Initial consultation to hear your situation and outline options, booked through the enquiry form or by phone. No fee terms published.
Office
Level 8, Cloisters Square, 863 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
HHG Legal Group traces its roots to an Albany practice opened in 1919 and is run by managing director Murray Thornhill, with a central office in Cloisters Square and five more across WA. The building and construction team includes partners Matthew Lilly and Riaan Piek and special counsel Patrick Beilby. The work leans to the front end of projects: head contracts, subcontracts, AS contract amendments, notices, variations and extension of time claims, plus payment disputes. It suits builders and contractors who want an established firm with reach across WA. It starts with an initial consultation to set out your options.
Roots in an Albany practice opened in 1919
Also worth knowing
HHG lists Best Lawyers Best Firm recognition for Perth covering 2025 to 2027.
Lawyers
Murray Thornhill, Managing Director and Notary Public
Matthew Lilly, Partner
Riaan Piek, Partner
Patrick Beilby, Special Counsel
Stephanie Jackson, Associate
Adam Hughes, Associate
Areas of construction law handled
Head contract and subcontract drafting
AS contract negotiation and amendments
Contract administration support
Variation claims
Payment claims and responses
Delay and extension of time claims
Security of payment compliance
Defect and non-compliance claims
Construction dispute resolution
Office
Level 8, Cloisters Square, 863 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Other details
Other offices
Joondalup, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany and Mount Barker
Not stated on the website. Enquiries go through the online form or direct to each partner.
Office
225 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Jackson McDonald is a large independent WA firm on St Georges Terrace with four construction partners: Tom Jacobs, Isla McRobbie, Lauren Cook and Belinda Wong. Tom Jacobs has 30 years in building and engineering work and helped train adjudicators under the 2021 security of payment laws, according to the firm. The team covers contracts, claims, adjudication, tribunal matters, arbitration and court work, mostly for contractors, subcontractors, principals and developers on larger projects. It doesn't advertise work for home owners. The site publishes no first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 ranks the firm in Infrastructure Projects and Construction, the firm's site shows.
The site doesn't publish first consultation or fee terms. Enquiries go through the Perth office by phone or email.
Office
Level 15, 197 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Solomon Brothers is an independent Perth firm established in 1987, working from St Georges Terrace. Managing Partner David Marsh leads its construction team, and his background runs across engineering law, contract mining and resources project work. The firm drafts and amends standard and bespoke building contracts and runs disputes from domestic jobs up to large energy and resources claims, including arbitration. It says it acted for Brookfield Multiplex in the first successful challenge to an adjudication determination. It suits contractors, developers and resources clients. The site doesn't publish first consultation terms.
Established in 1987
Also worth knowing
Handles domestic and international arbitration, including under the SIAC Rules.
Lawyers
Kristina Joseph and Andrew Lesslie are also named as authors of the firm's construction articles.
David Marsh, Managing Partner, construction law team lead
Maha Abweh, Senior Associate, construction law
Areas of construction law handled
Drafting and amending Australian Standard and bespoke building contracts
The firm says it offers fixed fees wherever possible, with hourly rates otherwise. No first consultation terms are published.
Office
3/78 Mill Point Road, South Perth WA 6151
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Ahern Sierakowski is a South Perth commercial and litigation boutique run by director Marcus Ahern, who has practised in WA for about 30 years after time at Freehills, according to the firm. Building and construction is a core area, with pages on payment claims, Home Building Contracts Act disputes, Building Commission complaints, SAT hearings, variations and delays. It acts for builders and their customers, subcontractors, suppliers and property owners, so it's one of the few firms here that suits home owners and smaller builders. The firm says it offers fixed fees wherever possible.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it offers fixed fees wherever possible.
Lawyers
The site lists ten staff but names only Marcus Ahern as doing building and construction work.
Not stated on the website. Enquiries go through the firm's contact form.
Office
Level 20, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Lavan has practised in Perth since 1898 and calls itself WA's largest independent law firm, with 23 partners at 1 William Street. Its construction and infrastructure team includes partners Shane Pentony and Tamica D'Uva, both recommended in Doyle's Guide, according to the firm. Pentony handles adjudication, SAT matters, arbitration and Supreme Court litigation, and the team builds claims with programmers and quantity surveyors. It acts mainly for principals, contractors and subcontractors on commercial, civil and resources projects. The firm publishes no first consultation terms.
