News

Tue 18th Apr

SARNZ are thrilled to welcome Morrison Kent to the Partnership group, an excellent law firm who can provide real value to the membership.

SARNZ are thrilled to welcome Morrison Kent to the Partnership group, an excellent law firm who can provide real value to the membership. In a year that many have predicted a recession, unprecedented weather events and changes in legislation, SARNZ identified a gap in our partners when it came to trusted legal advice.

Tina Wieczorek (SARNZ CEO) says of the partnership, “In a year where we are seeing the law change across a range of different things that affect business, having a trusted law firm who have the energy, time and expertise in all sectors is really important for our members.”

“Court action, employment disputes/non-compliance issues, health and safety matters, contractual disputes and issues, and regulatory investigations can be extremely costly and damaging to a business's reputation. It is critical for members to have access to legal advice and support from professionals who understand the construction industry and the unique challenges it presents. A trustworthy law firm can help companies to navigate complex legal issues and manage risks effectively, providing guidance on compliance with regulatory requirements, dispute resolution, and best practices for communication and collaboration. Investing in good legal representation is not only a sound business decision, but it is also crucial to protecting the long-term success and sustainability of scaffolding companies in the industry.

Morrison Kent Partner, Tess von Dadelszen says, “We are delighted to partner with SARNZ to support members across the many areas of law in which we practice and specialise. We have a passion for supporting SMEs and larger organisations to understand the law, and comply with it, while always retaining a focus on pragmatic advice to achieve desired outcomes.”

Expertise in Construction Contracts and Litigation

Construction contracts require knowledge of a specialised area of law that covers a wide range of issues. Morrison Kent has the knowledge and skill set to draft, review and negotiate contracts that set the foundation and expectations for the work that follows. Across its Corporate Commercial and Litigation teams, Morrison Kent can provide valuable guidance on all legal aspects of a construction project, including compliance with regulatory requirements, risk management, dispute resolution and/or litigation. Morrison Kent can also provide insights into industry-specific practices and standards, helping contractors to navigate complex legal issues.

Morrison Kent’s litigation team is well known for its work in the construction contract dispute space. Morrison Kent’s clients benefit from engaging with one firm from negotiating and agreeing to a construction contract, to managing any disputes that may arise. That creates a seamless approach for clients, and ensures that the lawyers with the best skills for the relevant matter are working on it, while still having access to others who will have important background knowledge.

Employment Law and Health and Safety

In addition to the law surrounding construction matters, employment and health and safety law are fundamentally important in the construction industry. Employment law covers a range of issues related to the employer-employee relationship, including contracts, wages and benefits, workplace health and safety, disciplinary and performance issues, and dispute resolution. Morrison Kent can provide valuable guidance on these issues, helping contractors to understand and comply with employment laws and regulations and minimise the risk of legal disputes with employees. Assisting with health and safety issues is also a speciality area. When disputes do arise, Morrison Kent’s specialist employment lawyers can represent contractors through responding to issues/claims and attendance at meetings, mediations and into the Employment Relations Authority and wider Courts. Employment litigation is a specialist skill and it is important to have lawyers with that knowledge and experience on hand. Morrison Kent can also provide support in drafting employment contracts and policies, and ensuring that contractors are in compliance with the latest employment and health and safety laws and regulations.

Full service experience

By working with a law firm that has expertise in these legal areas relevant to the construction industry, contractors can ensure that all legal aspects of their business are covered, providing a solid foundation for success in the construction industry.

Contractors can also benefit from having a relationship with a firm that also offers other legal services – whether personally or for the business. For example, Morrison Kent also specialises in commercial leases, family law, conveyancing, wills, trusts and many other areas. If you have a question, you can ask the lawyer you are dealing with and they will assist, or personally connect you to the lawyer who can.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Working with a trustworthy law firm like Morrison Kent can help contractors to minimise legal costs associated with construction projects. This includes reviewing documents and contracts to identify and pre-empt risks where possible, and and develop strategies to address them when they do arise, reducing the likelihood of costly legal disputes. A good law firm can also provide support in negotiating contracts and agreements, helping to ensure that the terms are favorable to contractors and minimising the risk of legal disputes down the line. When disputes cannot be prevented or resolved, Morrison Kent provides specialist litigation advice and representation.

Effective Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for the success of any construction project. Morrison Kent can work closely with contractors to ensure that legal issues are identified and addressed promptly, minimising the risk of legal disputes and delays. Morrison Kent can also provide advice on best practices for communication and collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers, helping to foster positive relationships and ensure that projects run smoothly, on time and on budget.

Working with a trustworthy law firm such as Morrison Kent can provide many benefits for our members. When it comes to construction projects, and to having a business and taking on employees and contractors generally, it pays to have a trustworthy law firm on your side.

Morrison Kent are also offering SARNZ members a 30min first call consultation free of charge.

Check out their website at: https://www.morrisonkent.com