Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What steps must be taken before you begin work on my matter?
Before we can commence work, we require a signed cost agreement and initial trust funds to be deposited into our Law Practice Trust Account. This ensures clarity on fees and the terms of our engagement.
Do I need to book a consultation before engaging your services?
Not always. For certain matters, we can review your documents and provide a fixed-fee scope or fee estimate without an initial meeting. In other cases, a consultation may be required to better understand your matter before we can assist.
What should I provide you with before our first meeting or review?
We will let you know what we need upfront, but generally, it includes copies of any relevant contracts, correspondence, and background information about the dispute or transaction.
How can I keep my legal fees down?
Refer to our CLG Legal Fees Factsheet that gives you our 8 top tips for keeping your legal fees down.
What is the process that follows after my initial email to you advising I would like to engage your services?
Refer to our CLG Client Experience Factsheet which sets out the process that your matter will follow from initial enquiry to completion.
Why do you need the details of the other party to my dispute?
Pursuant to rule 10.1 of the Australian Solicitors Conduct Rules 2012, ‘a solicitor and law practice must avoid conflicts between duties owned to current and former clients’. It is important that you provide us with the necessary information we request so that we can carry out a conflict search to ensure we comply with our ethical obligations.
Can you just provide advice on specific issues?
Although we can provide you advice on specific issues, it is important that we obtain all necessary background information to provide well considered advice. As solicitors, there are certain ethical and professional obligations we must uphold, and therefore it is important that when providing specific advice, our advice identifies other issues that may arise in your special circumstances. We may refuse to provide advice on discreet issues.
Communication & Updates
How can I keep in contact with my lawyer?
The main (and preferred) form of communication is email. Your lawyer will also arrange meetings via Microsoft Teams or in person when needed. If something is urgent, we recommend sending an email and calling our office directly.
How often will I receive updates about my matter?
You will be updated whenever there are developments or when we require your instructions. If your matter is inactive for a period, we will still check in periodically to keep you informed.
Billing, Fees & Trust Accounts
How are fees structured?
We offer both fixed-fee and hourly-rate services depending on the matter and scope of work. All fees will be outlined in your cost agreement before any work begins.
Will I receive a quote before work starts?
Yes. If we are able to assist, you will receive a written scope of work and fee estimate or fixed fee quote, so you can decide whether to proceed.
Why do you need money deposited into your Trust Account prior to carrying out any work?
We hold money in our Law Practice Trust Account on your behalf for our estimated fees or quoted fees until we have carried out our services. We will invoice you and apply the moneys held in our Trust Account to that invoice. In the event the moneys held in our Trust Account exceed the amount on our invoice, we can either refund this amount to you if your matter is at completion, or hold the funds in trust for payment of future invoices on your matter.
Products & Downloads
What legal products do you offer online?
We currently offer downloadable legal documents including Contracts, Agreements, and Checklists. These are designed to give you clear and practical legal tools at a fixed cost.
What is your refund policy?
Because of the nature of digital products and their immediate availability to you, we do not give refunds if you change your mind or make the wrong decision. Any refund will be at our absolute discretion. We do however, welcome your feedback.
General
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We focus on construction law, including residential and commercial contract advice, dispute resolution, debt recovery, QBCC matters, adjudication/security of payment and subcontractor’s charges. In the event your matter contains issues that are outside our area of expertise, we will advise you of this and how to proceed.
I’m not sure what service I need – can you help me figure it out?
Absolutely. Contact our office and a member of our team will guide you through the process and recommend next steps or complete the general intake form here and we will get back to you.
Who regulates the building and construction industry in Queensland?
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission are responsible for regulating and balancing the interests of contractors and consumers to promote fairness within the construction industry in Queensland.
What is the QBCC?
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is a statutory body that was formed under the Queensland Building and Constriction Commission Act 1991 to regulate the building industry by ensuring maintenance of proper standards and achieving a balance between the interest of contractors and consumers.
How can I resolve my dispute?
It is not uncommon for disputes to result in litigation, which is a timely and expensive process. To avoid the risk of your dispute becoming litigious, you should retain a lawyer as early as possible to provide you advice on your dispute and the best way to resolve it. Often lawyers are able to resolve disputes quickly by providing you with the best options available in your circumstances as well as ensuring you fully understand your rights and obligations.
What do I do if my Builder is in breach of our building contract?
Depending on the breach, you may be entitled to terminate your building contract, claim damages for breach of contract or make a claim under the QBCC’s Home Warranty Scheme. It is important that you seek legal advice as soon as you consider the other party to your contract is in breach and prior to attempting to terminate your contract. Contracts can often have specific requirements that govern how you can validly terminate your contract.
What should I do before I sign a building contract?
Even when using/signing a standard form contract, it is important that you obtain advice from an experienced construction lawyer. There are often clauses or terms which could be detrimental to your specific circumstances. Obtaining a thorough contract review can mitigate any future issues that may arise.
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