Our History
The Society of Construction Law was originally formed in the United Kingdom in 1983 when triggered at that time by a number of smaller groups who were interested in construction disputes and networking in respect of construction related issues.
Over the subsequent decades, the group has worked to promote the study and research in the field of construction law and related topics while also expanding into a major international society with chapters in Africa, Australia, Chile, Gulf, Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey all of whom fit under the Society of Construction Law International heading.
This organization, as a whole, is a multidisciplinary society which aims for a balance of membership between legal and non- legal members. The SCL and its international sections strive to promote collaboration between experts, attorney’s, professors, engineers, arbitrators, and anyone else that has an interest and desire to improve the process in which disputes in the construction industry are managed and resolved either proactively or retroactively.
Based on international experience and interest, a group of construction law experts and lawyers in United States and Canada got together with the idea to bring the Society of Construction Law to North America. With that effort, the founding members established the Society of Construction Law North America in 2017.
The Society of Construction Law North America’s first major accomplishment came with the holding of the SCL International Conference in Chicago in 2018 as part of its launch. This event was an immediate success and saw over 250 delegates attend from all over the corners of the globe.
The objective of the Society of Construction Law North America is to promote education, study, and research (and publication of the useful results of such research) and its dissemination in the field of construction law and related subjects in the United States of America, Canada, South America and overseas. Since founding, the Society of Construction law North America has continued to grow in membership and has established regional directors to help promote the mission of the Society with each region hosting events throughout the year.
The Society is currently run by a board of 10 volunteer directors from various locations in North America.
What We Do
Hold meetings, lectures, webinars and social events; holds an annual conference which produces high quality speakers and content; publish qualifying papers given to the Society; supports educational bodies, in particular by funding the purchase of books; sponsors an annual prize; generally promotes interest in construction law – particularly amongst young practitioners.
Number of members across the world
Board Members
James Little
Chairman & International Liaison
Pasha Ameli
Vice Chairman & 2026 Conference Lead
David de Groot
Regional Director Liaison
Tiffany Raush
Industry Liaison Officer
Niamh Ni Chroinin
Website & Co-treasurer
Simon Braithwaite
Co-treasurer
Ariel Solose
Communication & marketing
Ivan Merror
Membership & Operations
Join the SCL-NA Board of Directors
SCL North America is seeking passionate volunteers to join its Board of Directors and help shape the future of construction law. We’re currently recruiting for three roles:
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Young Practitioners Liaison
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Secretary
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Communications & Knowledge Management
Submit your expression of interest and curriculum vitae by email to:
James Little and David de Groot
The deadline for submission is October 10, 2025 at 6pm EST
Board Responsibilities:
WHO CAN APPLY:
We welcome applications from across the construction industry, including lawyers, consultants, engineers, project managers, academics, dispute resolution experts, arbitrators, and more.
Our Conference
Join us for our 4th annual conference in San Diego at Paradise Point Resort & Spa from July 16-18, 2025. The Theme for this conference is Golden Opportunities: Pioneering New Frontiers in Construction and Construction Disputes.
Speakers include a number of leaders and professionals from various jurisdictions in Canada, the United States, and Globally who will share their invaluable knowledge and experience to highlight critical topics facing the construction industry today.
Join us
Why join SCL North America?
SCL North America is one section out of the many international sections of the SCL which was founded in 1983 to promote the study and research in the field of construction law. The SCL has over 3,000 members internationally and in 2017 a major milestone was achieved: the final gap in the global SCL network was closed with the founding of the SCL North America Section, which includes the USA and Canada.
Benefits of becoming a member
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