Construction Law
Melbourne Construction Lawyers Who Navigate Complexity
Construction law advice for construction professionals, developers, architects and property investors across Victoria.
The construction industry drives Australia's economy, yet it remains one of the most legally complex sectors to navigate. From groundbreaking to final settlement, every construction project involves intricate contractual relationships, regulatory compliance, and substantial commercial risks. Whether you're a builder establishing your first development, a contractor scaling operations, or a property developer managing multiple projects, the legal framework surrounding your work can either propel your business forward or create costly obstacles.
At Whelan Lawyers, our construction lawyers understand that construction law isn't merely about compliance, it's about structuring your projects for commercial success whilst protecting your interests at every stage. Our construction lawyers approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical commercial insight, ensuring your legal strategy supports your business objectives rather than constraining them.
Our Construction Law Services
At Whelan Lawyers, we provide dedicated construction law services across Melbourne, helping builders, contractors, developers, architects and property owners manage legal risks and protect their projects. Our experienced construction lawyers assist with building contracts, project advisory, security of payment, disputes, and compliance with industry regulations. Whether you are starting a new project, expanding operations, or facing a construction dispute, our Melbourne construction law firm offers trusted advice and practical solutions tailored to your business and industry needs.
Construction Contract Drafting & Review
Protecting Your Project Before Ground is Broken
We draft, review and negotiate construction contracts tailored to your risk profile and project delivery model.
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Commercial building contracts.
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Subcontractor and consultant agreements.
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Residential building contracts and Compliance with Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (VIC).
Security of Payment Act & Fast Debt Recovery
Streamlined Payment Recovery That Protects Your Cash Flow
Swift payment matters. We help you leverage Security of Payment laws to recover what's owed.
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Payment claims and responses under Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (VIC).
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Adjudication applications and defences.
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Recovery of adjudicated amounts and unpaid invoices.
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Advice for subcontractors, builders, and developers.
Construction Disputes & Resolution
When construction disputes
arise
When disputes arise, we resolve them with speed, strategy, and a focus on preserving commercial relationships.
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Defects, delays, and variations
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Liquidated damages and extension of time (EOT) claims
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Contract termination and repudiation
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Tribunal matters (VCAT) and Court proceedings
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Mediation, arbitration, and expert determination
Who We Act For
We work with:
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Property developers and principals
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Residential and commercial builders
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Specialist subcontractors and trades
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Project managers, consultants, and architects
Why Construction Businesses Choose Whelan Lawyers
We’re not just legal technicians. We’re strategic legal partners with a deep understanding of the commercial and practical realities of the construction industry.
What sets us apart:
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Architectural insight – Our Practice Manager is a Registered Architect and Project Manager with extensive project delivery experience, giving us a unique operational advantage.
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Franchise and commercial law integration – We advise builders operating under franchise models or managing multiple commercial sites.
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Responsive and pragmatic – We provide advice you can act on - fast.
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Boutique firm accessibility – Get partner-level attention without the overheads of a large firm.
Whelan Lawyers is based in Melbourne but acts for construction clients across Victoria, in certain circumstances we also advise clients that are interstate on construction law matters.
Need Help with a Construction Law Issue?
Whether you're at the start of a project or knee-deep in a dispute, the right legal advice now can save thousands later. Contact Whelan Lawyers today to arrange a strategic consultation tailored to your construction business needs. We service Melbourne and its eastern suburbs.
