It is practical and accessible in its approach, and addresses professional obligations when engaged under such agreements. It advises on the principle areas of consultancy risk and makes reference to some of the standard conditions produced by professional bodies. This book is an essential reference for consultants, project managers, architects as well as their legal advisors and insurers, enabling them to better understand and negotiate the contracts prepared by the client side of the industry for their professional services. It covers the contracts themselves and related legal issues and principles and is written in a way that will be accessible to non-legally trained readers. Uniquely the book provides an understanding of the risks, both legal and commercial, inherent in these types of professional appointments and therefore helps the reader to manage those risks. Another key feature is that it provides a supporting commentary on the "benchmark" professional service agreements, including the RIBA, ACE and RICS appointments, and explains the differences. The revised version will now also cover the NEC3 PSC contract.