Book excerpt: Essentials of Contract Drafting and Negotiation for Construction Professionals is a practical and user-friendly guide to common practical contractual matters and is intended for construction professionals involved in contract drafting and negotiating. Knowing how to draft an effective contract is crucial in construction, particularly because of the complex and technical nature of construction projects. Divided into six chapters, this guide will enhance and refresh essential knowledge for lawyers and construction professionals who need to understand the principles of drafting and interpreting construction contracts, how to clearly identify and include key elements in these contracts, as well as how to avoid legal traps and pitfalls in contract negotiations and enforcement. ‘This book is timely given that many governments around the world are boosting their construction industry as part of greater economic development plans. Effective negotiation and the careful drafting of contracts are critical to minimizing risks. This book takes a practical and pragmatic approach to analysing statutory and legal precedents. It will doubtlessly assist readers in understanding the guiding principles from contract drafting to implementation.’ —Christopher To, barrister-at-law, Gilt Chambers ‘This book on contract drafting and negotiation is written in simple language. It is the product of a number of experts who specialize in relevant areas, and is edited by a very experienced construction barrister and a renowned practitioner in real estate and construction. The book will surely be a valuable reference for construction and legal practitioners and also students in the relevant disciplines.’ —Leung Hing Fung, professor of practice (arbitration and dispute resolution), Department of Real Estate and Construction, University of Hong Kong