Specialist Contractor Dispute Lawyers for Australian Businesses
Businesses depend on suppliers and contractors, and when those relationships go wrong the effects spread quickly through operations, projects and cash flow. Common issues include late or defective work, goods that do not meet the agreed specification, disagreements over scope and variations, unpaid amounts and wrongful termination. We advise businesses across Australia on resolving disputes with suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.
Our team has deep experience with supply agreements and contractor and subcontractor contracts, and with the disputes that arise under them. We assess the contract and the history of dealings early, advise on realistic outcomes and pursue the path most likely to protect our client’s interests, whether that’s negotiating a fix, recovering a loss or defending a claim. Fixed-fee options are available for defined stages of a matter, and we act nationally from offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Contractor & Subcontractor Disputes
We act in disputes over the performance, payment and termination of contractors and subcontractors.
Supply Agreement Disputes
We advise on disputes over supply terms, pricing, volumes and delivery under supply agreements.
Defective Work & Non-Conforming Goods
We help recover losses where work or goods are late, defective or not as agreed.
Scope, Variation & Payment Disputes
We advise on disagreements over scope, variations and amounts owed to or by a contractor or supplier.
Termination & Exit Disputes
We advise on terminating, or defending the termination of, a supplier or contractor relationship.
Negotiation, Mediation & Litigation Support
We resolve supplier and contractor disputes through negotiation and mediation where possible, and litigate when necessary.
Our Services
- Supplier and Customer Disputes
- Contract Disputes
- Breach of Contract Claims
- Unclear Payment Terms
- Poor Termination Provisions
- Corporate and Commercial Litigation
- Dispute Resolution Services
FAQs
The most common are late or defective work, goods that do not meet the agreed specification, disagreements over scope and variations, disputes about payment and disputes about whether and how the contract can be terminated. Most arise from unclear terms or a breakdown in communication.
Allied Legal identifies the real issue in the dispute and the contract terms that govern it, so the response is targeted rather than reactive.
Check what the contract says about notice, cure periods and remedies before acting, and keep records of the breach and the loss it has caused. Depending on the contract, you may be able to require the problem to be fixed, claim damages or terminate.
Allied Legal reviews the contract and the facts and advises on the strongest step, taking care that your own actions don’t put you in breach.
Sometimes. Whether you can withhold or reduce payment depends on the contract, including any set-off and notice provisions, and on whether the issue is genuine. Withholding payment without a proper basis can itself be a breach, and security of payment laws may apply in construction contracts.
Allied Legal assesses whether withholding is justified and how to do it safely, or defends the position if the supplier or contractor is claiming payment from you.
Termination should follow the contract’s own process, including any required notices and opportunities to remedy. Terminating without a valid right can expose you to a claim for damages, even if the other party was in the wrong.
Allied Legal reviews your termination rights and manages the process so you can exit the relationship with minimal risk.
Most are resolved through negotiation or mediation, often guided by the dispute resolution clause in the contract, with court proceedings available if that fails. Continuing the commercial relationship is sometimes possible if the dispute is handled early.
Allied Legal manages this process on your behalf, pushing for a commercially sensible outcome while preserving your right to litigate if needed.
As soon as a problem becomes serious, ideally before payments are withheld or notices of termination are sent. Early advice can protect your position and often resolves the issue before it escalates.
Allied Legal reviews your contract and the situation promptly and recommends the next steps to protect your business.
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