When it comes to hiring a lawyer, there can be a lot of things to consider. You want someone knowledgeable about the law and also someone who is experienced enough to handle your case. And when it comes to construction and building law, the stakes are even higher.
Constructing a building complex or undertaking any other form of large-scale construction project requires expert legal advice to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. And this article will cover what you need to look out for when hiring one so that you can make the best decision for your project.
The building and construction industry employs a large number of lawyers in Brisbane. In 2015, there were 1,543 building and construction lawyers in Brisbane working in the industry in the city, making up 12.1% of all lawyers in Brisbane. This is a significant increase from the 1,212 lawyers working in the industry in 2014 and reflects the growing need for legal services in the city.
Most building and construction attorneys work for private firms, with 64.4% of all lawyers employed by such firms in 2015. The number of lawyers working for the government had also increased slightly since 2014 when the government employed 18.4% of all lawyers in the industry. And this increase is likely due to the growing number of regulations and laws that apply to the construction industry.
Who Are They?
When it comes to construction, there are a lot of different moving parts. There are contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and more. But the lawyer is one of the most critical players in any construction project.
They specialise in the legal aspects of construction projects and can help with everything from negotiating contracts to resolving disputes. As such, there are two main types of building and construction lawyers in Brisbane: Building lawyers handle the legal aspects of commercial and residential projects, while construction lawyers focus on public works projects like bridges and roads.
What Do They Do?
They can help with the planning and zoning of your construction project, they can help with the permits and inspections that are required, and they can help to resolve any disputes that may arise during the project.
They also know building codes and regulations, so they can ensure that your construction project complies with all local, state, and federal laws. In addition, they can guide you on environmental issues that may impact your construction project.
Finally, they can also represent you in court if any legal issues arise during or after the completion of your project. The most important statistic is that over 80% of all construction projects in Brisbane experience some legal dispute, while one in four construction disputes ends up in court, and the average cost of a construction dispute is $140,000. So with suitable representation, such situations can be avoided.
How Much Do They Charge?
They typically charge by the hour, and the hourly rate will vary depending on their experience and location. But generally, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 per hour.
When Do You Need One?
The best time to hire is at the beginning of your project before any contracts are signed. This will allow them to review all documents and advise you on any risks or potential problems. And if you have already signed contracts, it may still be possible to negotiate better terms or resolve disputes before they escalate into litigation.
When hiring a legal representative, there are many things to consider, from their experience in the field and industry knowledge to their fee structure and ability to provide all the legal services you need. So, it would help if you spent time researching potential ones before deciding which expert would be best suited for your particular situation. And with careful consideration of all the available options, you can find the ideal professional with the expertise necessary to complete your project successfully with minimal headaches or delays down the road.
