Every matter overseen personally, first call to resolution
From the first draft to a dispute under the contract
Response to enquiries received before 3pm
Acting for developers, builders, subcontractors and owners across the state
Archer Lawyers acts for developers, builders, subcontractors and owners on building and construction contracts across New South Wales, from a single set of special conditions to a contract that has broken down mid-project.
We act on both sides of these disputes, so the advice reflects how these matters actually resolve, not just how they would be argued.
Contract work sits alongside our construction disputes, building defects and strata work, which matters when a question about a clause turns into a dispute about the project: it stays with the same lawyer instead of being handed on.
We are a lean, hands-on firm. The person advising you is the person running your matter, from first instruction through to resolution.
We read the contract and the correspondence and work out where you actually stand: what was agreed, what the other side can and cannot require, and which clauses matter. Before signing, we negotiate the terms that carry the risk. Once work is underway, we deal directly with the other side over variations, delays or termination. Where it is needed, we take the matter to the tribunal or the court.
A short phone conversation with our principal. We look at the contract and what has happened so far, and give you a clear view of your options and likely next steps - free, and with no obligation to proceed.
No. A signed contract still sets out rights and obligations on both sides, and those are what matter when a variation is disputed, the program slips or someone raises termination. The earlier we see the contract and the correspondence, the more options there usually are, so send it through even if you are not sure it has become a dispute yet.
Matthew personally oversees every matter Archer takes on, from the first call through to resolution. He acts for developers, builders, subcontractors and owners, and most of the disputes he runs trace back to a clause nobody questioned before signing.
A developer’s special conditions reviewed and the risk-shifting clauses pushed back before signing.
A builder’s variation claims were rejected as falling within the original scope.
A subcontractor received a notice to show cause and faced removal from the job.
— Reviewing and negotiating building and construction contracts before you sign
— Drafting contracts and special conditions for developers, builders and subcontractors
— Standard-form contracts, including Australian Standard, HIA and Master Builders forms
— Disputed variations, delays and extensions of time
— Retention, bank guarantees and security under the contract
— Defective work, notices and termination under a building contract
— Contract terms that put the risk where it can be managed, agreed before you sign
— A claim resisted, or narrowed to what the contract actually supports
— Resolution without the cost and delay of a full hearing, wherever that serves your interests
— A clear, defensible position if the matter does proceed to the tribunal or the court
Contract structure and risk allocation across a project, and the claims when it slips.
Head contracts and special conditions, and variation or delay disputes once work starts.
Terms imposed by a head contractor, before you commit and when they are enforced.
What you are signing, and where you stand when the build is not going to plan.
Free to start, and you will know where you stand before you commit to anything.
A few details on the form below — we get back to you personally, the same day if we receive it before 3pm.
Free Initial ConsultationA plain-English conversation about the contract and where you stand. Free, no obligation, and if your position is sound we will tell you that too.
Our principal sets out which clauses matter, what to push back on or how to answer the other side, and the next step.
Offices in Parramatta and Sydney — available for a conversation in person.
Phone consultations available at a time that works for you.
Tell us briefly what has happened. Our principal will personally review it and respond the same day if we receive it before 3pm. If a signing deadline, a notice or a termination is running, say so and we will prioritise it.
We respond personally — no call centre, no automated queue.
