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 twelve 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 in healthcare projects (new build and refurbishment) including some of the largest new hospital projects in the UK, as well as offsite manufacturing and MMC. 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

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

Advising on the construction aspects of an ongoing £30million heritage redevelopment including drafting an amended JCT contract, advising on bespoke consultancy appointments, funding arrangements and third-party agreements

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

Drafting a bespoke suite of construction documentation for a commercial developer. The contract suite included a variety of consultancy appointments, building contracts, collateral warranties, third party rights schedules and reliance letters, all drafted with potential future re-finance and/or sale options and site tenancies in mind

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