Building & Construction Litigation
Over 60 years of combined expertise acting in domestic and commercial property and building matters & litigation.
Led by industry veteran Robert McGirr and award-winning litigator Danielle Snell, we act for owners, builders, developers, building professionals, consultants, owners corporations and industry bodies.
We are known for representation at the Domestic Building Dispute Resolution of Victoria, the Domestic Building and Property List of the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal, the County Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria in relation to building disputes and claims including attendance at compulsory conferences, hearings and trials. We also represent building practitioners in regulatory and disciplinary proceedings.
Through embracing the spirit of entrepreneurship and modern collaboration, we have adopted a model where our clients are at the centre of everything we do and become part of the journey, rather than removed from it.
We have a high success rate of settling cases prior to trial and navigating expectations of various stakeholders in litigation to strategise and negotiate smart commercial outcomes.
Elit is highly regarded for providing top-tier client outcomes without the big firm costs.
Expertise
Building Defect Claims including structural defects and claims against insurance companies and insurers of building professionals
Expert evidence and advice in relation to rectification of defects insurance claims
Disputes in relation to Caveats and Mortgages
Nuisance and Water Act claims
Security for Payment Act 2002 claims
Show cause notices, including responses
Building Contracts preparation, review and negotiation
Acting on behalf of property owners in relation to proposed compulsory acquisitions pursuant to the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 [Vic].
Advising numerous building practitioners involved in high value building projects in relation to their roles and obligations pursuant to building contracts and/or consultancy agreements and potential liability exposure.
Owners Corporation issues and disputes
Advice on termination of Building Contracts
Consultancy, Civil works, Infrastructure, Management/Superintendent and Development Agreements
Adverse Possession and Boundary Disputes
Expertise
Building Defect Claims including structural defects and claims against insurance companies and insurers of building professionals
Expert evidence and advice in relation to rectification of defects insurance claims
Disputes in relation to Caveats and Mortgages
Nuisance and Water Act claims
Security for Payment Act 2002 claims
Show cause notices, including responses
Building Contracts preparation, review and negotiation
Acting on behalf of property owners in relation to proposed compulsory acquisitions pursuant to the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 [Vic].
Advising numerous building practitioners involved in high value building projects in relation to their roles and obligations pursuant to building contracts and/or consultancy agreements and potential liability exposure.
Owners Corporation issues and disputes
Advice on termination of Building Contracts
Consultancy, Civil works, Infrastructure, Management/Superintendent and Development Agreements
Adverse Possession and Boundary Disputes
Since the firm launched, Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell have won multiple awards, including:
Managing Partner of the Year - Winner
Law Firm Leader of the Year <100 employees - Winner
Litigation Team of the Year - Finalist
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Boutique Firm of the Year - Winner
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Expertise in property & building litigation
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- Bullying and discrimination
- Harassment claims
- Unfair dismissal
- General protection claims
- Bullying and discrimination
- Harassment claims
- Unfair dismissal
- General protection claims
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- Bullying and discrimination
- Harassment claims
- Unfair dismissal
- General protection claims
- Bullying and discrimination
- Harassment claims
- Unfair dismissal
- General protection claims
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Major Matters
Major Matters
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Latest Building & Construction Litigation News
News
VCAT’s Jurisdictional Limitations: What You Need to Know
News
Key Changes To Victorian Rental Laws You Need To Know Post COVID-19
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"Danielle's dedication and expertise was outstanding and made a significant impact on the case, leading to an outcome we were very pleased with."
CEO and Director
Technology Sector
Danielle Snell and the Elit team represented our company in a restraint of trade case issued in the Federal Court of Australia concerning a former senior executive of our company breaching his employment contract and duties by allegedly soliciting clients and staff from our company to set up a competing business.
Danielle’s strategic acumen in the litigation was impressive. She maintained clear, practical and consistent communication throughout the process, keeping me informed of every development. Her dedication and expertise was outstanding and made a significant impact on the case, leading to an outcome we were very pleased with.
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"Danielle's guidance was invaluable. I highly recommend Danielle, Robert and the Elit team for their dedicated, expert and supportive approach to commercial litigation."
Managing Director
Finance and Infrastructure Sector
Danielle represented me when I was a key witness in a significant construction case spanning across 12 weeks.
I was required to give evidence in the litigation which involved me being cross-examined by senior counsel over 2 days. Danielle’s guidance was invaluable. She provided clear direction and advice about the technical and practical aspects of giving evidence and instilled confidence in me throughout the process. Her expertise and unwavering support during this time was pivotal.
I highly recommend Danielle, Robert and the Elit team for their dedicated, expert and supportive approach to commercial litigation.
"
"I just wanted to thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into my Workcover case. A special thanks to Aggie whom I'm glad I chose to support me."
Personal Injury
Shane
I just wanted to thank you all for the hard work and dedication you put into my Workcover case.
