As the year winds down, we’re taking a well-deserved break to recharge for 2025! 🎄 Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants will be closed from Friday, 20 December, and we’ll be back, ready to assist you, on Monday, 13 January. We wish all our clients, colleagues, and friends a safe and joyful holiday season. Thank you for your continued support—we look forward to working with you in the new year!
Spectrum Lawyers and Consultants
Legal Services
Williamstown, Victoria 343 followers
Specialising in building and construction law
About us
Having worked in private practice and as an in-house general counsel for both commercial builders and residential builders, Donna Abu-Elias founded Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants as she was passionate about the building and construction industry, but as a mother of a child on the Spectrum she needed to design a practice that was flexible for busy mums as well as busy builders and Owners. Flexibility allows all parties to think outside the normal restrictions, and ensure that the primary focus is on completing the building works as efficiently and without defect, but still having the flexibility to work remotely, over the internet, or in your office/home. Donna was admitted as a lawyer in April 2004, and before that time was working as a paralegal since 1999. Donna has worked from some of the major volume builders in Australia including Burbank Group, Carlisle Homes and Simonds Group. Donna was also a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) IR & Legal Committee from 2013 to 2018. Donna has completed her Bachelor of Law\Commerce (with Honours) (LaTrobe University), Diploma in Construction Law (Melbourne University) and Foundations of Directorship course (AICD). As a mother, Donna realised in life there are two critical things for her – her family and her home. So in 2018 she decided to establish Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants to focus on Building and construction law – to protect Owners when constructing or maintaining their homes, to assist Builders and/or Owners efficiently resolve building disputes, and work with Builders to develop streamline documented procedures and training to better manage the spectrum of challenges in today’s market.
- Website
-
http://www.spectrumlaw.net.au
External link for Spectrum Lawyers and Consultants
- Industry
- Legal Services
- Company size
- 2-10 employees
- Headquarters
- Williamstown, Victoria
- Type
- Self-Employed
- Founded
- 2018
- Specialties
- Building law, construction law, home warranty and insurance claims, building contracts, contractual disputes, defective works dispute, VCAT disputes, and display village contracts
Locations
-
Primary
100 Douglas Pde
Level 1, Suite 1
Williamstown, Victoria 3016, AU
Employees at Spectrum Lawyers and Consultants
Updates
-
As we wrap up the year, our company newsletter from Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants and Spectrum Coach is packed with valuable insights to guide you into 2025. This edition covers: 📜 Contractual compliance ⚖️ Statutory demands under the Corporations Act 📈 Building marketing strategies and local presence ⏳ Legal timelines and the divorce process Don’t miss out on practical tips and expert advice for your business and personal needs. Click here to read the full newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gp2T5fdp
-
No, you are not obligated to accept the role of executor. Executors have the right to renounce their appointment before the grant of probate is issued. However, it's important to note that renunciation must occur before probate is granted, and you must not have already handled the deceased's assets in any way (e.g., dealing with their property). Once you take action, such as managing the estate, you may be considered to have accepted the role. Chat to our team for more information: https://lnkd.in/gukpTjN
-
Last week, the Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants team took a well-deserved break to celebrate the holiday season in style. Our day began with pure relaxation at Crown Spa, where we enjoyed indulgent massages that set the tone for the day. After unwinding, we raised our glasses to another successful year with cocktails, laughter, and plenty of stories to share. Our partners then joined us for a gorgeous dinner at The Conservatory. Delicious food, great company, and new memories made together. A huge thank you to our incredible team – your hard work, dedication, and passion are the foundation of everything we achieve. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
-
In the building and construction industry, contracts are key—but not all contract terms are created equal. Some can be unfairly skewed in favour of one party, leading to disputes, delays, and unexpected costs. Under Australian Consumer Law, unfair terms can be challenged. If your contract creates an imbalance or causes harm, it could be void. Want to know if your contract is fair? Read our latest blog to understand how to protect your interests and avoid costly legal issues: https://lnkd.in/g42Xfq9b
-
A big shoutout to Alyssa for going above and beyond to make Biljana’s experience exceptional. From expert guidance to genuine care, it’s this dedication that sets Spectrum Lawyers & Consultants apart. Thank you, Biljana, for your kind words – it’s always a privilege to support our clients with their legal needs.
-
If your building project scope changes, handling variations properly is essential to avoid costly disputes. Here's how to stay protected: 🔨 Document Everything: Record all changes, including details, costs, and timelines. Verbal agreements can cause confusion. 🔨 Get Written Approval: Always have variations agreed upon in writing before work begins. 🔨 Follow the Law: Ensure compliance with the Domestic Building - Contracts Act 1995 for legal and enforceable changes. 🔨 Communicate Transparently: Clear communication between builders and homeowners prevents misunderstandings about scope, costs, or delays. Builders should ensure not to proceed without written approval—it could affect payment claims. Homeowners should ensure they fully understand costs before agreeing to changes. Chat to our team for more information: https://lnkd.in/gukpTjN
-
If you'd like your friend to officiate your wedding, they’ll need to become a registered marriage celebrant in Victoria. This involves completing a Certificate IV in Celebrancy and applying for accreditation with the Australian Government. If they prefer not to become a celebrant, they can still be involved by giving a reading or offering a blessing, but a registered celebrant must handle the legal aspects to ensure your marriage is valid. Your big day, your way—just with a celebrant to make it official! 💕
-
After supporting Friend In Me’s Gala Ball earlier this year, we were thrilled to enjoy the MECCA Masterclass experience we successfully bid on during the auction. Our team visited Mecca in Albert Park, where Donna received a personalised masterclass while the rest of us soaked up tips and tricks from the talented Mecca team. From perfecting techniques to learning new skills, it was an inspiring and educational evening. To top it off, we enjoyed an exclusive shopping hour, indulging in a little self-care and even ticking off some Christmas gifts. A big thank you to the Friend In Me team for hosting such a meaningful event and to Mecca for the incredible experience—it was a perfect blend of luxury and giving back!
-
Fences, trees, and boundary lines—common points of contention for Victorian property owners that can quickly escalate into legal headaches. Whether it’s a debate over who pays for a new fence, trimming overhanging branches, or an adverse possession claim, understanding the law can help keep things civil—or at least manageable. To understand your rights and responsibilities, read our latest article: https://lnkd.in/dmvJVtcN