STELLARIS LAW · SOLUTIONS
Three engagement levels for construction law matters at each stage
From pre-contract review through active payment disputes to comprehensive adjudication — structured to match the work involved.
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How the work is approached at each engagement
Review the contract framework
Every matter starts with the documents. The specific form used — PAM, CIDB, PWD, or bespoke — shapes every subsequent recommendation.
Appraise the position honestly
A written assessment of strengths and areas of risk. The client understands the realistic position before any formal step is taken.
Proceed with a defined scope
Work proceeds under an engagement letter with clear scope, deliverables, and re-evaluation points. Settlement options remain active throughout.
ENGAGEMENT 01
Construction Contract Review and Pre-Project Advisory
A focused engagement for property owners, developers, and contractors who want a careful review of contract documents before a construction project begins. The work covers reading of the main contract — whether based on PAM, CIDB, or a bespoke form — alongside any letter of award, schedules, particular conditions, and supporting documents.
The team prepares a written advisory note grouped by significance, with clear notes on payment terms, completion regimes, defect liability, and dispute resolution. Where helpful, the team also prepares short notes for the client's project manager so the procurement and project teams operate from a common understanding of the contractual position.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
BEST FOR
Property owners and developers reviewing a draft contract before signing. Contractors who want to understand their exposure before mobilising. Procurement teams about to enter a large project.
ENGAGEMENT 02
Variation, Payment, and Delay Claim Engagement
A considered engagement for parties dealing with variation orders, payment certifications, extension of time claims, or delay-related disagreements during the course of a construction project. The work begins with a careful review of the contract framework and the project record, an honest appraisal of the strength of the position, and a clearly written advisory note.
From there, the team prepares formal correspondence, conducts measured negotiations with the other side, and where the matter calls for it, supports adjudication under the relevant statutory framework. The aim is to keep the project moving where possible, rather than allowing disputes to harden into prolonged litigation by default.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
BEST FOR
Contractors with disputed variation orders or withheld payment certifications. Subcontractors pursuing extension of time or loss and expense. Employers responding to a payment claim served under CIPAA.
ENGAGEMENT 03
Comprehensive Construction Dispute and Adjudication Programme
A more substantial engagement for parties involved in significant construction disputes, including matters before the construction industry's adjudication framework, arbitration, and the courts. The work covers full case preparation: review of contract and project records, instruction of programming and quantum experts, drafting of submissions, and conduct of hearings.
The team coordinates with senior counsel where the matter benefits from that, and works closely with the client's project team so that operational realities are reflected in the legal position. Settlement options are kept open and revisited at each meaningful stage. Engagement letters set out clear scope, fee structure, and the points at which the matter is to be re-evaluated.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
BEST FOR
Parties facing a significant adjudication, arbitration, or High Court construction dispute. Developers or contractors with complex multi-party claims. Matters where quantum or programming experts are required.
DECISION GUIDE
Selecting the right engagement level
| Feature | Contract Review RM 750 |
Payment & Delay RM 1,800 |
Dispute Programme RM 2,250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract document review | |||
| Written advisory note | |||
| Formal claim preparation | |||
| Correspondence and negotiation | |||
| CIPAA adjudication conduct | |||
| Expert instruction and coordination | |||
| Arbitration / Court proceedings |
STANDARDS ACROSS ALL ENGAGEMENTS
Protocols shared across every matter
Confidentiality
All client and project information is held in strict confidence. Conflict checks are conducted before each new instruction.
Defined Scope
Every engagement starts with a written engagement letter. Scope, deliverables, and fee structure are documented before any billable work begins.
Timely Communication
Clients receive substantive updates at meaningful stages. Enquiries are responded to within one working day. Adjudication deadlines are treated as same-day matters.
Bar Council Compliance
All practitioners are admitted to the Malaysian Bar and the Sabah Law Society. The practice adheres to the Legal Profession Act 1976 and Bar Council directives.
PRICING
Engagement fees — Malaysian Ringgit
CONTRACT REVIEW
RM 750
per engagement
- Contract document review
- Written advisory note
- Project manager reference notes
- Clarification meeting included
PAYMENT & DELAY
MOST COMMONRM 1,800
per engagement
- All in Contract Review tier
- Claim preparation and service
- Formal correspondence
- Negotiation support
- CIPAA adjudication support
DISPUTE PROGRAMME
RM 2,250
per engagement
- All in prior tiers
- Expert instruction
- Full submission drafting
- Hearing conduct
- Arbitration / court proceedings
All fees in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Scope of each engagement defined in the engagement letter before work begins.
Not sure which engagement fits your matter?
An initial call is available at no charge. The team can advise on the appropriate engagement level once they understand your matter.
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