About Our Law Firm
At Contracts Specialist, we offer the residents of Balmain and its neighbouring areas, including Birchgrove, Rozelle, Balmain East, Pyrmont, Lilyfield, Woolwich, Barangaroo, Millers Point, Glebe, and Drummoyne, our profound expertise in construction debt recovery. With over 13 years of specialisation in Security of Payment, adjudication, and litigation, our commitment is unwavering. We deeply understand the distinct needs of builders and contractors in the construction sector. While we are dedicated to serving the builders and contractors of Balmain and its surrounding suburbs, it’s essential to note that our physical presence is outside this area. We emphasise providing tailored legal advice, ensuring clients feel understood and supported.

Construction Debt Recovery
In building and construction, contractors frequently encounter situations where payments are overdue, leaving them grappling with financial uncertainties. Fortunately, several avenues are available to reclaim the funds rightfully owed:
- Dispatching a robust letter of demand.
- Leveraging statutory orders to compel payment.
- Exploring alternative dispute resolutions, such as mediation.
- Resorting to adjudication under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW).
- Pursuing claims through NSW tribunals or courts for decisive action.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are battling unpaid dues from a principal or head contractor. Contracts Specialist’s adept debt recovery lawyers are at your service, dedicated to the communities of Balmain and its neighbouring locales: Birchgrove, Rozelle, Balmain East, Pyrmont, Lilyfield, Woolwich, Barangaroo, Millers Point, Glebe, and Drummoyne. We’re here to ensure you’re compensated for your hard work.
Our Services
Letter of Demand
A pivotal initial step, the letter of demand is a formal request to repay debts stemming from construction tasks or providing goods/services. This approach aims to address payment discrepancies swiftly, often bypassing the need for court intervention.
Payment Claim
Utilising the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW), we aid in crafting compliant payment claims. This ensures timely compensation for your construction efforts and associated services, even when the contract lacks specific progress payment stipulations.
Adjudication Application
Should disagreements arise over payment schedules or face payment delays, we shepherd you through the adjudication process. This method, under the aforementioned Act, offers a quicker resolution before considering court proceedings.
Tribunal and Court
When circumstances demand, we stand by you in navigating the intricacies of the NCAT or court processes. From drafting your Statement of Claim to enforcing judgement debts, our proficiency ensures a seamless journey through the legal maze, always in compliance with regulations and timelines.
Benefits of Our Services
Time and Money Savings
Ensuring Satisfaction
Successful Outcomes
Meet Our Principal Lawyer
At the heart of Contracts Specialist is our Principal Lawyer, John Dela Cruz. A stalwart in construction law, John brings an impressive tenure of over 13 years, specialising in Security of Payment and debt recovery services tailored for contractors and builders within the NSW construction landscape.
John’s illustrious career boasts roles as the legal counsel for a renowned Dow 30 construction entity and a stint as a Government Solicitor. His leadership acumen is evident, having helmed positions such as the Divisional President of the Master Builders Association (NSW) and initiated ventures like the Small Builders Building Software.
His prowess encompasses drafting and scrutinising many construction contracts, spanning residential to commercial agreements. With a comprehensive grasp of construction law across Australia, John adeptly demystifies intricate legal problems related to commercial and construction management contracts.