Client Reviews and Professional Testimonials
“In my opinion the number 1 construction law firm in this jurisdiction. I have known both Kim and Justin for close on 20 years and during that time I have seen their personal and professional growth. My association with them has been as a regulator and more recently representing the regulated. Renowned in Australia and internationally.”
Gill King, past CEO REIV and past Executive Director HIA Victoria
“Lovegrove & Cotton has supported the AAC for many years, providing legal services to the Association and its members, as well as delivering professional development training to members. Kim, Ziggy and Justin are professional, knowledgeable and always a pleasure to work with.”
Jill Brookfield – CEO of the Association of Accredited Certifiers
“Building a new home or an investment property can be stressful if you encounter problems. That is why I would personally recommend Lovegrove and Cotton Construction Lawyers as the go to law firm in the building and construction sector. As a building expert, I have had the pleasure of working with Lovegrove and Cotton Lawyers over a number of years, and I can honestly say, they have performed extremely well and have obtained excellent results in the cases I’ve been involved in. Navigating issues through the home building maze, is not easy when you encounter problems, that’s why you need an expert law firm. I would not hesitate in recommending Lovegrove and Cotton Lawyers for any building or construction issues that you may be going through.”
Tony Abbruzzese – Director of Complete Building Advice
“I have had a long, ongoing association with Lovegrove & Cotton, and that continuity speaks volumes. The firm operates with an unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence in legal practice. Principal Kim Lovegrove embodies these qualities—he is a man of immense integrity and courage, unafraid to give frank and honest advice when it matters most. His leadership of the International Building Quality Centre (IBQC) is helping to drive lasting, global reform in building regulation, a contribution that cannot be overstated. Working alongside him, Tsigereda Lovegrove and Justin Cotton bring complementary strengths and sharp insight to every engagement. I hold the firm in the highest regard and recommend them without reservation to anyone requiring trusted legal expertise in the construction law sector.”
Brian Donovan – Donovan Leadership, Past Chief Executive of the IT Skills Hub
“KWA Building Permits has worked with Justin Cotton at Lovegrove & Cotton on several legal queries over the years and have always found him to be incredibly knowledgeable and practical in his approach.
Justin has a strong understanding of the regulatory environment we operate in and has consistently helped us navigate complex compliance matters with clarity and confidence. His advice is thoughtful, well considered, and always focused on ensuring our operations continue to meet the highest professional standards.
It’s reassuring to have a representative who not only understands the legislation but also the realities of working within the building industry.”
Ryan Whiteside – KWA Building Permits
“I have known this firm, and had many dealings with the Principals, for many years. They are regarded as one of the top construction law firms in Australia and have recently been engaged to advise the New Zealand Government on major liability reforms to the Building Act. They have always been courteous, professional, and helpful.”
Brett Vautier – Partner Glaister Keegan NZ
“Construction and Planning Law can be a anxious time if you have ever been drawn into it. I’ve used the services of Lovegrove and Cotton an a few occasions throughout my 35 years in the building industry and on each occasion they have been excellent to deal with and I’ve always had a positive result, based on my experience would recommend their services.”
Todd Devine – Founder, Todd Devine Homes
“Lovegrove & Cotton Lawyers’ commitment and contribution to the IBQC has been and remains profound, creating a seamless connection between much needed building industry regulatory policy reform and then by implication, applying required practical solutions that need to be responsive in nature.”
Gideon van der Westhuizen – Past Regulatory and Strategic Risk Lead, Energy Safe Victoria
NOTE: The below testimonial is extracted from this Lovegrove and Cotton article.
“In the short time I have known Tsigereda ‘Ziggy’ Lovegrove, I have come to respect her diligence, capabilities, and tenacity. Set against the backdrop of a faraway homeland, Ziggy forged a new life for herself in Australia, conquered the English language, and raised a family. In her professional life, Ziggy is rightfully proud to have attained a law degree and become a protégé of the law firm that bears her husband’s name. Professionally, she has assisted the International Building Quality Centre in conducting background research, synthesizing material, and coordinating some of the logistics of international meetings, which has demonstrated her dexterity in familiarizing herself with topics that one can only imagine were quite foreign to her not so long ago.”
Neil Savery – IBQC Board Member, ICC Oceania Managing Director
NOTE: The below testimonial is extracted from this Lovegrove and Cotton article.
“In my interactions with Tsigereda, I have found her to be a remarkable force of intelligence, integrity, and professionalism. At the IBQC, she skillfully facilitated teamwork, ensuring that collaboration was smooth, insightful, and effective. Her exceptional communication and leadership skills were evident in these interactions.
