The firm, which has 4,200 lawyers in 30 countries, will help conduct local law reviews on infrastructure contracts signed by UNOPS in order to reduce any potential conflicts with local regulations.

A UNOPS-implemented infrastructure project underway. Photo: UNOPS/Dixie

DLA Piper has also supported UNOPS to develop standard forms of contracts for works to ensure consistent quality and delivery of infrastructure projects.

UNOPS is the lead United Nations entity for complex infrastructure projects in peacekeeping settings and a “central resource” in all other development settings, implementing around $455m worth of construction projects in 2010 alone.

Infrastructure is a core component of development. Well-designed and constructed schools, roads, bridges, hospitals and police stations enable communities to achieve sustainable improvements in health, education, security and economic stability.

By reducing potential conflicts between legal systems and agreeing solutions early on, many disputes can be avoided, allowing UNOPS and local contractors to focus on delivering results that matter for people in need. Under the agreement UN legal officers will also have an opportunity of a secondment to DLA Piper to expand their knowledge and skills in construction contract law.

The UNOPS Global Lead for the Physical Infrastructure Practice, Braye Sutherland, said: “This is an impressive start to an ongoing relationship. DLA Piper’s efforts are making a real difference to our ability to run successful infrastructure projects for our partners, often in highly challenging environments.”

“DLA Piper’s input and guidance in the creation of the new infrastructure contracts has led to the creation of a professional and relevant construction management tool, which incorporates best practice from the international construction industry at large,” he added.

DLA Piper projects partner, David Nancarrow, said “We are very excited to be working with the UNOPS infrastructure and legal teams as they strive to improve the way UNOPS delivers its projects around the world. It is very satisfying, both professionally and personally, to apply our project skills and experience to make a genuine difference to the successful delivery of critical UNOPS projects.”

DLA Piper is also providing training to UNOPS personnel on the use of these contract types, with sessions already held in Sri Lanka and Panama, and more planned for UNOPS teams on all continents.

UNOPS project manager Nicholas Young attended the training in Sri Lanka. He said: “The training provided an opportunity to explore the more technical workings and mechanisms of the new contract templates.”

“The new contracts detail a very clear set of processes and obligations for the contracted parties to follow, aimed at assisting in the successful delivery of the project for all the stakeholders.”