About Our Law Firm
At Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys, our focus is on delivering tailored legal services to homeowners for Lismore and its neighbouring suburbs, including Goonellabah, Girards Hill, and Howards Grass. Our specialisation lies in assisting clients with NCAT matters, particularly within the realm of building disputes.
We offer a comprehensive range of legal services, meticulously designed to meet the unique requirements of each individual client. Our offerings encompass legal representation, personalised legal advice, meticulous document preparation, effective dispute resolution strategies, and the facilitation of referrals to accomplished building experts.
Engaging a lawyer is especially advantageous when dealing with the intricate legal landscape of building disputes. Our firm can provide you with vital legal counsel and robust representation. They possess the expertise to guide you through the legal process, ensuring your case is well-prepared for hearings. Additionally, they are adept at negotiation, working to secure favourable settlements before reaching the hearing stage.
We are committed to equipping you with the necessary guidance and knowledge to make well-informed decisions regarding your legal matters.

What is NCAT?
The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, commonly referred to as NCAT, serves as a pivotal statutory body dedicated to the resolution of an array of disputes, including building and construction conflicts. NCAT operates as an avenue for accessible and affordable justice for individuals across New South Wales.
Functioning under the framework of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, NCAT encompasses distinctive divisions such as the Consumer and Commercial Division, the Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division, and the Occupational Division.
Of particular relevance, the Consumer and Commercial Division assumes the role of addressing building and construction disputes. This division undertakes the adjudication of matters concerning both residential and commercial building conflicts. These include disputes regarding incomplete or defective work, financial transactions, contractual discrepancies, and variations. The jurisdiction of NCAT concerning building disputes derives from the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW).
NCAT’s primary objective revolves around the expeditious, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of disputes, avoiding the need for prolonged and expensive court proceedings. The tribunal promotes amicable settlements through mediation or conciliation. In instances where resolution remains elusive, NCAT possesses the authority to render binding orders to rectify the matter.
Accessible and user-friendly, NCAT provides an array of services designed to facilitate parties in traversing the complexities of dispute resolution. These services encompass informative resources, procedural guidance, and form-related assistance. Moreover, NCAT extends support in dispute resolution methods such as mediation and conciliation.
Here at Contracts Specialist, we stand ready to interpret the legal intricacies and requisites of NCAT proceedings. With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the dispute resolution process. Whether you seek legal representation or insightful advice, our firm is equipped to offer the expertise required to effectively address and resolve your building dispute within the framework of NCAT.

NCAT Legal Services We Offer
Our firm is committed to offering an array of legal services tailored to homeowners seeking resolution for their building disputes. Our proficiency spans a variety of areas to ensure comprehensive support throughout the process.
We provide the following legal services:
Legal Representation
We provide steadfast legal representation during NCAT proceedings. Our principal lawyer, with his wealth of experience, excels in negotiating with opposing parties and presenting compelling cases, all geared towards securing the most favourable outcomes.
Legal Advice
Document Preparation
Dispute Resolution
Seeking an alternative to formal hearings? We can help you explore dispute resolution avenues such as mediation or conciliation. These approaches facilitate swifter resolutions while sparing you the time and expense associated with formal litigation.
Referral to Building Experts
Directions and Final Hearing
While NCAT is not physically present in Lismore, our construction disputes lawyer is well-equipped to assist homeowners in remote NCAT proceedings conducted through audio-visual means. Directions hearings, a series of strategic sessions aimed at expediting proceedings, may encompass submitting pleadings, affidavits, witness statements, written submissions, and expert reports. The final hearing involves evidence presentation, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and expert insights—all areas where we can provide meticulous guidance.
NCAT Appeal
Appealing decisions made by NCAT is a nuanced process requiring a comprehensive understanding of applicable laws and procedures. Our expertise enables us to assist at every stage of the appeal, ensuring you navigate the intricacies effectively and enhance your prospects for a successful outcome.
Why Hire an NCAT Lawyer
Engaging an accomplished NCAT lawyer offers an array of advantages when it comes to settling your building dispute effectively.
Consider these compelling reasons to enlist the services of a seasoned 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
Guiding Contracts Specialist with unwavering expertise is John Dela Cruz, a distinguished building and construction lawyer boasting over a decade of experience in steering homeowners through the intricacies of NCAT matters, particularly those entangled in building disputes. John’s steadfast dedication revolves around facilitating resolutions for clients entangled in intricate legal issues linked to building and construction endeavours.
His illustrious career is punctuated by a track record of adeptly representing clients across a diverse spectrum of disputes. From managing concerns stemming from defects and incomplete projects to tackling variations, quantum meruit, suspension of works, contract terminations, repudiations, and other prevalent building law and contractual quandaries, John’s expertise spans a wide array. His domain encompasses both the consumer and commercial divisions of NCAT, with insights extending to the appeals panel.
While physically located in Sydney, John’s guidance extends to homeowners throughout New South Wales who seek advice or representation in NCAT matters. Understanding the stress building disputes can bring, he’s committed to providing practical legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
John’s approach is enhanced by a network of seasoned building expert witnesses. These relationships, cultivated over time, bolster his clients’ cases with substantial strength.
His comprehensive understanding of NCAT’s procedures, the intricate NCAT registry, and hearings equips him to provide sound and strategic advice. This empowers clients to navigate their building disputes with confidence and aim for the best possible outcomes.
Get Legal Advice
Navigating a building dispute can seem overwhelming, but with a skilled NCAT lawyer by your side, you’re poised for the best outcome. At Contracts Specialist Solicitors and Attorneys, we specialise in helping homeowners facing NCAT matters, particularly in building disputes.
Whether you need legal representation or guidance, count on us for top-tier legal services. With vast experience in handling building disputes, we’re well-versed in NCAT’s procedures and requirements.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need an NCAT lawyer. Our commitment is unwavering—we’re here to help you secure the best possible resolution for your building dispute and guide you through the legal journey.
Early expert advice can shield you from complexities and safeguard your interests. Reach out today for a legal consultation and discover how we can assist you.
Swiftly Resolve Your Home Building Dispute: Take the Next Step
Our tailored legal services cater to your unique needs. We comprehend the complexity and stress of building disputes and are devoted to guiding clients towards efficient, cost-effective resolutions.
While representation isn’t mandatory for NCAT hearings, situations arise where it proves advantageous, such as complex issues or when the opposing party has representation. If unsure, seek legal advice.
As a seasoned NCAT lawyer, I provide the guidance you require for informed decisions. For legal representation or advice in your NCAT building dispute, reach out. We’re committed to delivering premium legal services for homeowners, builders, and contractors in Lismore, Goonellabah, Girards Hill, and Howards Grass, dedicated to securing your optimal outcome.