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Building & Construction
Lawyers Melbourne

Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation
 
WINNER – Best Construction & Property Litigation Firm
(2025, Victoria, APAC Legal Awards)

When a building project goes wrong, it can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming. At Olivine Lawyers, we help homeowners, builders, and contractors resolve building and construction disputes quickly, cost-effectively and with clarity — so you can move forward with confidence.

WINNER
Best Construction & Property Litigation Firm in Victoria

AIS-Jun25274_Olivine Lawyers_APAC Legal
Building Construction

How We Help

We act for clients across all stages of construction, including:

Building Contracts & Agreements

  • Contract Review

  • Contract Negotiation

  • New Building Contracts

  • Drafting Contracts

  • Contract Termination

  • ​Contract Disputes

  • Off The Plan Contracts

Residential Building Disputes

  • Handling disputes over defective building work

  • Resolving contract breaches and payment issues

  • Addressing delays and incomplete projects

  • Mediation and negotiation with builders and contractors

  • Representation at DBDRV and VCAT hearings

Commercial 

Construction Disputes

  • Builder Insolvency

  • Commercial Contractors

  • Property Development & Construction

  • Owners Corporation Issues

  • Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (SOPA) Claims

  • Council Disputes

  • Debt Recovery

  • Terms of trade

Building Defect Claims & Litigation

  • Complex Defect Cases

  • Advising on Legal Remedies & Compensation

  • Home Warranty Insurance Claims

  • Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) Advice

  • Building Delay Issues

Our Approach

Every dispute is different, but our process is designed to make it simple for you:

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss & review your matter with you.

2. Clear Strategy

You’ll receive tailored advice and a step-by-step strategy with transparent costs.

3. Resolution

We work to resolve your matter through negotiation, mediation, or litigation where necessary.

LIV
Accredited Specialist
 

Commercial Litigation LIV Accredited Specialist logo

We are one of only a handful of Melbourne Law Firms to be recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria as a Specialist Firm.

 

Our Principal Christian Marcus is one of only 38 Accredited Specialist Solicitors in Commercial Litigation in Victoria. With over 15 years experience, you can trust that your case is in the best hands.

Christian Profile Photo May 2024.png

OUR EXPERTISE

Christian Marcus
Principal Solicitor

Christian has been practising as a lawyer for over 15 years. He is one of only 38 Accredited Specialists in Victoria in Commercial Litigation.

 

Christian has a strong background in complex residential and commercial construction matters and property law.

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Christian regularly appears in various courts including VCAT, County Court, Supreme Court and others. He acts for and against large corporations, builders, councils and more.​

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Christian only takes on a limited number of clients in order to give each client the commitment and focus they deserve. He is dedicated to delivering outstanding outcomes for every client.

 

Christian aims to simplify complex matters, and communicates with you so that you can easily understand where your matter is at every step of the way. ​​

Ready to Resolve Your Building Dispute?

Disputes are stressful. Getting clear, strategic advice can make all the difference. Let us help you understand your position and options.

Who We Act For

01.

Property & Home Owners

02.

Builders

03.

Contactors &

Sub-Contractors

04.

Property Developers

05.

Tradespeople, Surveyors, Engineers, Architects & more

Successful Case Studies

Strategic expertise. Trusted results.

1

Security of
Payment Act (SOPA)

 

 

Acted for a Tier 3 civil contractor. Engaged in technical Supreme Court proceedings and arbitrations under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act in development worth $120 million.

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2

Property Development
Contracts

Acted for property developer in the joint venture with a builder of a 36 apartment building complex. Conducted due diligence & drafted complex contracts including conditional terms in relation to the unusual site and planning conditions.

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3

Building Delays
Dispute

 

 

Advised and acted for developer on dispute between head contractor and developer regarding latent rock found outside of the Geotechnical
Report which caused delay of staged subdivision.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“Christian successfully negotiated the contract with my builder and saved me thousands on my build. Thanks again.”

— Josh

Get In Touch

We understand that legal issues can be extremely time sensitive, and delays can put your case at risk.

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We'll ensure to get back to you within 24 hours.

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For even faster response time, call us now: 

 

03 9111 9908

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