Meet Patrick Tonkin
Principal Solicitor + Founder + Adjudicator
Hi, I’m Patrick, and I’ve made it my mission to stop good people in the construction game from getting ripped off. Whether its making sure contractors get paid what they’re owed, or protecting homeowners from dodgy work, I’ve got your back. I’m the guy you call when you need real answers and fast action. It’s that simple.
- Founder & Principal of Lauderdale
- Specialist construction lawyer & accredited adjudicator under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW)
- 15+ years in construction dispute resolution and 7+ years as a solicitor
- Musician, lifelong martial arts practitioner, and all-around creative
- Passionate about art, history, culture, and geopolitics
"Let’s make construction great again."
– Patrick
My Experience
Back in 2008, I swapped a career in creative advertising for the legal world. Training under NSW’s top adjudicator, Max Tonkin, I learned the ins and outs of construction disputes. Since then, I’ve been helping construction business owners and homeowners take control of their problems. I also regularly make adjudication determinations under the Security of Payment Act, which allows subbies and builders recover payments owed fast.
Here’s what I do best:
- Giving clear, no-nonsense advice
- Resolving construction and home building disputes fast
- Crafting rock solid adjudication applications and responses
- Crushing commercial litigation
- Shutting down lawsuits before they take off
- Negotiating tough settlements
- Reviewing construction contracts
- Recovering unpaid debts
How I can help you?
Whether you’re a construction business owner or a homeowner in a bind, I’m here to save you time, money, and stress.
Here’s what I bring to the table:
- Straightforward Specialist Advice: Minimal legal jargon—just clear, actionable steps that make sense.
- Proactive Strategy: I spot risks before they become problems, whether I’m drafting contracts or flagging potential challenges.
- Fast Action: In construction, time is money. I jump on urgent issues, resolving them fast and minimising disruption.
- Insider Knowledge: As an adjudicator, I’ve got access to behind-the-scenes insights others don’t. This is how I craft winning strategies that give my clients an edge.
My approach
I’m all about putting clients first, and that means focusing on what really matters to you.
- Empathetic Service:I know how tough the construction industry can be. I’m here to guide you through the mess and help you come out on top.
- Personalised Solutions:Every client is unique. I listen, dig into your goals, and create strategies that fit your situation perfectly.
- Tailored Strategy:No one-size-fits-all approaches. Your case gets a custom plan to protect your individual interests.
- Peace of Mind:I keep you in the loop at every stage, so you always know what’s coming next.
- Cost-Effective Solutions:I focus on value—resolving disputes quickly and cutting down on legal costs wherever possible.
Education and Memberships
- Advanced Diploma, Billy Blue College of Design
- AWARD School Graduate
- Bachelor of Laws (Hons 2) Charles Darwin University
- Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP), College of Law
- Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales
- Member of the New South Wales Law Society
- Adjudicator on the NSW, VIC and WA panels 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!