Building & Construction Lawyers
Get expert legal support across all stages of your construction project
Whether you’re a contractor, developer, builder, or subcontractor, construction projects come with legal risk.
At Cohen Legal, we help you navigate contracts (including residential building contracts), payment disputes, project delays, defective work claims, and regulatory compliance—so your business stays protected and profitable.
Led by Samantha Cohen, Chair of the Queensland Law Society Construction & Infrastructure Committee, Cohen Legal are uniquely positioned to offer practical, commercially grounded advice for construction law matters across North Queensland.
“In construction, time really is money. If you’re facing a delay or dispute, don’t wait. The earlier we’re involved, the better your outcome will be — legally and commercially.”
– Sam Cohen, Principal
Sam has over 15 years’ experience in the building and construction, mining and civil engineering industries prior to becoming a lawyer.
“We faced a payment dispute that threatened our entire project. Cohen Legal stepped in, explained our rights, and resolved the issue quickly and professionally. Their knowledge of construction law—and the industry—was invaluable.”
— Construction Business Owner, Townsville
How We Help with Building & Construction Matters
Resolving Building Disputes Quickly & Strategically
From unpaid invoices to defective work, delays, and contract breaches, we help clients navigate disputes with speed, clarity, and strength.
As one of the few regional firms with in-house litigation capability, we know how to assess a dispute early then act fast to protect your position. Whether it’s recovering payment through the Security of Payment Act, dealing with a non-performing subcontractor, or responding to a claim, we cut through the noise and get to the core issues.
Drafting and Reviewing Construction Contracts
A poorly drafted contract is the fastest way to lose profit, control, or rights on a project.
We assist with the drafting, review and negotiation of construction contracts, from head contracts and subcontracts to procurement arrangements and service agreements. Our advice isn’t just legal – it’s operational. We explain the risk points, show you what could go wrong, and help you structure agreements to avoid disputes in the first place.
Proactive Risk Management & System Improvements
What sets us apart is that we don’t just fix problems – we help prevent them.
During or after a dispute, we’ll often work with clients to improve their internal processes; whether that’s onboarding better contract templates, improving document retention, or refining communication workflows between head contractors and subcontractors.
This turns litigation from a drain into an opportunity for growth.
Supporting Compliance & Licensing Under QBCC and Fairness Acts
We assist builders and contractors with a range of compliance and regulatory issues, including:
- Licensing and eligibility disputes
- QBCC disciplinary matters
- Home Warranty Scheme concerns
- Obligations under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act
Our role is to help you understand what’s required, respond to regulatory issues with confidence, and ensure your business meets its obligations without overloading admin teams or exposing you to unnecessary risk.
As active contributors to industry reform and policy development, we understand the regulatory environment better than most.
Who We Work With
- Commercial builders
- Civil contractors
- Residential builders
- Developers
- Subcontractors
- Engineers and architects
- Government project stakeholders
Whether you’re just starting a build or defending your position in litigation, we walk with you every step of the way:
Why Choose Cohen Legal
- Real Construction Experience: Samantha Cohen worked in commercial construction management and experience in residential construction before becoming a lawyer. She speaks your language – and understands your margins.
- North Queensland Based, Regionally Trusted: Proudly supporting builders across North Queensland including Townsville, Mt Isa, Ingham, Charters Towers, and Port Douglas.
- Rapid Response: We operate on strict 24-hour correspondence protocols so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
- Dispute Prevention Focus: We act quickly to protect your interests and keep projects moving forward.
Need Construction Legal Advice?
Don’t let a legal issue stall your project. Talk to Townsville’s trusted construction lawyers.
Book a Consultation
Call 07 4721 0264
Cohen Legal. Our business is protecting yours.
Relevant Blogs
The Culture Behind Cohen Legal’s Intentional Growth
Growth in a law firm isn’t about size — it’s about capability.
At Cohen Legal, every new team member has been added intentionally to strengthen our litigation focus and deepen our expertise across Townsville and North Queensland.
We’re not the firm for everyone, and we don’t aim to be.
Here’s how our values-driven approach shapes who we hire, how we work, and what that means for our clients.
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