Construction
Construction and engineering projects are being increasingly influenced by demands for innovation, pressures of competition, economic change, technology development and intervention by regulators and the courts. Traditional ways of doing business are constantly being challenged, with stakeholders seeking to increase their competitiveness and achieve better value for money or return on investment.
Our Construction group are not only leaders in the areas of law that can impact on your projects but are also familiar with the commercial imperatives, analysis and management of risk associated with them.
An understanding of the construction industry, regulatory environment and importantly, your business, together with a strategic approach and legal excellence, is essential for the provision of effective legal services.
Maddocks' approach is practical, focussed and hands on. Our objective is to minimise risk, create clarity and deliver optimal commercial outcomes for our clients.
Expertise and experience
We regularly advise developers, institutional property owners, investors, government and statutory authorities, local governments, contractors, subcontractors, facilities management providers and consultants in the following:
Project procurement and tendering
- Structuring of projects
- Project delivery methods
- Procurement procedures
- Government contracting requirements
- Preparation of tender documents
Project documentation
We advise on and prepare all types of contractual and commercial documentation and assist with the review and negotiation of project documentation.
Our team has extensive experience in the use and adaptation of standard forms of construction and engineering contracts regularly used in Australia. We regularly prepare project specific contracts when clients' requirements cannot appropriately be met with the use of a standard form of contract.
Contract administration
We advise on contractual and legal aspects arising from the administration of contracts and projects.
Dispute resolution
We advise on the resolution of disputes that arise in connection with client projects.
This can involve:
- interpretation of construction contracts.
- advising on claims management.
- developing and implementing proactive and commercial dispute resolution strategies and options as well as overall management of major and complex disputes.
- arbitration and litigation in the courts and tribunals.
Asset and Facilities Management
We advise on legislative compliance and procurement strategies for maintenance and facilities management and prepare performance based, long-term facilities management agreements.
We also advise on the identification of legal obligations, essential services, the Disability Discrimination Act and other relevant legislation, risk management strategies, the outsourcing of services, contracts for maintenance and facilities management, contract administration and performance monitoring.
Building industry regulation
We offer a wealth of experience in building industry regulation. Our services and experience include:
- providing advice on legislation regulating the building industry and associated professions including Acts, Regulations and the Building Code of Australia
- advising on the application of building regulations and codes
- advising on insurance and registration requirements for building practitioners
- disciplinary inquiries
- prosecutions under building legislation
- notice and orders and other enforcement proceedings
- advising on policy issues, legislative reform and amendments to existing legislation