A special thanks to Aggie whom I’m glad I chose to support me and give me the step by step instructions on how to go about proving my case for a result in my favour.
Thanks again for all your advice.
"
"Aggie is the best lawyer in Common Law Claims I have ever worked with. Aggie helped me achieve an extraordinary outcome."
Common Law Claim
Ian
Aggie is the best lawyer in Common Law Claims I have ever worked with. Having seen a couple of large Law Firms l felt let down, being quickly shown the front door. Luckily for me a friend suggested seeing Aggie Vlahos (Partner).
Having engaged Aggie Vlahos gave me the confidence to continue with the injuries l knew were caused by heavy physical and repetitive work. I am also indebted to Brendan Johnson (Barrister) for his outstanding efforts!
She explained everything in a way I could easily understand and always got back to me quickly when I had questions even outside her working hours.
Aggie helped me achieve an extraordinary outcome. However, only charged fair fees.
If someone is seeking a legal help, I highly recommend Aggie Vlahos and Elit Lawyers.
P.S. Thanks to you so much Aggie
"
"I had the good luck to be recommended to Aggie Vlahos for handling my Estate Litigation Case. Through Aggie I achieved a very satisfying result."
Estate Litigation
Jan
I had the good luck to be recommended to Aggie Vlahos for handling my Estate Litigation Case. She was always available to me, no matter how big or small my concern was. She was kind, patient, easy to talk to and very understanding regarding my troubles.
The case was resolved within only 5 months, which I was grateful for. Through Aggie I achieved a very satisfying result.
I would have no hesitation in recommending her to others.
"
"If you want a safe, caring, professional group of lawyers and company, look no further than Aggie Vlahos and Elit Lawyers."
Family Law Matter
Michael
Thank you to Aggie Vlahos (Partner) and the staff at Elit Law, also James Eley (Barrister). You did a marvelous job in representing me in relation to my family matter and most importantly caring about me and providing a secure environment for me to navigate a very difficult situation.
The result you achieved was nothing short of amazing. The professionalism displayed on the day by Aggie and James blew me away. With their invaluable guidance and support we achieved a extremely favourable result.
If you want a safe, caring, professional group of lawyers and company, look no further than Elit Lawyers.
Great people, Great Service, Great Company.
"
"The best of the best plaintiff lawyers against insurance companies. We had a very tough and complex case and Danielle and her team settled with the insurance company for an optimal outcome."
Insurance Policy Holder
Home owner
The best of the best plaintiff lawyers team against insurance companies.
We had a very tough and complex case against insurance company that we lost our home and contents. After disappointing and frustrating process from another law firm and firing them we found Danielle Snell and her team.
They are very dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate and possess great communication skills. We couldn’t ask for more and settled with a optimal outcome.
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"It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service."
Senior Adviser
Financial Planner
We are so glad to have you in our referral channel.
It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service.
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"This was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible."
CEO & Founder
National mental-health support organisation
We recently instructed Danielle from Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell to help with a legal dispute. As a small purpose led business, this was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. This dispute was during a very emotional time as we were in the middle of a global pandemic, Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, homeschooling and no childcare – all while trying to keep our small business alive.
The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible. I have 10 years legal experience myself and even with that, I was reluctant to litigate, especially during such a difficult time. However Danielle always gave us confidence in knowing that she was in our corner and always working for our best interests, so my reluctance was quickly appeased.
Today I am pleased to share that David defeated Goliath and we could not be more thrilled with the result we received thanks to Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers. Danielle not only saved our company, but ensured that we could continue doing the good work we were previously and helping improve the lives and mental health of mothers across Australia.
I could not recommend Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers more highly. I am *hoping* that I will never need their services again, but feel very reassured knowing they are there and always in my corner.
Thank you Danielle and team.
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"Elit negotiated a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs."
Owner and Managing Director
Major Transport Company
I was recently introduced to Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell by my former lawyers after they were required to cease acting for me due to a conflict of interest. The stakes were high as my company was exposed to multiple court proceedings. Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell impressed me so much. They went that extra mile and were able to negotiate a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs. I can’t thank Elit enough.
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"Danielle is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation."
Kings Counsel, Devers List
Victorian Bar
Danielle Snell is a very intelligent and impressive lawyer whom I have worked with in my role as senior counsel on various litigation matters. She is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation. Danielle combines a deep knowledge of the law across many practice areas with a practical approach to litigation, and is authentic and charismatic in her dealings with others.
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"Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus..."
Chief Operations Officer
Peak industry body for fire protection
As Chief Operating Officer it is extremely important to work with lawyers who are easily accessible, honest and trustworthy. We have briefed Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell across various legal disciplines and now use them as our “go to” solicitors. Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus on achieving the best possible result.
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"Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters."
General Counsel
Leading home building company
Having worked alongside Danielle in litigation matters I have found her approach to be thorough and strategic. In particular, Danielle demonstrated a refreshing and unique ability to narrow the issues, and succinctly explain complex matters.