Chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group, Professor Rudi Klein (pictured), is the latest recipient of the Clare Edwards Award for outstanding contribution to the practice of construction law.

The award is conferred jointly by the Technology and Construction Court Solicitors’ Association and the Contractors’ Legal Group “for professional excellence and contribution to the legal profession serving the construction industry”, only when an exceptional candidate has been identified.

Previous recipients include Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson and Court of Appeal judges Lord Justice Jackson and Sir Anthony May.

A barrister by profession, a former academic and visiting professor of construction law at the University of Northumbria, Professor Klein has been active in construction for more than 25 years, during which time he has championed the interests of all specialists in construction, particularly small and medium-sized firms involved in engineering-related disciplines.

SEC Group chairman Trevor Hursthouse OBE, said: “Rudi’s fearless and determined approach to bringing about change and improvement in construction has brought more benefit to the industry than many appreciate or recognise. Receiving the Clare Edwards Award from peers who understand the value and excellence of his contribution is entirely appropriate.”