Practising in Perth since 1898, according to the firm
Also worth knowing
The team runs construction industry seminars twice a year, the firm says.
Lawyers
Shane Pentony, Partner, Construction and Infrastructure
Tamica D'Uva, Partner, Construction and Infrastructure
Ahshiba Sultana, Special Counsel, Construction and Infrastructure
Samuel Speechly, Senior Associate, Construction and Infrastructure
Areas of construction law handled
Construction contract drafting and negotiation
Subcontracts and consultancy agreements
Claims preparation with programmers and quantity surveyors
Free initial phone consultation, according to the firm.
Office
Suite 1, Level 5, 102 James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Vogt Legal is a Northbridge litigation practice run by director Will Vogt, who appears as counsel in WA courts and tribunals and once ran a construction services business in Dubai. Building disputes are its main focus. The team handles defects and rectification claims, delays and liquidated damages, variations, retention monies and Home Building Contracts Act matters, and says it appears often at the State Administrative Tribunal. It is affiliated with the HIA. It suits builders and homeowners heading toward a Building Commission or SAT fight. The firm offers a free initial phone consultation.
Also worth knowing
Offers a free initial phone consultation and lists an HIA affiliation.
Lawyers
The site also lists Stephen Mintz, Mark Williams, Matthew Humphry, Ben Sasson, Malcolm Harris, Matthew Endo, Terrence East, Yishan Dai, Ellie Yang and Joe Askew, without roles.
Will Vogt, Director
Areas of construction law handled
Defect and rectification works claims
Delay and liquidated damages claims
Extension of time claims
Payment and retention money disputes
Variation disputes
Building Commission claims and complaints
State Administrative Tribunal building disputes
Home Building Contracts Act matters
Contract termination advice
Commercial arbitration
Contractor agreement drafting and review
Building contract review and negotiation
Office
Suite 1, Level 5, 102 James Street, Northbridge WA 6003
The firm's site doesn't set out first consultation or fee terms. Enquiries go direct to the principal by phone or email.
Office
Level 12, 197 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Blyth Legal is a Perth CBD disputes practice run by its sole principal, Andrew Blyth. He set it up after disputes roles at national and international firms and Perth and Melbourne boutiques. Construction disputes are the core of the work, with commercial litigation alongside. He acts for owners, contractors and other parties on payment claims, variations, delay and defects, and runs security of payment adjudications for claimants and respondents. The firm publishes a handbook on the WA Security of Payment Act. It suits clients who want a senior lawyer on the file. The site doesn't set out first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
The firm publishes a handbook on the WA Security of Payment Act.
Lawyers
The site names no other staff. Andrew Blyth holds a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, according to the firm.
Andrew Blyth, Principal
Areas of construction law handled
Security of payment claims and adjudication
Payment claims and disputes
Variations and delay claims
Building defects
Home building disputes
Termination of construction contracts
Recourse to performance security
Contract review and contract administration advice
Consultations are booked through the firm's form. Fees depend on the matter and the lawyer, and the firm gives an estimate on request. The site doesn't say if the first consultation is free.
Office
1/43 Kishorn Rd, Applecross WA 6153
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Lewis Kitson is a boutique commercial firm in Applecross, directed by Aaron Kitson. Its building and construction work covers contract drafting and review, defects, delays and payment disputes, residential and civil construction claims, and Building Commissioner complaints, with representation at the State Administrative Tribunal. Special Counsel Eduard Ferreira brings 30 years of litigation experience, including construction disputes and international arbitration, according to the firm. It suits owners and builders south of the river. Fees are quoted per matter, and the site doesn't say if the first meeting is free.
Also worth knowing
Gives a fee estimate for each matter on request, the firm says.
Lawyers
The building and construction page names Eduard Ferreira, Daniel Nugawela and Vincent Ngai; Aaron Kitson is listed as the firm's director.
