Expert Construction Lawyers Brisbane – Comprehensive Legal & Business Support

Why Choose Blaze Business & Legal?

Specialist Expertise

• Client Success Stories: One of our clients, a major contractor in Brisbane, faced a $500,000 payment dispute. We successfully guided them through the adjudication process under the Security of Payment Act, recovering the full amount owed and protecting their cash flow. Our building dispute lawyers played a crucial role in navigating the complex dispute resolution process, ensuring an effective and streamlined resolution.

• Over 25 Years of Experience: We bring decades of experience in building and construction law, contracts, and project management. From advising on major projects, including large infrastructure projects, to private developments, to smaller construction sites, we have unparalleled knowledge. Our principal Building and Construction Lawyer is Rachelle Hare, who has practiced in Brisbane, Queensland, Sydney and Canberra for over 25 years, including on some of Australia’s most notable projects.

• In-Depth Legal Knowledge: Our expertise as Construction Lawyers covers Queensland and Australian building and construction laws, ensuring compliance and legal risk minimisation for all types of construction projects. Clients consistently commend us for providing solutions that save time and protect their bottom line.

• Proven Track Record: We have a proven track record of supporting clients in the building and construction industry and in related industries. Our team consistently provides legal advice and contract review that ensures compliance and protects client interests.

Full-Service Support

• Holistic Approach: We combine legal advisory, business consultancy, and compliance management under one roof to ensure seamless support across all aspects of your project. Industry recognition has highlighted our ability to integrate these services effectively, ensuring a one-stop solution for construction clients. Our boutique law firm delivers comprehensive advice across the construction process.

• Tailored Solutions: Whether it’s contract drafting, dispute resolution, joint venture agreements, or cash flow management, your Building and Construction Lawyer will provide advice that’s customised to your unique business needs and the complexities of your project. Testimonials frequently note the practical, client-focused strategies we deliver.

What is Construction Law?

Definition of Construction Law

Construction law governs the relationships, rights, and responsibilities of parties involved in building and infrastructure projects. It spans multiple areas, including:

• Contract Law: Ensuring clear and enforceable agreements.

• Tort Law: Addressing negligence and liability issues.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to local, state, and federal construction regulations.

Importance of Construction Law

Construction law plays a critical role in:

• Minimising Risks: Preventing disputes and ensuring smooth project delivery.

• Defining Obligations: Clarifying responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings.

• Protecting Interests: Safeguarding the rights of all parties involved in a project.

• Resolving Disputes: Providing frameworks for negotiation, mediation, and adjudication.

Our Construction Law Services in Brisbane and around Australia

Blaze Business & Legal offers comprehensive services to support every stage of your construction project. Here are some examples of the challenges we solve and the solutions we provide:

• A commercial builder struggling with unclear contract terms avoided costly disputes after we reviewed and restructured their agreements.

• A subcontractor facing delayed payments utilised our expert guidance under the Security of Payment Act to secure timely adjudication and recover their funds.

• We advised a renewable energy client on how to mitigate risks during land acquisition and comply with environmental standards, enabling their project to proceed without regulatory delays.

Your Building and Construction Lawyer can work with project owners, contractors, subcontractors, developers, and consultants to ensure that every legal aspect of your construction journey is seamlessly managed and aligned with your business goals.

1. Legal Advisory Services

• Project Delivery Methods: We help you choose and implement the most effective delivery models, such as design-build, EPC, and traditional contracts, tailored to your project’s scale and requirements.

• Risk Management: Our legal team identifies potential legal and commercial risks, offering strategies to mitigate them early in the project lifecycle. We also specialise in preparing risk management materials to help clients establish effective risk management practices.

• Regulatory Compliance: We ensure your projects comply with complex regulatory requirements, including the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) guidelines, safety standards, environmental laws, and local council approvals.

• Legal Strategy Planning: For large-scale or high-risk projects, we provide detailed strategic planning to align legal processes with commercial and operational objectives.

2. Contract Drafting & Review

• Custom Contracts: Drafting agreements tailored to your project’s specific needs.

• Thorough Reviews: Identifying potential risks and ensuring compliance with legal standards, advising on the terms of standard form contracts including Master Builders Association (MBA), Australian Standard Contracts, FIDIC, and so on.

• Amendments: Recommending adjustments to enhance risk allocation and payment terms.

3. Tendering & Procurement

• Bid Preparation: Assisting contractors and subcontractors in creating legally compliant, competitive bids that maximise their chances of winning contracts. Tender processes advising.

• Document Reviews: We review tender documents to identify and address potential risks or discrepancies that could affect your compliance or competitiveness.

• Procurement Strategy: Our team advises on efficient procurement processes that minimise risk and promote fair value for all stakeholders.

• Dispute Resolution: When disputes arise during tendering, our Building Lawyers offer mediation and negotiation services to resolve them without unnecessary delays.

3. Payment & Security Advice

• Progress Payments: Structuring mechanisms to maintain cash flow.

