Justin Cotton
Construction lawyer admission in Australia and New Zealand, advising on construction disputes, building defects, weathertightness, cladding, regulation and professional liability.
Admitted to practise in both New Zealand and Australia.
Part of the team advising on the NZ Building Act liability reform.
Construction disputes, building defects, regulation and liability.
Long practice history across NZ and Australian construction matters.
A very senior construction law practitioner.
Acts on contentious construction matters, complex defect and weathertightness claims, and will take instructions on cross-border matters drawing on dual admission in New Zealand and Australia.
Justin Cotton is a senior construction lawyer with a long legal practice history.
His work focuses on construction disputes, building defects, building regulation and the contractual and regulatory issues that shape outcomes for owners, developers, government bodies, contractors and consultants.
Justin was part of the team that advised the New Zealand Government on the 2025 Building Act liability reform proposals subsequently approved by Cabinet — reflecting his long engagement with building liability allocation and building control reform.
Construction, regulation and liability.
- Construction disputes & litigation
- Building defects
- Weathertightness & cladding
- Construction contracts (NZS, bespoke)
- Building Act 2004 advisory
- Professional liability
- Licensed Building Practitioner conduct
- Adjudication, mediation & arbitration
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Construction & Building
- Building Regulation
- Professional Services Liability
- justin@lclawyersnz.com
- Auckland, New Zealand
Engaged in reform and thought leadership.
Part of the team advising the New Zealand Government on the liability reform proposals approved by Cabinet.
Acts on cross-border construction matters drawing on dual admission in NZ and Australia.
Regular contribution to discussion of building regulation, building control and proportionate liability.