Aaron Kitson, Director
Eduard Ferreira, Special Counsel, construction and commercial litigation
Daniel Nugawela, Senior Associate
Vincent Ngai, Solicitor
Areas of construction law handled
Building contract drafting, review and negotiation
Free, no obligation consultation. Fixed pricing through a membership model, and the firm says new members can cancel within 30 days.
Office
Level 29, 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
LegalVision is a national commercial firm based in Sydney that works mostly online, with a Perth office on St Georges Terrace open by appointment. Its construction team drafts and negotiates building and engineering contracts, standard form contracts and terms of trade, and handles security of payment claims and building disputes. Clients range from builders and contractors to engineers, suppliers and home owners. The model is a membership with fixed pricing, which suits businesses wanting ongoing contract help rather than a one-off dispute. The firm offers a free, no obligation consultation and says it quotes construction work within an hour.
Also worth knowing
The Perth office on St Georges Terrace is open by appointment only.
Areas of construction law handled
Construction contract drafting and negotiation
Engineering contracts
Standard form contracts
Terms of trade
Security of payment claims
Building disputes
Joint venture agreements
Development applications
Procurement and tendering advice
Risk management advice
Office
Level 29, 221 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Other details
Other offices
Sydney (head office), Melbourne and Brisbane, plus the UK and New Zealand
Hourly rates or fixed fee arrangements, according to the firm. No first consultation terms published.
Office
Suite 5, 156 Oxford Street, Leederville WA 6007
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Momentum Legal is a small Leederville practice run by directors Rob Marando and Mark Blatchford, both formerly at what the firm calls WA's largest independent law firm. Their construction work centres on design, construction and product defect claims for principals, contractors and subcontractors, often tied up with insurance cover and negligence. Marando's listed cases include litigation involving home builder BGC Residential. The firm says one senior lawyer handles each matter personally. It suits builders and subcontractors facing defect claims with an insurance angle. The firm offers hourly rates and fixed fee arrangements.
Also worth knowing
The firm offers hourly rates and fixed fee arrangements.
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Not sure which firm suits you?
Tell us a little about your matter and we'll put you in touch with a Perth construction lawyer. It's free and there's no obligation.
How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Perth office whose own websites show real building and construction work. For each firm we read its website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. Some firms here mainly act for contractors and businesses on larger projects, and we say so in the write-up. Fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them in your costs agreement. We show Google ratings with the date we checked them.
No firm pays for its place on this list, and the order is our own. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules, time limits and fees are as published by the WA Government, Building and Energy and the WA courts in October 2026.
Getting paid under the Security of Payment Act
WA's Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021 applies to construction contracts entered into on or after 1 August 2022. Contracts signed before then stay under the Construction Contracts Act 2004. A payment claim must be in writing, state the amount, describe the work and say it's made under the Act. "Pay when paid" clauses have no effect.
Step
Time limit
Payment schedule in reply to a claim
Within 15 business days, or earlier if the contract says so
Payment to a head contractor
Within 20 business days of the claim, at most
Payment to a subcontractor
Within 25 business days of the claim, at most
Home building work, if the contract is silent
10 business days after the claim
Adjudication application
Within 20 business days of becoming entitled to apply
Adjudication response
Within 10 business days of receiving the application
Adjudicator's decision
Within 10 business days of the response date, unless the parties agree to extend
If no payment schedule was given and you weren't paid, you first give a notice of intention to apply, within 20 business days after payment was due. The other side then has 5 business days to give a payment schedule. Under the Act, business days exclude everything from 22 December to 10 January. Adjudicator fees are usually split evenly, and legal costs of an adjudication can't be recovered. A determination can be enforced as a judgment, and you can still go to court later.
Retention money must be held on trust
Retention money withheld under an eligible contract has to be held on trust. The rule applied to contracts over $1 million from 1 February 2023, and to contracts over $20,000 from 1 February 2024. It isn't retrospective.
The account: with a recognised financial institution, with "trust account" in its name, opened within 10 business days of the contract
Records: reconciled monthly and kept for 3 years after the account closes
Exclusions: include head contracts with government bodies and contracts with individual home owners
Breaching some of the trust requirements has been an offence since 1 February 2024.
