Litigation Basics for Architects
About
Litigation can be complex and unfamiliar territory for architects. This practical CPD webinar will help demystify the legal process and build a clearer understanding of how and why architects can become involved in disputes and court proceedings.
Join the ACA for a practical introduction to some of the key concepts architects need to understand when dealing with litigation.
Presented by barristers Gabi Crafti SC and Chris Hender, the session will unpack common legal terminology, explain the types of claims frequently made against architects and consultants, and explore important concepts including proportionate liability and contribution claims.
- Common litigation terms and phrases – deciphering the legalese
- Why architects get sued and common types of claims
- Proportionate liability and contribution claims
- Receiving notice of a court proceeding – what happens next?
- Subpoenas and how they operate
- Practical examples drawn from litigation and construction disputes
WHERE & WHEN
Live online or watch the recording.
1pm AEDT Wednesday 28 October 2026
(WA 10–11am, NT 11:30am–12.30pm, Qld 12–1pm, SA 12.30–1.30pm, ACT, NSW, Tas & Vic 1–2pm)
COST
Members $30 incl GST
Non-members $60 incl GST
*One ticket per person. *All ticket holders will receive the recording registration link after the webinar.
OUR SPEAKERS
Gabi Crafti SC is a senior barrister with extensive experience in building and construction, commercial litigation, professional liability, insurance, energy and infrastructure disputes. Her practice includes complex contractual and commercial disputes, professional negligence, engineering and design disputes, insurance matters and international commercial arbitration.
Gabi regularly appears in the Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court, acting for contractors, engineers, consultants, insurers and government. Her experience includes significant construction and infrastructure disputes, including matters associated with major commercial developments and Victoria’s cladding rectification cost recovery program.
Chris Hender is a barrister with a broad commercial practice and particular expertise in building, construction and infrastructure disputes. His experience includes construction and engineering matters, Security of Payment disputes, professional negligence, insurance, combustible cladding and complex commercial litigation.
Chris regularly appears in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court, County Court, VCAT and arbitrations. Before being called to the Bar in 2019, he was a Senior Associate at specialist construction law firm MolinoCahill Lawyers, advising on major construction, infrastructure, technology, defence, energy and resources projects across Australia.
CPD
Completion of this 1 hour webinar and submission of the self-checked assessment task will deliver 1 formal CPD point.
Learning outcomes – By the end of this session, participants should be able to:
- Understand key litigation terminology and processes.
- Recognise common claims made against architects.
- Understand proportionate liability and contribution claims.
- Identify appropriate first steps when receiving court proceedings or a subpoena.
- Better recognise and manage litigation risk in architectural practice.
Practice Management & Professional Conduct – PC 1, PC 16.
The webinar will include time for Q&A and a CPD assessment task. Certificates will be provided following participation in the full webinar and online submission of answers to CPD questions.
