Kennedys is expert in the construction sector with an impressive client base of industry leaders. With offices worldwide, we offer local advice set in a global context.
Our Sydney office delivers expert legal advice to Australian and international construction companies, their insurers and reinsurers, plus leading corporates and professionals operating in the construction sphere.
Our straightforward, clear, and cut to the chase approach supports clients in contentious and non-contentious construction and engineering matters.
Through informal negotiation, arbitration, expert determination, mediation, neutral evaluation, and litigation, Kennedys applies superior skills and strategies to get timely and commercially sensible outcomes.
Construction clients profit from our astute strategisation, innovative approaches, and clear focus on measurable results.
Results
Kennedys gets results. Our track record is exceptional, both in litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
We have earned a leadership position, not just because we serve industry heavyweights, but because we strategise each matter to get the outcome clients want, whether it’s the best commercial solution or a robust defence to maintain a spotless reputation. Kennedys’ results mirror client objectives.
Our services for the construction sector span:
- Construction risks and dispute resolution
- Workplace relations
- Professional standards and responsibilities
- Reputational risks
- Directors and officers duties
- Risk transfer
- Insurance and reinsurance matters
- Disciplinary tribunals
- Arbitration
- Representation at inquiries, inquests and tribunals
- Class actions
- Legislative compliance
- Competition advice
Experience
Our experience spans contentious and non-contentious matters. Projects in which we have advised, served, and represented clients range across:
- Industries - residential and commercial building and development, retail and distribution, business and financial services, transport, health, education, community services, financial services, mining and energy, utilities, communications, hospitality and tourism, entertainment and sport.
- Geographies - cities, suburbs, and regional areas across Australia and internationally.
- Sizes and scales - project values ranging from a few thousand up to many millions.
- Complexities - straightforward construction through to advanced and novel technologies.
- Sectors - public, private, PPPs, and third-sector.
- Ownerships - Commonwealth, state, territory, and local Government - public authorities, private sector, PPPs and SPVs and third-sector, charities, and not-for-profit.
Work highlights - front end
Acting for a member of a consortium bid in contract negotiations for Sydney Metro project.
Handling all contract negotiations relating to relocation of Royal Agricultural Society of NSW from Paddington to Sydney Olympic Park.
Acting for a prestigious Sydney private school in:
- A development project exceeding $30 million in value for development including preparation of contract documentation involving novel procurement methods to allow rapid commencement of the project and addressing issues arising from its location close to a rail corridor - ongoing advice throughout the project.
- Construction of a new Boarding House involving contract preparation and ongoing advice - project value exceeded $14 million.
- Various other projects at the school's campus.
Acting for several independent educational institutions in "Building Education Revolution" projects including sporting and classroom facilities, preparing contracts for engagement of consultancy team and builder, ongoing advice throughout the project.
Contract documentation for projects spanning:
- Redevelopment of the Cabrini Community aged care facility at Westmead.
- Manufacturing facility at Alexandria.
- Warehousing facilities in multiple locations including Wallgrove Road and Norwest.
Work highlights - back end
- Obtaining a verdict for a structural engineer in multi-party construction claim involving design and construction of large commercial premises in Sydney’s south-west.
- Defending a firm of fire engineers and obtaining an indemnity costs order in a complex matter brought by an owner’s corporation relating to the fire upgrade of a fifteen storey residential building.
- Acting for a large construction company in relation to environmental issues arising from wharf development of a hotel and residential premises.
- Acting for an architect in multi-party Supreme Court proceedings involving a large Central Coast apartment building.
- Detailed investigation into mining and business activities of several corporations for mining and related claims.