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Construction Law

Our skilled team of construction lawyers offer a wide range of expert advice and representation, from contract reviews and domestic disputes to building defects.
Trustworthy Partner for Your Construction Needs
We prioritise your needs by providing clear, transparent communication and tailored strategies that protect your interests in construction disputes, contracts, and defects.
Construction litigation dispute resolution

Construction Contract Review

The Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2002 (SOP Act) is an important legislative regime that aims to regulate payment practices in the construction industry

Contractors are entitled to receive progress payments as part of a statutory right.  The SOP Act involves a fast-paced process where builders can recover payments which fall due under a construction contract. Warlows Legal is proud to employ legal experts who are well versed in the SOPA for providing advice and litigation. We have played a key role in the application of this Act in legal proceedings, including adjudication applications and judicial review of adjudication decisions in the Supreme Court.

Warlows Legal’s founding partner, Harriet Warlow-Shill, has made insightful contributions to discussions around the SOPA in the Law Institute of Victoria Journal, and to the parliamentary working group.

Domestic Construction Disputes

At Warlows Legal, we understand that construction disputes can be stressful and complex. Our team of experienced construction lawyers are dedicated to helping clients navigate and resolve domestic construction disputes efficiently and effectively. With a deep understanding of construction contracts and legislation, we analyse every detail to identify potential areas of conflict and develop strategies that protect your rights.

We prioritise cost-effective solutions by exploring alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration to achieve fair and timely outcomes. However, when litigation becomes necessary, our litigators are prepared to vigorously represent our client’s interests in court.

Our client-centric approach ensures you are informed and supported at every stage of the dispute-resolution process. We maintain open communication, provide clear guidance, and work closely with you to align our legal strategies with your goals.

If you are involved in a domestic construction dispute, or require legal advice pertaining to a construction project, we invite you to contact Warlows Legal. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert guidance and representation to navigate the complexities of construction law and resolve your construction disputes effectively and efficiently.

Domestic Construction Disputes
Cladding and Apartment Defects

Cladding and Apartment Defects

Cladding and apartment defects can be overwhelming, but Warlows Legal is here to help. Our experienced team guides property owners through the VCAT process, handling expert engagement, claim preparation, and joint proceedings to reduce costs for affected owners.

Our lawyers have successfully handled numerous complex disputes, including those involving faulty cladding installation, non-compliance with fire safety regulations, water leakage, structural defects, and more. With a thorough investigative approach and collaboration with industry experts, such as engineers, architects, and building inspectors, to build robust cases based on solid evidence.

While we’re ready to litigate if needed, we prioritise cost-effective solutions through mediation and negotiation. Our client-focused approach ensures clear communication and practical legal advice every step of the way.

Contact Warlows Legal today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our construction law specialists. We are ready to put our expertise to work for you, guiding you through the complexities of cladding and apartment defects construction disputes and ensuring the protection of your rights and investments.

Building and Construction Industry Security of Payments Act (SOPA) Advice and Disputes

The Building and Construction (Security of Payment) Act 2021 is an important legislative regime that aims to regulate payment practices in the construction industry. It sets out various provisions to ensure that fair and timely payments are made throughout the construction supply chain, from the employer to the subcontractors and suppliers. The Act also establishes mechanisms for dispute resolution, such as adjudication, to resolve payment disputes quickly and efficiently.

Contractors are entitled to receive progress payments as part of a statutory right. The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (‘SOPA’) is an integral piece of legislation for contractors under a construction contract for carrying out construction work or supplies related goods and services to ensure they get paid. It involves a fast-paced process where builders can recover payments which fall due under a construction contract. Warlows Legal is proud to employ legal experts who are well versed in the SOPA for providing advice and litigation. We have played a key role in the application of this Act in legal proceedings, including adjudication applications and judicial review of adjudication decisions in the Supreme Court.

Warlows Legal’s founding partner, Harriet Warlow-Shill, has made insightful contributions to discussions around the SOPA in the Law Institute of Victoria Journal, and to the parliamentary working group.

