Construction Lawyer Brisbane
Brisbane's building and construction industry is a high-stakes environment where a project's success often comes down to the strength of its legal foundations. From major commercial and infrastructure projects to residential and domestic builds, the pressure to deliver on time and on budget is constant, and when a project falters, the financial and operational risks escalate quickly. If you're a developer, builder, principal, subcontractor or property owner, you need more than reactive advice to manage the legal side of a construction project.
You need a dedicated construction lawyer who understands Queensland's building and construction law and the realities of the local industry.
-
Obligation-Free Consult
-
Practical, Commercial Advice
-
Proven Track Record in Building & Construction Law
Obligation Free Consult
Expert Legal Advice
Proven Track Record
Proud Member Of:
In the fast-moving building industry, technical know-how is only half the battle, you also need a construction lawyer who understands state legislation, QBCC licensing requirements and risk management from site acquisition through to final handover.
We act for developers, builders, principals, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers and homeowners across commercial, residential and domestic building contracts.
Whether you need a building contract drafted, a construction contract reviewed, or advice on a standard form contract such as AS4000, AS4902,HIA or Master Builders Queensland contract, we make sure your contract clearly sets out the scope of works, payment terms and risk allocation before problems arise.
Our advice is grounded in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (Qld) and the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (BIF Act), and we help clients meet their QBCC licensing and local authority obligations at every stage of a project. By acting as a proactive legal partner rather than a reactive one, we help our clients in the building and construction industry mitigate risk and avoid the pitfalls common to commercial and residential developments alike.
Security of Payment Claims & Adjudication in Queensland
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any construction business, and the BIF Act exists to keep it moving under a pay now, argue later model. We act for builders, subcontractors, principals and head contractors on payment claims, payment schedules, adjudication applications and the enforcement of adjudication certificates.
If a payment claim goes unanswered or a payment dispute escalates, our construction dispute lawyers move quickly to protect your position, including subcontractors' charges, statutory demands and, where insolvency is a risk, advice on winding up proceedings. We regularly act in BIF Act adjudications and are well placed to advise both the party issuing and the party responding to a payment claim.
QBCC Disputes & Directions to Rectify
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) plays a central role in licensing builders and regulating defective work claims in Queensland. Whether you've received a Direction to Rectify, are facing a QBCC licensing review, or are disputing a defects claim, our construction lawyers help builders and homeowners navigate the QBCC process and, where necessary, review decisions before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
We handle matters involving defective work, incomplete work and variations, and use expert determination and structured mediation to resolve building disputes efficiently, keeping your project moving rather than stalled in a lengthy dispute.
Resolving Complex Construction Disputes in Queensland
Even with the best planning, a construction dispute can arise from unforeseen site conditions, a change in project scope, or a payment disagreement between the parties. When tensions rise, our role as construction dispute lawyers is to stabilise the situation through pragmatic, commercially focused dispute resolution, for builders, developers, subcontractors and property owners alike.
Beyond adjudication and QBCC processes, we handle complex building dispute matters including defective work and incomplete work claims, delay and variation disputes, and disputes over liquidated damages, retention money and the defects liability period. We use expert determination and structured mediation wherever possible to resolve matters efficiently, and where litigation is unavoidable, we represent clients through to an outcome.
Meet Our Team
At Roberts Litigation, our team of dedicated professionals takes the time to understand your situation inside and out, to provide you with the highest level of support.
Partner
Brodie Roberts
Brodie is a Brisbane-based litigator with experience in complex Australian construction, commercial, and insolvency disputes. Expert in high-stakes adjudications and multi-party litigation, he delivers clear, commercially realistic strategies for contractors and developers to prevent or efficiently resolve disputes.
Senior Associate
Russell Hall
Russell is a commercial litigator with experience in high-value insolvency, corporate, construction, and property disputes across Queensland and Federal courts. He guides diverse clients through all stages of litigation, delivering practical, commercially focussed strategies to achieve efficient outcomes.
Law Graduate
Morgan Roberts
Morgan is a Law Graduate at Roberts Litigation who holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours - Class 1). Dedicated to commercial litigation with experience in contractual, debt recovery, and defective work disputes, he is on track for admission as a solicitor in mid-2026.
Law Clerk
Holly Chetham
Holly joined Roberts Litigation as a Law Clerk in January 2026 while finishing her law honours at QUT. Focusing on commercial and construction litigation, she assists on contractual and secured lending disputes to deliver commercially focussed outcomes.
Why Choose Roberts Litigation? Your Construction Lawyers in Brisbane
Choosing the right building and construction lawyer is a decision that directly affects the future of your business and the success of your projects. At Roberts Litigation, we distinguish ourselves through a near-exclusive focus on building and construction law; it's not one practice area among many; it's what we do.
We bring deep, practical experience in QBCC systems and the BIF Act framework, along with a strong track record advising on contract disputes, payment claims and construction contract clauses that commonly trip up developers, builders and subcontractors.
Whether you're working from a standard form contract or a bespoke construction finance arrangement, our Brisbane team gives you the strategic advice needed to protect your position.
Your Local Brisbane Construction Litigation Lawyer
When a matter escalates beyond negotiation, you need a firm with a genuine track record in commercial litigation. We represent clients in the Supreme Court of Queensland and QCAT) on building disputes, contract breaches and subcontractors' charges under the BIF Act.
Our approach covers the full lifecycle of a dispute, from defective work claims through to large infrastructure and commercial construction matters, with a constant eye on cost-effectiveness and project continuity for our clients. Servicing Brisbane, South East Queensland, the Gold Coast and Australia, our deep local knowledge lets us anticipate procedural hurdles before they cost you time and money.
If a contract breach has stalled your project, we provide the urgent, practical advice needed to protect your position and get things moving again.
Supporting businesses in Qld, and across Australia
Clear guidance, timely action
Personal, attentive service
It doesn't cost you anything to know where you stand.
Latests Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission?
The QBCC is Queensland's building industry regulator. It licenses builders and contractors, sets standards for residential construction, investigates complaints, and can issue a Direction to Rectify where defective or incomplete building work is found. We regularly advise both builders and homeowners on QBCC licensing issues, defect disputes and reviews of QBCC decisions.
How do I handle a payment dispute?
Under the BIF Act, you have a statutory right to claim progress payments for work completed. If a payment claim goes unpaid or is disputed, we can help you lodge an adjudication application to secure your funds quickly, without waiting for lengthy court proceedings.
What should I do if I’m faced with a defective work claim?
Act quickly. We review the validity of the claim, assess the scope of works against the original contract, and negotiate with the QBCC or the homeowner to reach a fair and commercially sensible resolution or represent you if the matter proceeds to QCAT.
What's the difference between a commercial and a residential building dispute?
Commercial construction disputes often involve larger contracts, standard form agreements like AS4000 or AS4902, and multiple parties including head contractors and subcontractors. Residential and domestic disputes are more generally governed by HIA or Master Builders Queensland contracts and the QBCC's home building regulations.
The right approach and the applicable legislation differ between the two, which is why it pays to get advice specific to your contract type.
How much does a construction lawyer cost?
Costs vary depending on the seniority of the lawyer, the complexity of the matter, and whether the work is fixed-fee or not. Many construction lawyers charge an hourly rate, from a few hundred dollars up to $660+ per hour for experienced principals/directors. We're upfront about costs from the first conversation, and offer an obligation-free initial consult so you know where you stand before committing to anything.