of working with clients on all of the industry standard forms of contract, from NEC to JCT, FIDIC to IChemE. However, I also advise on all aspects of litigation, arbitration and adjudication.

I work closely with colleagues across the firm and have particular expertise advising on the Building Safety Act 2022 and on healthcare projects (new build and refurbishment), including some of the largest new hospital projects in the UK. I enjoy keeping up with the latest developments across the construction industry and frequently present webinars and training on current topics, such as legislative changes and newly published forms of contract. I’m also proud to be a joint author of two Constructing Excellence South West publications: The Legal Guide to Offsite Manufacturing and The Guide to Appointing an Architect.

Those who know me, know I’m a big animal lover with an array of indoor and outdoor pets, large and small, at home. I’m a long time supporter of local animal charities as well as being a member of the Charity partnering committee for Michelmores’ Bristol office.

Recent experience

Providing strategic advice to a healthcare client in respect of a circa £500million hospital project being carried out under an NEC contract, drafting and negotiating various deeds of variation and settlement, working closely with the project management team

Advising on the procurement of a robotic warehousing system under an amended MF/1 contract, including detailed drafting to reflect commercial needs and cross-border supply chain considerations, working closely with the client’s in-house Counsel

Advising a national art gallery on the procurement of decarbonisation works, drafting a bespoke form Pre-Construction Services Agreement and amended JCT Design & Build 2024 contract, aligning with and advising on funding requirements and the novation of the client’s design team

Drafting and negotiating the terms of multiple NEC4 consultancy appointments and an NEC4 building contract for a high-profile major healthcare development, including detailed ‘z’ clauses and complex issues relating to site/ground risk, inflation mechanisms and limitations of liability

Undertaking an extensive due diligence project upon construction documentation relating to the acquisition of a high value leisure/hotel property portfolio

Advising a local authority client in respect of an innovative, offsite modular construction housing project