Ann Owens

Introduction

I take pride in being proactive and am comfortable introducing myself to express an interest in prospective roles that could utilize my qualifications and experience. I am a Chartered Engineer and a Solicitor, and I consider myself someone who can use the law or contract to solve problems.

I was awarded a distinction in a master's degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution and am currently working on my doctorate. I also received an online business diploma from Harvard Business; I was fortunate to have been able to do this online. In addition, I am a CEDR Mediator, an associate expert with The Academy of Experts, a Fellow with CiArb, and a Chartered member with ICE and Engineers Ireland.

My PhD is based on the resolution of domestic construction disputes. However, my legal interests are not limited to alternative dispute resolution or contract law. It encompasses the entire spectrum. If I have piqued your interest, the rest of this email will explain how you can benefit from my knowledge and contribute to expanding my legal knowledge.

My cover letter connects my professional experience to my abilities and characteristics. It is well understood that success in dispute resolution necessitates a diverse set of skills. Working primarily in one industry makes it challenging to acquire these skills. My resume details my duties and responsibilities in each job role. I hope I piqued your interest enough to make you want to read these at your leisure.

I'm sure you've never had a solicitor approach you with extensive knowledge of engineering, construction, contract law, and ADR expertise, claiming they'll be an asset. However, if given a chance, I am confident that I can contribute significantly to your team.

How have the paths I have taken in my career allowed me to offer my services today?

You might be wondering how the paths I've taken in my career have enabled me to provide my services today. For the past twelve years, I have held senior-level positions in Civil Engineering. In January 2020, I made the audacious and ambitious decision to leave my position as a Project Manager at RPS to pursue a career in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution. I accomplished this by accepting the position of Associate Delay Expert with Vantage Three, a Belfast-based firm that provides delay and expert advice at all stages of the dispute resolution process. Regrettably, the company's workflow suffered a rapid and unprecedented decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The director ['Niall McGuiness'] could no longer keep me on as a permanent employee and was forced to make the difficult business decision to let me go.

I took advantage of my career break and enrolled at Leeds Beckett University to pursue a Master's degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution. You will understand when I say that independent study has pushed me academically and personally. I progressed from successfully working with a collaborative team to working entirely independently. I had to learn to be highly self-disciplined and fully accountable. However, my desire to carve a career in law proved to be the driving force I required. I graduated with distinction, and my grades qualified me to apply to become a fellow member of CIArb. Recognizing the overlap between the SQE exams and the course material, I studied for the SQE exams and have been admitted as a solicitor. I have applied for a certificate of admission with the Law Society of Ireland, which will enable me to practice in Ireland.

 Why employ an engineer and Project Manager as a solicitor?

The construction industry prioritizes timely legal settlements and stakeholder involvement. Time is construction money, especially after the job has begun; it cannot be cancelled or delayed without incurring a cost. You only have one shot. There is no soft start or trail run, or prototype. Therefore, you must arm yourself with people who are not only knowledgeable about the law but also have construction skills, which are rarely combined. I will guide clients based on my experience in these areas.

I have extensive knowledge of performing such tasks during the tender award; I can make it easier for individuals to collaborate during the Coordination stage by advising them on viable standard forms of contracts or providing bespoke contracts. If an oral agreement were to be formed, I could identify the parties' intentions because I have worked in their steel-toe boots and hard hats and speak their language.

Peacekeeping is critical but frequently overlooked because parties believe in good faith, mutual trust, and coordination. Disputes arise during construction projects because the industry is risky and subject to the unpredictability of the weather. The project manager is in charge of maintaining peace. As a result, throughout my career, I have assisted in resolving disputes in real-time. During my time as a delay and quantum expert, I developed solutions such as mediation and adjudication for contentious issues. Some changes, delays, or ramifications make the project likely not meet the budget. I consider potential outcome risks and indirect costs before presenting a plan. I understood complex contract administration requirements, allowing me to explain to clients what to do when changes, delays, or adjustments occur in a language they understand.

The court and opposing counsel will use every letter, email, and document. Keeping track of every mistake, wrong guess, problem, and lesson learned will return to haunt the claim. Design flaws and the owner's revisions to correct them may cause the initial contract work to take longer and cost more than expected. It is far more difficult to recover these costs in the absence of modification orders. I understand the legal rights, arguments, and what will compel the owner to agree to a fair settlement when filing a claim or to request an equitable adjustment.

Nonetheless, I can read engineering drawings to identify the changes and design risks. As a designer, I gained this knowledge. I am also capable of comprehending work methodologies and rationales.

I try to resolve the problem before filing a lawsuit. It is difficult to reach an agreement when we appear dissatisfied or unwilling to negotiate. ADR should also be attempted or considered as a result of the Halsey principles. Trial pressures make people more willing to settle. As a mediator, I can offer this service. When I file a lawsuit, I understand that I lose control over when it will end and how much it will cost.

Construction claims can be more profitable and less stressful. As an engineer, I have the skills and knowledge comparable to a lawyer with 5-6 years of experience, which you cannot get by working in a single industry. You must have hands-on engineering experience that has grown and been nourished by the realities of site work.

As an associate construction expert, my expertise is recognized. I have represented construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and developers in all aspects of construction law. My industry knowledge will aid in the protection of my client's rights and finances. I intuitively know the best course of action to take and make recommendations to clients based on their needs to which I can relate. I can draft motions, pleadings, and briefs to keep construction cases out of court or arbitration. I appreciate that you took the time to read this. I hope I will be invited to an interview.

Thank you.