SAAL & ASSOCIATES LAWYERS - Key Persons
Brett Saal holds a Bachelor of Laws (QUT) and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2003. Prior to establishing Saal & Associates Lawyers in May 2011, Brett was a principal of Creswick Saal Lawyers - a well-regarded commercial law firm in Brisbane's CBD.
Brett leads the Commercial Litigation and Construction Law practice of Saal & Associates Lawyers, providing a further level of service to our existing construction clients.
Brett was admitted as a solicitor in 2003. Prior to his admission, Brett undertook a 5 year article of clerkship commencing in 1998 with Kenny and Partners in Gladstone and then completed with Creswick Saal Lawyers in Brisbane.
Before practicing law, Brett worked as a qualified Electrician - this experience has given Brett a unique (and practical) insight into the construction and building industry.
Brett's client base is varied, as is his experience. He acts for corporate and individual clients and prides himself on providing high quality, practical advice delivered in plain English. He not only has attention to detail, but also takes the time to understand the imperatives of his clients, and the environment in which they operate.
Brett has a broad range of experience in commercial litigation, both big and small. He has acted in large commercial litigation (multiple defendant claims advanced for us to $55 Million) and has also acted for private individuals in residential building disputes. In all claims, Brett's approach is to promptly explore and identify the issues that are faced by a client and provide advice addressing the appropriate strategy designed to client results. In providing advice and representation, Brett is always mindful of the legal costs incurred by a client in this process.
John has thirty four years experience as a Solicitor. He has been a partner in his own firm, a Senior Lawyer with the Australian Government Solicitor for eighteen years, and the manager of the Brisbane office of Doyles Construction Lawyers.
He has specialised in litigation and dispute resolution. In that role, he has vast experience in drafting Court and Tribunal documents. He has had extensive experience in conducting cases in Court and on appeal, including the High Court of Australia. He has been involved in Building and Construction law for seven years and brings a wealth of general knowledge and experience to the table.
In the field of building and construction law, he has conducted cases in the Supreme Court and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has advised clients on their contractual rights arising under many different forms of contract.
He has provided training sessions on the basics of contract and the operation of the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 to a number of organisations, including the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Opus International.
Katie Sawyer is the Office Manager for Saal & Associates Lawyers. Katie brings to the practice 10 years of experience working in the building and construction industry. She also has an extensive knowledge of conveyancing in Queensland.
Prior to Katie's return to Saal & Associates Lawyers in April 2012, Katie worked closely with various sized employers on a industry compliance project.
Tina Chu holds a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business (Distinction) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and was admitted as a solicitor in 2009. Prior to joining Saal & Associates Lawyers, Tina has worked in the public sector in the areas of banking policy and prudential regulation. Tina has also worked with a leading Brisbane-based practice in the corporate and commercial division.