Justin Cotton

Justin Cotton is a highly accomplished Director and Senior Construction Lawyer with Lovegrove & Cotton, where he leads the firm's construction division in both Australia and New Zealand. With extensive experience across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory, Justin offers expert legal guidance on medium to high value construction and commercial disputes. His proficiency in construction litigation is matched by his skill in providing regulatory and contractual advice, ensuring clients receive comprehensive legal assistance. Recognised in the construction section of Global Law Experts 2024 for Australia, Justin is admitted to practice in both Australian and New Zealand jurisdictions. He serves as the Chairperson of the HIA Industrial Relations and Legal Services Committee and is a member of the Regional Executive Council for the HIA Victorian Chapter, reflecting his prominence in the field. Justin excels in building dispute resolution and advocacy, managing dispute processes that encompass negotiations, strategic planning, and litigation preparation. He represents clients in platforms such as VCAT and NCAT, as well as in arbitration, mediation, and various dispute forums. His expertise extends to fire cladding dispute resolution, effectively working with local governments to address these issues. In the realm of building contract advice and drafting, Justin guides builders, councils, and owners on contractual variations, latent conditions, and security of payment claims. He is well-versed in drafting contracts for builders, surveyors, architects, and engineers, ensuring all parties are well-informed of their rights and obligations. For nearly two decades, Justin has been a formidable advocate for building surveyors, certifiers, and builders in disciplinary proceedings. His understanding of cross-jurisdictional practices makes him one of the most experienced building practitioner advocates in the country. He represents professionals confronting charges and enquiries across Australia's disciplinary and licensing jurisdictions. Justin's success extends to facilitating the registration of building practitioners under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992, achieving favourable outcomes for builders, surveyors, and certifiers. His reputation for navigating registration appeals is well-established, earning him respect from local building authorities. Additionally, Justin defends practitioners against prosecutions by the WorkSafe Authority and offers advocacy for those facing misconduct charges. He provides crucial advice on matters involving various building acts and regulations, including protection works and adjoining neighbour disputes. His proficiency in owners corporations and strata community dispute resolutions is evident through his handling of complex class actions and advising on warranty insurance and procedural matters. In domestic building disputes, Justin's near two decades of experience ensures effective resolution of conflicts involving all parties within the construction domain. With a practical and approachable style, honed over his distinguished career and legal education at the University of Auckland, Justin Cotton remains a trusted and authoritative figure in construction law across Australasia.