The basis and aims of the KCCLA are summarised on our home page. Through our website we aim to provide members with up-to-date news of lectures, site visits, social and other events arranged by KCCLA, together with papers and notes and occasional photographs following the events. Our website also provides links to the Centre of Construction Law, the King’s College London Alumni Association to whom we are affiliated, other construction industry associations and the sponsors of our Annual Lecture, Sweet & Maxwell. Graduates and current students are encouraged to send any comments or suggestions on the KCCLA and what it should offer to the Chairman by email or by post to James Davison, 3 Paper Buildings, Temple, London, EC4Y 7EU.
Lectures and Site Visits
Lectures and seminars are arranged throughout the autumn and spring terms. We aim to complement both the first and second year syllabus of the MSc and to help graduate members keep up to date with recent developments. Not all lectures are purely academic they are frequently practical and in the past have taken, for example, the form of demonstrations of adjudication and mediation processes. In arranging these events we depend greatly upon the goodwill of our Honorary Members and other supporters who chair, host or otherwise assist our efforts and always make a substantial contribution to the quality and standard of our events. Our most significant event of the year is the Annual Sweet and Maxwell Lecture which is usually held in the Spring Term and always attracts strong speakers presenting lectures on contemporary issues concerning the Construction Industry. We periodically conduct joint meetings with other professional organisations or representative bodies such as the RICS and the CIOB. A number of site visits are also arranged each year which always prove popular. They are usually undertaken by alumni who are themselves working on the projects concerned.
Social Events
Social events comprise an informal drink and catch-up at the beginning and end of terms, architectural tours, wine tastings and the like. Members and friends are welcome to these events which, according to individual interest and inclination, provide excellent opportunities for catching up or active networking. As the first term for the first year students of the London MSc programme starts with the students being separated into two groups, for the non-lawyers to learn about principles of law and the lawyers to gain an appreciation of architectural, engineering and building principles, we aim to help the process by bringing the groups together – from experience we can say that it is invariably helpful to get a professional with a different background to join your own group.
International Contacts and Events
Graduates of the London MSc programme often work in many different countries. We hope they will stay in touch with other members and the Centre. Please make sure you register any change in contact details with the KCCLA by updating your account on this website, or contact the Membership Secretary, Sarah Collett, by email. All past students of the Singapore MSc Programme are most welcome and encouraged to register and join the KCCLA.
Your Dissertation
It will not be long before you need to think about your dissertation. If you would like some guidance and help from a past student who may have written his or her dissertation on a subject similar to your own, or just someone to talk through some ideas, let one of the current Committee know and we will try and put you in touch with the right person.
Your Career
It is not uncommon during your studies, or thereafter, to consider a change of career. The course is an enlightening one, and a number of students have found that their degree leads them in a new direction. We cannot promise to find you a new job, but we can certainly try and find you someone in your newly chosen profession to talk to and perhaps introduce you to others who may be able to assist. Please contact any member of the Committee.
Use of library
The Centre of Construction Law library is an important resource for both past and present students particularly if you don’t have easy access to law reports or specialist texts. The library was originally a Judge’s library and was bought for the Centre by several members of the KCCLA. Originally held at the Old Watch House, it has now been merged with the Maughan Library in Chancery Lane, London WC2. KCCLA members also enjoy free reference-only use of all the King's libraries. Borrowing privileges are available to alumni for a small fee. For information contact Sue Hart at the Centre on 020 7848 2643, or email her at susan.hart@kcl.ac.uk.
Stays in London
Outside term time alumni are able to stay in London at the College Halls of Residence, in the best locations at discounted rates. Contact kingsvenues@kcl.ac.uk. Alumni also enjoy discounted rates for use of the King's Sport Health and Fitness centre on the corner of Stamford Street, Waterloo Campus.