Home building contracts
The Home Building Contracts Act 1991 covers home building contracts priced at more than $7,500 and less than $500,000. The builder must give you the Notice for the homeowner before you sign, and the protections apply whether or not the builder is registered.
Deposit: no more than 6.5% of the contract price, or up to 20% for cabinetry work where most of the work is done off site
Progress payments: only for work done or goods supplied
Variations: must be in writing, dated and signed by both of you before the changed work starts
Defects: tell the builder within 4 months of practical completion, or longer if the contract allows
Home indemnity insurance: required for work needing a building permit and valued over $20,000. It's last resort cover if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent
A registered builder is generally needed for work of $20,000 or more that needs a building permit. From 1 July 2026, sheds, carports and garages under $50,000 no longer need a registered builder, though they still need a building permit. Most home renovation contracts under $500,000 with an individual owner fall outside the Security of Payment Act.
Defects and building complaints
Building service complaints and home building contract disputes go to the Building Commissioner, not the Building Services Board, which deals with registration. You must give the other party a Notice of Proposed Complaint at least 14 days before you lodge.
Type of complaint
Time limit
Defective or unsatisfactory building work
6 years after the work was completed
Failed Typlex polybutylene pipes
15 years after completion
Home building contract dispute (contracts over $7,500 and under $500,000)
Generally 3 years from when the dispute arose
The lodging fee is $122, or $61 with a concession, as published by Building and Energy. The Commissioner can make remedy orders, but can't order more than $100,000 without consent and may refer complex disputes to the State Administrative Tribunal.
Where Perth construction disputes are decided
Adjudication: payment disputes under the Security of Payment Act, through an authorised nominating authority
Building Commissioner and SAT: home owner defect and contract disputes. SAT is at Level 6, 565 Hay Street, Perth
Magistrates Court: claims up to $75,000, at 501 Hay Street
District Court: claims up to $750,000, at 500 Hay Street
Supreme Court: larger claims, at the David Malcolm Justice Centre, 28 Barrack Street
Costs and free help
WA lawyers have applied the Legal Profession Uniform Law since 1 July 2022. Your lawyer must give you a written estimate of total costs if they're likely to be more than $750. That disclosure isn't required for "commercial or government clients", a defined term that covers larger businesses rather than most small builders, so if you're unsure, ask for an estimate anyway.
Building and Energy: 1300 489 099, for building complaints, registration and security of payment information
Small Business Development Corporation: 133 140, for disputes between businesses
Consumer Protection WA: 1300 30 40 54, for consumer complaints about traders
Legal Aid WA Infoline: 1300 650 579. Legal Aid doesn't advise business owners, but can point individuals to other help
Perth construction law: common questions
How quickly do I have to be paid on a progress claim in WA?
Under the Security of Payment Act, a head contractor must be paid within 20 business days of a payment claim and a subcontractor within 25, unless the contract sets an earlier date. For home building work where the contract is silent, payment is due 10 business days after the claim.
What happens if the other side doesn't send a payment schedule?
If no payment schedule is given within 15 business days, the amount you claimed becomes payable. If it still isn't paid, you can give a notice of intention to apply for adjudication, then apply if they don't give a payment schedule within 5 business days.
Does the Security of Payment Act cover my home renovation?
Usually not. It doesn't apply to a home building contract with an individual owner worth $500,000 or less, unless it's a subcontract or a development business. Home owners use the Building Commissioner and the Home Building Contracts Act instead.
How long do I have to complain about defective building work?
Generally 6 years after the work was completed, or 15 years for failed Typlex pipes. A home building contract dispute generally has to be lodged within 3 years of when it arose.
Can I get my legal costs back after an adjudication?
No. Legal costs of an adjudication can't be recovered, and the adjudicator's fees are usually split evenly. That's one reason adjudication is built to be quick.
Which law applies to a contract signed before August 2022?
The Construction Contracts Act 2004 still applies to construction contracts entered into before 1 August 2022. The Security of Payment Act 2021 covers contracts from that date.
Does my builder need home indemnity insurance?
Yes, for residential work that needs a building permit and is valued over $20,000. The builder must give you the insurance certificate before asking for any payment, including a deposit.
