Building and Construction Law

As a property developer, the last thing you usually need is a building project that’s delayed by protracted legal disputes. Our specialist construction lawyers offer commercial, practical advice that enforces your rights while keeping your project moving forward. Our expertise includes strata advice, construction law, contract negotiation and more.

The Security of Payment Act applies to all NSW construction contracts. It contains strict timeframes which everyone must follow. If you want to enforce an action under the Act, or if someone has brought an action against you, our lawyers can advise you on the most effective legal and commercial approach.

Solid contracts can underpin your construction project, ensuring it runs smoothly while protecting you and your assets. Our lawyers are experts at drafting, negotiating and managing construction contracts. We also pride ourselves on using simple language so that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.

While all developments may come with a certain level of risk, you should never go into a project without knowing exactly where potential exposure lies. Our specialist construction lawyers can perform a rigorous and comprehensive due diligence review before you develop or purchase land to make sure there are no surprises. 

Obtaining development consent isn’t always straightforward. There can be many grey areas you need to negotiate and traps you must avoid. We are experts at advising developers on how to get the approval they need. We are also experienced at successfully challenging denied DAs.

Strata claims and disputes have the potential to be long-running and frustrating, draining both your energy and finances. We can help you resolve strata disputes quickly and efficiently through mediation or dispute resolution. We can also help you enforce your rights or defend a claim in court.

Defect claims have the potential to derail any development project. In extreme cases, they could even affect your reputation. We can help you defend defect claims quickly and cost-effectively. If you own a property with defects, we can also advise you on your rights and help you bring a claim.

When a construction dispute ends up in court it’s important you have the best representation possible. Our team of skilled litigation lawyers can provide you with strategic advice on how to obtain a favourable outcome. We can also provide you with robust, persuasive legal representation that argues your case effectively.

The NSW Land and Environment Court has a specialist and narrow jurisdiction to deal with planning approvals and other government decisions. Our lawyers have successfully represented many clients in this unique court and we can help you put your case forward in the most compelling way.

Having planning permission rejected may seem like the end of the road but, if your application has been denied, you still often have options available. Our lawyers are experts at appealing planning or building decisions, including rejected DAs and objections to residential development.

The government sometimes has the power to compulsorily acquire land. However, if your property is subject to an acquisition order, you still have rights. We can advise you on rating and valuation in compulsory acquisition cases. We can also help you appeal a government decision to acquire your land.

The Land and Environment Court can hear civil claims or order that someone stops breaking the law. It can also review State and local government decisions to make sure they’re above board. If you’re subject to civil enforcement action or you want to pursue a judicial review, we can help.