Property & Commercial

We practice in property conveyancing, leasing, and complex commercial litigation, handling shareholder disputes, equitable claims, PPSR matters, and urgent relief such as injunctions and statutory demand proceedings.

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Building & Construction

Expert legal representation for strata, owners, and contractors in NSW building disputes. We lead complex litigation and technical claims under the Home Building Act and Design and Building Practitioners Act.

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Strata

We provide expert legal advice and representation for owners corporations and individuals, with special emphasis in construction defects, by-laws, governance, and complex disputes across all NSW courts and NCAT.

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Wills & Estates

Our team offers compassionate expertise in drafting wills, managing estate administration, and resolving litigation. We provide clear, effective legal guidance for both straightforward and complex personal matters.

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Regulatory, Process & Discipline

Significant experience in government investigations and disciplinary proceedings, we represent professionals in a variety of ways, from disciplinary proceedings to licensing issues at Tribunals, and in the Supreme or Federal Court as required. Our expertise covers the entire regulatory lifecycle as well as complex workplace disputes.

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White CollarCrime

Expert representation for corporate offenses, fraud, cybercrime, and international investigations. We navigate complex domestic and global frameworks to provide strategic defense against regulatory enforcement and financial allegations.

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Public International Law

We offer strategic representation for international investigations, ad-hoc tribunals, and war crimes. Our experts navigate global conventions and complex legal frameworks to protect clients in high-stakes proceedings.

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Media & Defamation

We provide strategic advice on defamation and injurious falsehood claims for plaintiffs and defendants. Our team manages high-pressure media crises (including urgent press releases), reputational risk, and complex liability issues, including the "10-employee rule."

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01

Client Understanding

We believe great legal service starts with understanding our clients, their goals, their challenges and what matters most to them. Our role is not simply to provide legal advice, but to become trusted advisors who are genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcomes.

02

Practical & Strategic

We take a practical, strategic and solutions-focused approach to every matter. We work closely with our clients to understand the commercial realities behind each issue so that our advice is clear, effective and aligned with their objectives. Whether we are negotiating, advising or resolving disputes, we remain proactive, responsive and focused on results.

03

Honesty, Integrity & Trust

Relationships are at the centre of everything we do. We value honesty, integrity, trust and clear communication, and we are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and professional networks. We understand the importance of confidentiality and the trust our clients place in us, and we do not take that responsibility lightly.

04

Personalised

As a focused practice, we provide personalised service, direct involvement in every matter and efficient legal solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. We believe that being accessible and responsive enables us to deliver greater value and a higher level of service.

05

Commitment to Excellence

We are committed to excellence in everything we do. We approach every matter with diligence, attention to detail and a strong work ethic, always striving to deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients.

06

Ethical Standards

Above all, we are guided by professionalism, fairness and strong ethical standards. We are dedicated to representing our clients with commitment, integrity and care at every stage of the process.

Papallo Kouchoo Lawyers

– Over 60 Years of Trusted Law Expertise

Founded in Sydney in 1965, Papallo Kouchoo Lawyers has evolved from a boutique property firm into a dynamic, tech-forward litigation practice. Discover how six decades of legacy and a fresh, modern vision shape our commitment to your success.

Our Story

I have used David's services a number of times and always had the confidence he will do a great job. He provides the same quality of service to all his clients.

Jeremy B*, Client

FAQs

Why is identifying the date of completion of building work so important under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW)?

Because the statutory warranty periods run strictly from the date of completion, getting this date wrong can mean a defect claim is made too late. Courts and tribunals enforce these time limits very strictly, so determining the correct completion date is often the first and most important step in any building defect matter.

Why do clients need to be extremely careful about where a building and construction claim is commenced?

Clients need to be extremely careful because proceedings commenced in the wrong jurisdiction may later be transferred to another forum at great cost and expense. In some cases, parties may spend years litigating in one jurisdiction only for the matter to be transferred elsewhere because the original forum did not have the requisite jurisdiction. As noted in The Owners – Strata Plan No 47035 v Athens [2025] NSWSC 1588, this can result in the enormous cost and time already spent in one jurisdiction being “essentially for nothing.”

What must homeowners do to protect their right to make a claim under the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF)?

To comply with the policy and protect your right to claim, you must notify icare HBCF as soon as you become aware of any defect, loss, or problem - usually by lodging a Loss Notification Form. This must be done within the required timeframes, generally within six months of becoming aware of the issue. Even after notifying HBCF, you must still take reasonable steps to pursue the builder until a trigger event occurs.

Why is it important for NSW strata owners to understand the difference between lot property and common property?

This matters because it affects money, repairs, approvals and risk. If something is common property, the owners corporation must arrange and pay for repairs. If something is lot property, the lot owner pays. Getting this wrong can mean unexpected bills or delays while responsibility is argued. It also matters for renovations, insurance and liability, particularly where boundaries are unclear.

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