About Our Law Firm
Welcome to Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys – your trusted partner for NCAT representation in Ballina and the surrounding suburbs of Lennox Head, Alstonville, East Ballina, West Ballina, and Wollongbar. With a dedicated focus on resolving building disputes, our seasoned legal team brings over a decade of expertise to the table. We understand the unique challenges homeowners face, and we’re committed to delivering tailored legal advice and representation. From legal guidance and document preparation to skilled negotiation and expert referrals, we’re here to guide you through every step of the NCAT process. Count on us for strategic solutions that protect your interests and rights.

What is NCAT?
NCAT, short for the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, stands as a pivotal statutory body, offering a platform for resolving an array of disputes, with a notable focus on building and construction conflicts. Serving as an accessible and affordable avenue for justice, NCAT caters to individuals throughout New South Wales.
Functioning under the purview of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, NCAT comprises distinct divisions: the Consumer and Commercial Division, Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division, and Occupational Division.
Of particular relevance is the Consumer and Commercial Division, entrusted with addressing building and construction disputes. This division undertakes cases encompassing both residential and commercial building conflicts, spanning concerns like unfinished or faulty work, monetary disputes, contractual variations, and breaches. The foundation of NCAT’s jurisdiction in building disputes stems from the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW).
At its core, NCAT champions swift, efficient, and cost-effective dispute resolution, aiming to bypass cumbersome court procedures. Parties are encouraged to explore mediation or conciliation for settlement; when these avenues prove unfruitful, NCAT can wield authoritative directives to reach resolution.
Distinguished by its user-friendly approach, NCAT furnishes a repertoire of services, facilitating parties in manoeuvring the resolution process. It extends information, procedural guidance, requisite forms, and aid in dispute resolution such as mediation or conciliation.

NCAT Legal Services We Offer
Navigating building disputes within the NCAT framework can be intricate, even when NCAT is not physically present in Ballina. Our adept construction disputes lawyer extends comprehensive legal services tailored to homeowners in Ballina and the surrounding suburbs of Lennox Head, Alstonville, East Ballina, West Ballina, and Wollongbar. While there might be no NCAT in Ballina, rest assured our seasoned expertise covers online audio-visual NCAT proceedings.
Legal Representation
Enlist our skilled legal representation at NCAT hearings. Our principal lawyer, John Dela Cruz, adeptly negotiates with the opposing party and presents your case persuasively for optimal outcomes.
Legal Advice
Document Preparation
Dispute Resolution
Forge ahead with alternative dispute resolution, like mediation or conciliation, for swift and cost-effective solutions.
Referral to Building Experts
Directions and Final Hearing
NCAT Appeal
Why Hire an NCAT Lawyer
1. NCAT Advice and Assurance
2. Expertise in Building and Construction Law
3. Legal Representation
4. Negotiation
5. Evidence and Documentation
6. Procedural Knowledge
Meet Our Principal Lawyer
At the helm of Contracts Specialist stands John Dela Cruz, a distinguished building and construction lawyer with a wealth of experience spanning over a decade. John has made his mark as a guiding force for homeowners embroiled in NCAT matters, particularly in the realm of building disputes. His unwavering commitment revolves around untangling the complexities of legal issues surrounding building and construction projects.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has adroitly represented clients across an expansive spectrum of disputes – ranging from defects and unfinished works to variations, quantum meruit, suspension of works, contract terminations, repudiation, and the gamut of prevailing building law and contractual disputes. His prowess extends seamlessly to both the consumer and commercial wings of NCAT, including the esteemed appeals panel.
While his base is rooted in Sydney, John extends his services to homeowners across New South Wales in dire need of legal guidance or representation in NCAT proceedings. Recognizing the tumultuous nature of building disputes, he remains steadfast in providing pragmatic and efficacious legal remedies, meticulously tailored to each client’s distinctive requisites.
Over the course of his journey, John has meticulously cultivated a network brimming with proficient building expert witnesses, an invaluable resource when navigating the intricacies of building disputes. His synergistic relationships with these experts bolster his capability to fortify compelling cases for clients.
John’s profound comprehension of NCAT’s operational dynamics, encompassing the regulatory intricacies of NCAT, its registry, and hearings, underscores his role as a seasoned legal advisor. This acumen empowers him to impart informed and strategic counsel, steering clients toward the zenith of their building dispute resolution.
In the realm of building disputes and NCAT representation, John Dela Cruz stands as a beacon of expertise, diligently guiding homeowners through the legal labyrinth with unswerving dedication.
Get Legal Advice
Untangling the intricacies of a building dispute demands seasoned expertise, a challenge met head-on with the aid of a proficient NCAT lawyer. Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys excel in delivering tailored legal services to homeowners enmeshed in NCAT matters, prominently within the sphere of building disputes.
Whether you’re in need of legal representation or astute legal counsel, our unwavering commitment guarantees the utmost quality of legal support. Our extensive track record of representing clients in building disputes underscores our profound grasp of NCAT’s procedural intricacies and requisites.
Should the expertise of an NCAT lawyer be your need, hesitate not to reach out. Our mission is laser-focused on steering your building dispute toward an optimal resolution, accompanied by unwavering guidance throughout the legal journey.
Securing adept legal advice in its early stages circumvents labyrinthine legal quandaries, safeguarding your interests. Don’t delay; contact us today to schedule a comprehensive legal consultation. Embark on a journey toward a clearer understanding of your options and discover how our adept guidance can pave the path to a favourable outcome in your building dispute.
Resolve Your Home Building Dispute Swiftly and Successfully: Take the Next Step
Our specialised legal services are meticulously tailored to cater to the specific needs of each client. Acknowledging the intricate nature of building disputes, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bestow clients with the indispensable guidance and support requisite for efficiently and cost-effectively resolving construction conflicts.
While attending an NCAT hearing and making an application sans legal representation is entirely plausible, there are scenarios where seeking legal counsel proves advantageous. Factors such as the complexity of legal or factual nuances, the presence of opposing legal representation, or the monetary magnitude of the claim may warrant seeking leave of the Tribunal to acquire legal representation.
Should uncertainty envelop your need for legal representation in your NCAT building dispute, the wisest course of action is seeking professional legal advice. As a seasoned NCAT lawyer, I am poised to furnish you with the sagacious guidance and expertise requisite for well-informed decisions concerning your legal trajectory.
For tailored legal representation or advice, reach out to us without hesitation. Your quest for an optimal resolution finds a steadfast ally in our legal services, catering to homeowners, builders, and contractors in Ballina, Lennox Head, Alstonville, East Ballina, West Ballina, and Wollongbar. Emanate empowerment in your home building resolution – contact us today.