Over the years we have saved sureties millions of pounds in interrogating and advising on calls made on bonds which are either invalid or irrecoverable.
We have successfully defended on demand bond calls where there has been a novation of the underlying contract (outwith the express terms of the bond). We routinely reduce the sums claimed under bonds because the express bond wording prevents it (by reference to the current case law), a forensic examination of the underlying documentation supporting the claim does not justify it or because there are other legal grounds to do resist the call. We can often give a meaningful outline of advice under the retainer in respect of such claims, leading to a successful outcome for the surety.
