How we charge
Construction disputes are stressful enough without opaque billing. Here, plainly, is how our fees work.
Our fee models
Fixed fee for defined stages
For work with a clear scope — drafting and serving a payment claim, preparing an adjudication claim or response, an enforcement application — we will quote a fixed fee for the stage before we start, so you can budget with certainty.
Hourly rates
For matters whose shape is not yet clear, we charge by time at rates that depend on the seniority of the lawyer doing the work. We give an estimate at the outset and update it as the matter develops; you will not be surprised.
Adjudication packages
Because the CIPAA timetable is fixed, a straightforward adjudication can often be run on a staged package — commencement, submissions, decision — quoted up front.
The first conversation
An initial consultation to scope your dispute and tell you whether you have a matter worth pursuing is complimentary, up to 30 minutes, with no obligation.
Costs, disbursements and recovery
Beyond our professional fees, a matter may involve disbursements — the adjudicator’s fees and AIAC’s administrative charges, experts (delay, quantum, technical), and court filing fees. We identify the likely disbursements early so there are no surprises.
A successful adjudication decision will usually deal with the costs of the adjudication, and a court or tribunal has a discretion to order costs. Recovery of costs is never guaranteed and rarely covers the full amount spent; we will always be candid with you about the commercial reality before you commit.
Service tax
Legal services in Malaysia are subject to service tax (SST) at the prevailing rate, which is charged in addition to our fees where applicable.
A payment claim just landed? The clock has already started.
Construction disputes run on deadlines — statutory and contractual. Tell us where you are and we will tell you, plainly, what your position is and what the next working days require. The first conversation is complimentary.