Meet Jordana Tonkin
Solicitor + Director + Adjudicator
Hi, I’m Jordana. I come from a long line of Canadian construction professionals and small business owners, so I’ve seen many challenges faced by people in the industry firsthand. That’s why I’m passionate about helping people like you tackle the risks head-on and come out on top.
I’ve got a serious love for architecture, interior design, and landscaping—so I get it. When you’re building or renovating, it’s got to be perfect, no compromises.
- Founder of Lauderdale Law, director & solicitor
- Specialist construction lawyer & accredited adjudicator under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW)
- 7+ years in construction dispute resolution
“Construction law simplified, glamourised, and personalised”
– Jordana
My Experience
I kicked off my career in advertising as a broadcast negotiator in Canada, managing multimillion-dollar TV and radio budgets for global brands. Seeking fresh challenges, I made the move to Sydney and dived into legal services. While completing my law degree, I gained hands-on experience in construction dispute resolution and co-founded Lauderdale with my husband, Patrick.
Here’s how I’m shaking things up:
- Construction Specialist: I’m all about contract disputes, Security of Payment claims, construction litigation, and home building issues.
- Adjudicator Expertise: My role as an adjudicator gives me insider knowledge of the adjudication process, making me a formidable ally in construction disputes.
- Litigation Wins: I’ve crafted pleadings, briefed counsel, and penned adjudications for complex disputes, scoring major victories for subcontractors of all sizes.
- Negotiation Savvy: With a foundation built in high stakes broadcast negotiations, I’ve seamlessly transferred my skills to construction law. Whether it’s resolving disputes or securing the best deal for clients, I’m always focused on getting results.
How I can help you?
Whether you’re a construction business owner or a homeowner drowning in legal stress, I’m here to slash your costs, save your time, and lift the burden off your shoulders.
Here’s what sets me apart from your average construction lawyer:
- Expert Construction Law Guidance: I like to cut through the red tape of construction law, giving you clear advice on contracts, disputes, payment claims, and managing risks.
- Payment Dispute Resolution: With deep knowledge of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, I help subcontractors, builders, and homeowners to recover payments or avoid being overcharged for shoddy work.
- Adjudication Insider: My dual role as an accredited adjudicator gives you a strategic edge in payment disputes. I leverage my secret insider tips and tricks to help you get the drop on the other side.
My approach
My blend of legal expertise, hands-on adjudicator knowledge, and a creative marketing mindset makes me the sharp, approachable, results-driven lawyer you need.
- Client-Centred Focus:I’m all about truly listening to your needs and crafting tailored solutions that help make the legal process smooth and stress-free.
- Knowledge You Can Build On:I give you the straight-up info and advice you need, while taking the time to understand your goals. With this, I can create the best strategy for your situation, so you’re always in control and making informed decisions.
- Fresh Strategies: I don’t stick to cookie-cutter solutions. With a creative mindset, I think outside the box, giving you a real edge over the typical stuffy corporate approach.
- Teamwork and Transparency: I believe in working together. I keep you in the loop at every stage, so we can tackle challenges side by side, giving you confidence and peace of mind.
Education and Memberships
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, College of Law (NSW)
- Bachelor of Laws, Western Sydney University (NSW)
- Bachelor of Economics, Carleton University (ON Canada)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Media Sales, Humber College (ON Canada)
- Solicitor of the New South Wales Supreme Court
- Member of the New South Wales Law Society
- Adjudicator on the NSW panel of Adjudicate Today, the largest Authorised Nominating Authority in Australia
Swipe right on legal advice.
You + Us = The perfect legal match. Schedule a call and let’s make it happen!