Clear Legal Advice for Architects, Engineers and Project Consultants

As a construction professional, you’re expected to juggle design, delivery, documentation and compliance; all while maintaining independence and managing client expectations. Whether you’re an architect preparing tender documents, an engineer overseeing structural works, or a certifier navigating compliance, legal risk is part of your day-to-day.
At Enterprise Legal, we work with construction professionals across Queensland to help you understand your rights and obligations, manage risk across your appointments, and respond confidently when issues arise. We provide upfront advice, contract reviews, and strategic support when projects don’t go to plan.
Before You’re Engaged
Professionals are often asked to start work informally or under unclear terms. We help you get your engagement right from the start, including:
- Reviewing and negotiating consultant agreements, client instructions or novation deeds
- Advising on professional obligations, licencing and legislative requirements
- Clarifying your role under construction contracts, including superintendent responsibilities
- Drafting clear scopes, deliverables and limitation of liability clauses, see Business Documents
- Reviewing third-party contracts you may need to administer or interact with
- Advising on insurance requirements and disclosure of limitations
Early legal input helps avoid scope creep, misaligned expectations, and claims of breach or negligence later on.
While the Project is Underway
Even experienced professionals can be drawn into project issues; especially when variations arise or project parties stop communicating. We assist with:
- Clarifying your obligations in assessing claims, issuing certifications or responding to instructions
- Helping you deal with disputed instructions or unrealistic client expectations
- Advising on partial novation, dual roles or inconsistent documentation
- Responding to scope change requests or directions outside your contract
- Preserving your independence and managing exposure to conflict of interest allegations
We understand your role in the broader consultant and contractor ecosystem, and we tailor our advice to balance your legal duties with commercial and relational realities.
When a Dispute or Claim Arises
Construction professionals are often the first target when things go wrong — even if the issue is outside their control. When a claim or complaint is made, we act fast to assess the risk and defend your position.
We assist professionals with:
- Responding to allegations of professional negligence or breach of duty
- Managing complaints to industry regulators or insurers
- Defending claims under consultant agreements or project contracts
- Advising on liability for defective design or certification issues
- Negotiating outcomes or preparing for litigation
- Resolving disputes relating to incomplete or unpaid scopes of work
Our team is experienced in navigating the complex intersection between design obligations, contract administration and liability frameworks.
See Professional Negligence Claims and Building & Construction Disputes for more detail.
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FAQs for Construction Professionals
Need legal support as a construction consultant or professional?
Book a consultation with our construction lawyers today and protect your reputation, your work and your legal position.
