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Protecting Profit Through Strategic Legal Investment on Queensland Projects
For Queensland developers, viewing legal counsel as a strategic risk management tool rather than a cost is key to protecting profitability. This guide outlines how to address the five most significant construction risks—from ambiguous contracts and BIF Act claims to QBCC directives and subcontractor insolvency—through proactive legal strategies.

John Merlo
Dec 29, 202516 min read


How QLD Courts Use Your Experience to Deny a Builder's Duty of Care
Discover the critical legal paradox facing Queensland developers: how your commercial experience can be used by courts to deny a builder's duty of care. Learn why a written contract is your only real protection and what to do when a dispute arises.

John Merlo
Dec 15, 202515 min read


How to Defeat Ostensible Authority Claims in Commercial Leasing
Discover how a leasing agent can bind you to a deal you never approved through the legal doctrine of ostensible authority. This guide provides developers with a defensive playbook to dismantle these claims by attacking the three pillars of representation, reliance, and detriment, ensuring you maintain control over your commercial projects.

John Merlo
Dec 10, 202514 min read


The Developer's Litigation Shield - Mastering Security for Costs in Queensland
In Queensland's construction industry, winning a lawsuit against an insolvent builder can be a hollow victory, leaving you with a massive legal bill. A security for costs order is a powerful legal shield that forces a plaintiff to prove they can cover your costs if they lose. This guide explains how developers can use this tool to protect their projects and avoid financially ruinous litigation.

John Merlo
Nov 4, 202513 min read


The Subcontractor's QCAT Knockout - How to Dismiss a Head Contractor's Claim Before It Starts
A head contractor has filed a QCAT application against you. Before you start defending your work, learn about the "jurisdictional knockout"—a powerful legal strategy to get the case dismissed on a technicality, saving you time and money. This guide covers the fatal errors head contractors make and how you can use them to your advantage.

John Merlo
Oct 31, 202513 min read


How Queensland Courts Calculate Loss of Opportunity Damages for Developers
Expert insight into how Queensland courts assess and quantify 'loss of opportunity' damages for property developers. Learn about the evidence required, the role of expert witnesses, and the strategic choice between QCAT and the Supreme Court for high-value construction disputes.

John Merlo
Oct 9, 202516 min read


Everything You Need to Know About QCAT in Queensland
This article answers common questions about QCAT, its processes, and how it can help you resolve legal matters efficiently.

John Merlo
Jan 31, 20255 min read
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