About Our Law Firm
Our expertise lies in providing exceptional legal services to homeowners in NCAT matters, focusing particularly on building disputes. We cater to Surry Hills residents and those in surrounding suburbs like Darlinghurst, Chippendale, Haymarket, Moore Park, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Ultimo, and Alexandria.
Our comprehensive services encompass legal representation, advice, document preparation, dispute resolution, and referral to building experts. Our experienced NCAT lawyer understands the intricate laws governing building disputes, ensuring you receive tailored advice and representation. Whether you are navigating complex legal processes or aiming for a favourable resolution, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

What is NCAT?
NCAT, the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, is a vital statutory body dedicated to resolving a diverse array of disputes, including building and construction conflicts. Serving residents of Surry Hills and its neighbouring suburbs such as Darlinghurst, Chippendale, Haymarket, Moore Park, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Ultimo, and Alexandria, NCAT offers an accessible avenue for justice throughout New South Wales.
Operating under the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, NCAT comprises several divisions, including the Consumer and Commercial Division, Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division, and Occupational Division.
The Consumer and Commercial Division, relevant to building disputes, presides over residential and commercial construction conflicts. This division handles matters encompassing incomplete or substandard work, payment issues, contract breaches, and variations. The Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) underpins NCAT’s jurisdiction for building disputes.
NCAT’s essence lies in swift, efficient, and cost-effective dispute resolution, bypassing the complexities of court proceedings. It encourages parties to resolve disputes via mediation or conciliation, but if no accord is reached, NCAT wields the authority to issue binding resolutions.
Our seasoned NCAT solicitor can unravel the legal intricacies and guide you through the process, and ensure compliance with NCAT’s procedures. Whether you seek legal advice or representation, my expertise is poised to aid you in navigating and resolving your building dispute within the framework of NCAT.

NCAT Legal Services We Offer
Our firm extends an array of legal services tailored to assist homeowners in their building disputes. Serving Surry Hills and the encompassing neighbourhoods like Darlinghurst, Chippendale, Haymarket, Moore Park, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Ultimo, and Alexandria, we acknowledge that while there is not a physical NCAT in the area, we are adept at supporting homeowners in online audio-visual NCAT proceedings.
Legal Representation
Legal Advice
Document Preparation
Dispute Resolution
We adeptly navigate alternative dispute resolution routes like mediation and conciliation, sparing you formal hearing delays and expenses.
Referral to Building Experts
Our extensive network of seasoned building experts stands ready to provide specialist insights on defects, incomplete works, and variations.
Directions and Final Hearing
NCAT Appeal
We guide you through the intricate appeal process, enabling you to challenge and review NCAT decisions with the utmost precision and professionalism.
While the physical presence of NCAT may be distant, our dedication to your legal journey remains steadfast.
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
Proficient in NCAT intricacies, lawyer mitigate pitfalls, preventing detrimental errors by equipping you with procedural wisdom.
Our seasoned NCAT solicitor has an in-depth comprehension of building and construction laws. Our legal acumen extends to expert representation and advice, amplifying your odds of attaining optimal outcomes in your building dispute. Whatever your requirements—be it representation or counsel—We remain steadfast in guiding you toward resolution within the framework of NCAT.
Meet Our Principal Lawyer
Contracts Specialist is spearheaded by John Dela Cruz, a seasoned building and construction lawyer boasting over a decade’s worth of expertise in advising and representing homeowners in NCAT affairs, particularly building disputes. John’s trajectory is centred on empowering clients to surmount intricate legal dilemmas tied to building and construction ventures.
Throughout his tenure, John has adroitly navigated a spectrum of conflicts—spanning defects, incomplete works, variations, quantum meruit, suspension of works, contract termination, repudiation, and common building law and contractual disputes. His purview encompasses both consumer and commercial sectors of NCAT, coupled with the appeals panel.
Though anchored in Sydney, John’s services extend statewide, furnishing homeowners across New South Wales with indispensable legal advice and representation in NCAT proceedings. Acutely aware of the taxing nature of building disputes, John is resolute in delivering pragmatic, efficacious legal remedies tailored to each client’s distinct requisites.
Across years, John has cultivated an expansive network of proficient building expert witnesses, affording him a strategic edge in fortifying clients’ cases. John’s acumen encompasses the intricacies of NCAT, its registry, and hearings, endowing him with the capacity to dispense strategic, well-informed counsel, furthering clients’ pursuit of optimal resolutions.
Get Legal Advice
Navigating a building dispute’s intricate terrain necessitates expertise. With an accomplished NCAT lawyer by your side, securing the finest outcomes becomes attainable. At Contracts Specialist, we excel in catering to homeowners entwined in NCAT concerns, notably building disputes.
Committed to delivering premier legal services, we offer an expansive scope—be it legal representation or advice. Our wealth of experience spans client representation in building disputes, enriched by an astute grasp of NCAT’s procedural intricacies.
If you seek an NCAT lawyer’s services, hesitate not to connect with us. Focused on optimising your building dispute’s resolution, we extend unwavering guidance throughout the legal trajectory.
Early engagement with adept legal counsel not only averts complexity but also safeguards your interests. Reach out today to schedule a legal consultation. Discover how our expertise can seamlessly guide you toward your desired resolution.
Swift and Successful Resolution for Your Home Building Dispute: Step Forward
Our tailored legal services cater to individual client needs. We recognize the complexities and stress that accompany building disputes. Our commitment lies in furnishing guidance and support to efficiently and cost-effectively resolve construction conflicts.
Though representation isn’t obligatory for NCAT hearings, circumstances may warrant legal backing, particularly for intricate legal or factual matters, or if the opposing party possesses representation. Leave from the Tribunal might be needed, based on factors like monetary claim value.
Uncertain about the need for legal representation? Seek advice. Our seasoned NCAT lawyer offers insights and expertise for informed decisions on your legal matters.
For legal representation or advice on your NCAT building dispute, reach out to us. We are devoted to delivering top-tier legal services to homeowners, builders, and contractors for Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Chippendale, Haymarket, Moore Park, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Ultimo, Alexandria, and nearby areas. Your dispute’s optimal outcome is our unwavering pursuit.