• Retention Advice: Ensuring compliance with security of payment legislation.

• Payment Disputes: Resolving issues quickly and cost-effectively with support from our Building Lawyers.

4. Joint Ventures & Partnerships

• Agreement Drafting: Structuring joint ventures and partnerships for collaborative success.

• Legal Compliance: Ensuring all agreements meet regulatory requirements.

5. Infrastructure Law Services

• Large-Scale Projects: Providing legal support for road, rail, and energy developments.

• Regulatory Guidance: Navigating complex compliance requirements.

6. Training & Education

• Team Training: Educating your team on contract management, legal compliance, and risk mitigation. Delivering training programs.

• Industry Updates: Keeping you informed about changes in construction law that impact your projects.

7. Dispute Resolution & Avoidance

Our Building Dispute Lawyers can support you in the following:

• Preventative Strategies: We help you implement robust risk management systems and draft clear, enforceable contracts to reduce the likelihood of your business becoming involved in a building dispute.

• Mediation & Negotiation: Our Construction Dispute Lawyers specialise in resolving any building dispute quickly through skilled negotiation and mediation, helping you avoid lengthy and costly litigation.

• Security of Payment Claims: Our Building Dispute Lawyers have extensive experience navigating the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017. We assist with preparing payment claims, adjudication applications, and defending against unjust claims.

• Expert Legal Advice: Navigating a construction or building dispute requires expert legal advice on the relevant construction contracts and related issues, to help you minimise associated costs and risks and achieve resolution of the dispute. Our team provides strategic guidance to help you manage and resolve payment-related disagreements effectively.

Construction Contract Lawyers Brisbane

Our construction contract lawyers have extensive experience in drafting and reviewing construction contracts. We understand the importance of having a well-structured contract in place to protect our clients’ interests and minimise the risk of disputes.

Our team can assist with all aspects of contract administration, including contract preparation, contract review, and contract negotiation. Our Construction Law Firm is well-versed in all industry forms of construction, including Australian Building Industry Contracts (ABIC), Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), and Master Builders Association Queensland Contracts.

Our construction contract lawyers can also provide expert advice on payment claims, construction disputes, and construction companies. We strive to provide our clients with practical and effective solutions to complex construction issues, ensuring that their projects are completed on time and within budget.

Industries We Serve

1. Residential & Commercial Construction

We assist contractors, subcontractors, and property owners in navigating legal aspects of construction management, from contract administration to risk mitigation.

2. Infrastructure Projects

Our legal services include infrastructure planning laws for road, rail, and energy developments. We recently worked on an infrastructure project requiring tailored advice for regulatory compliance and procurement.

3. Renewable Energy

From contract preparation to land acquisition, we support renewable energy projects in adhering to complex environmental and regulatory standards.

Step-by-Step: How to Recover Payment Owed to You

1. Under the Contract

If your contract contains clear payment terms, here are the steps to recover what you are owed:

• Review the Contract: Examine the terms of your agreement to confirm payment obligations, deadlines, and any compliance conditions.

• Issue a Payment Claim: Submit a valid payment claim under the Security of Payment Act, ensuring it adheres to statutory requirements and includes all necessary details.

• Send a Notice of Overdue Payment: If the payment is not received within the specified timeframe, send a formal notice referencing the contract terms and legal provisions.

• Engage in Dispute Resolution: Attempt to resolve the matter through negotiation or mediation, with the assistance of our experienced team.

• Lodge an Adjudication Application: If the dispute persists, initiate an adjudication application under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017.

2. Outside the Contract

If the payment dispute falls outside contractual obligations or there is no formal contract in place:

• Issue a Demand for Payment: Clearly articulate the amount owed, referencing evidence of work completed or services provided.

• Consider Debt Recovery Options: If informal measures fail, we can refer you to trusted debt recovery professionals who specialise in construction industry disputes.

• Pursue Legal Action: As a last resort, consider initiating formal legal proceedings to recover your payment. We will guide you through this process to ensure the best possible outcome.

Meet Rachelle Hare – Principal Construction Lawyer

With over 25 years of experience, Rachelle Hare has worked with some of Australia’s largest construction companies, including Thiess, Laing O’Rourke, and Acciona. Her expertise includes:

• Contract Negotiation & Drafting: Crafting clear, enforceable agreements that protect client interests.

• Risk Management: Developing comprehensive strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across projects of all sizes.

• Dispute Resolution: Facilitating negotiations and mediations to achieve favourable outcomes while maintaining professional relationships.

Rachelle has a proven track record of guiding clients through complex legal challenges, delivering actionable solutions that align with commercial objectives. She leads a team of dedicated and skilled lawyers in Brisbane.

Work with Rachelle to Achieve Your Project Goals

Whether you need support with drafting contracts, managing disputes, or planning legal strategies, Rachelle Hare and the Blaze Business & Legal team are ready to assist.

With personalised advice tailored to your industry and project, we ensure your legal needs are met with precision and professionalism.