Construction Building and Security Act Advive and Litigation

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide expert reviews and advice on a wide range of construction contracts, both domestic and commercial, including HIA & MBA contracts, AS-series contracts (e.g., AS 4000, AS 2124, AS 4300, AS 4902), ABIC contracts, and more. Our team ensures your contract is fair, legally sound, and protects your interests before you sign.
Contact us as soon as possible. Our lawyers specialise in resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. We will assess your situation and guide you toward the most cost-effective and timely resolution.
The Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act provides contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers with a fast-track process to recover payments for construction work and related goods and services. It ensures that parties are paid promptly and prevents unfair delays. We assist clients with all aspects of Security of Payment matters, including advising on rights and obligations, drafting and responding to payment claims and payment schedules, and representing clients in adjudication and court enforcement proceedings.
Yes. We represent clients dealing with apartment defects, cladding concerns, and other construction quality issues. Our team works to enforce builder obligations and secure compensation or rectification.
Unreviewed contracts may contain unfair clauses or ambiguous terms that expose you to financial or legal risks. Our lawyers identify potential issues and help you negotiate better terms to safeguard your interests. Ensuring your construction contract is clear, fair, and protects you throughout the project is what we do. Without proper legal review, you risk unexpected costs, disputes, delays, and limited recourse if things go wrong.
Notices for delays, variations, payment claims, or termination must be issued correctly and on time to preserve your contractual and legal rights. These notice requirements are often strict, and if you miss a deadline or fail to follow the required procedure, you may lose your entitlement to extra time, additional payment, or other remedies under the contract. We assist clients in preparing and managing notices to ensure full compliance, protect entitlements, and reduce the risk of disputes arising later in the project.
Yes; early legal advice can prevent disputes entirely. We assist with contract negotiation, risk assessment, and project advisory to protect your interests from day one.

Other Areas of Law Practiced

Organisations Proud to be Associated with Warlows Legal

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Our Legal Team

Behind our brilliant results are a team of talented and agile lawyers. Committed to legal excellence, our practitioners deliver balanced solutions to commercial issues. We bring together a wide range of legal expertise and experience to create the right result, in the right manner.

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Our commitment to legal excellence, innovation and social justice means you benefit from legal advice of the highest quality. These key values form the basis of our firm’s perspective on every case we undertake. As a firm, it is our responsibility to provide ethical, efficient and results-driven services.

Client Testimonials

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Zahra Husain profile picture
Zahra Husain
150 days ago
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I had a great experience with Warlows Legal Melbourne. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and very supportive throughout the process. They explained everything clearly, responded promptly, and made what could have been a stressful situation feel manageable and straightforward. I really appreciated their honesty and attention to detail. Highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable legal advice.
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Melbourne Translation
193 days ago
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Sam Obaidi profile picture
Sam Obaidi
197 days ago
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Professional and well respected team.
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Bree B profile picture
Bree B
206 days ago
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The process of registering our Charity was extremely time-consuming, Particularly technical, And extremely overwhelming, Harriet and her team took away these feelings of Hopelessness, Which we were unable to focus on our cause, and be on the ground where we have our impact! Thank you to each of you… Scrap4kids Would not have been possible without Your expected guidance and comfort you gave us!!
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Ethan Dehghan
281 days ago
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I had an excellent experience with Sajad Alobaidi when buying my house. He explained the contract clearly, was always responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend Warlows Legal and Sajad for property purchases! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Zahra Ahmadi
285 days ago
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One of the best lawyers and his team they are very supportive and very helpful and when it comes to doing the job they do it 100% without any delays Thank you so much to Sam and Sajad for everything
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Arie Kliger profile picture
Arie Kliger
467 days ago
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Thanks to Roni Margolin for very professional legal services. Roni performed at high standard representing me in negotiations and court proceedings. She exhibited knowledge, experience and commitment. She kept me informed and discussed matters with me regularly. Warlow Legal have provided me with professional services and I highly recommend them.
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Hus Melbourne Best
489 days ago
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Dealing with the team is easy and response is quick and efficient. They are reasonable with prices and seems very reasonable to the clients. Have a building matter as a Builder and they helping very smartly. Great full to Harriet for taking matter with interest and helping with care. F Hussain
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Avi Bendetsky
559 days ago
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Great firm highly recommend them!!
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Rivky Cyrulnik profile picture
Rivky Cyrulnik
577 days ago
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Thanks Harriet for your help and advice with our build. I am so happy I listened to you. It was a difficult dilemma but well worth following the advice in the long run. Spot on advice. Also thanks to Yoni for his help with our contract. Warlows has great experience with building law and contracts Thank you!

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