Her extensive knowledge and research contributions on mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism have made a significant positive impact on the industry. Additionally, her strategic thinking and dedication to enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms in developing countries, such as Ethiopia, have left a lasting impression on me”.
Judge/Justice Maedot Yeshak Tesfaye, Federal Court of Ethiopia
“A fine legal mind with a social conscience – an asset to the industry and the building profession.”
Prof (Adj) Robert Gordon Whittaker AM FRSN – Testimonial extracted from Linkedin.
The readers of this recommendation, especially those who are in the practice of law, dispute resolution and part of academia, would appreciate the submission that the professional profile of Professor Kim Lovegrove, as captured hereto, ‘speaks for itself’. The articles, videos and other material shared by Professor Lovegrove are of significant edification from an academic perspective; and more importantly of practical value by virtue of its relevance and appeal to a global audience who seek answers to contemporary issues addressed by Professor Lovegrove.”
Johann Scheepers – Labour Litigation Consultant & Conflict Resolution Specialist & Facilitator – Testimonial extracted from Linkedin.
“I worked with Kim in his role as chair of the Building Practitioner’s Board in Victoria. I was also a member of the Board and as such worked very closely with Kim in this role.
I always found Kim performed his duties with integrity which was admired by all that he came in contact with.”
Ashley Hansen – Municipal Building Surveyor – Testimonial extracted from Linkedin.
Kim Lovegrove was awarded an honorary doctorate for services to construction law by the Western Sydney University 2025.
The Citation is attached.
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University
“Lovegrove and Cotton Lawyers, to me, stand as a shining beacon in the construction industry, as they embody the very essence of trust and ethics. In the complex world of construction law, they have forged a reputation as the most dependable legal firm. Their team comprises not just off of lawyers but seasoned legal minds, each possessing a wealth of experience that makes them adept at navigating even the most challenging legal waters.
What truly sets Lovegrove and Cotton apart is their unwavering commitment to sharing knowledge freely. In an industry where information is power, they empower their clients and the construction community with invaluable insights. Their commitment to providing value-added information is unmatched. Clearly, the firm has become a valuable resource that every professional in construction should tap into.
But it’s not just about knowledge; it’s about advocacy. Lovegrove and Cotton Lawyers have established themselves as a resounding voice for construction-related things. They champion the causes that matter to the industry, standing up for its rights and needs. This dedication to the construction sector is the hallmark of a firm that genuinely loves what they do, and as the saying goes, when you love what you do, you excel at it.
For anyone working in the construction industry, seeking advice from Lovegrove and Cotton Lawyers is not just a wise choice; it’s a necessity. They are not just lawyers; they are allies, educators, and advocates, and their reputation as an ethical, trusted, and highly skilled legal firm should compel every professional in the field to reach out for guidance and support.”
Mr Gerrit Duits – Baumeister Pty Ltd
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lovegrove & Cotton as their accountant for many years, and I am continually impressed by their professionalism and dedication to their clients. Their expertise is unparalleled, and they consistently provide excellent guidance and representation.”
Mr Bill Farha – Pro-Act Business Accounting Pty Ltd
“Lovegrove & Cotton are the leaders in their field…for anyone wanting legal advice and assistance in any matter pertaining to the construction industry and planning issues look no further.”
Mr Ben Logan – Editor & Founder Hoodies Media
When looking to engage professionals it is always important to ensure they are experts in their field and have a thorough understanding of what you require and, in the case of lawyers, the laws that impact your need for them. That is exactly what you get with Lovegrove and Cotton. Many years of experience combined with a continued, and unwavering, passion for construction law, and industry as a whole, is why they remain one of the leading construction law firms and why I personally have, and will continue to, recommend them to those in need of legal advice and assistance.”
Kathy Maloney
“Lovegrove and Cotton Construction and Planning Lawyers have been at the forefront of construction lawyering for 30 years. The founder Professor Kim Lovegrove was a key advisor on the development of the Building Act 1993 and helped shape modern day building regulation in Victoria.
The new generation of construction and planning lawyers is headed up by practice manager Tsigereda Lovegrove and Justin Cotton. Tsigereda, Justin and the team will build upon the history and momentum of the firm to continue to position the firm at the forefront of construction lawyering in Victoria, NSW and the ACT.”
Rabi Gabi Kaltmann
“Justin Cotton is our go-to man for legal advice regarding complex construction issues. We appreciate his attention to detail, cut-through legal analysis and commercial experience. Staff at the firm are courteous and responsive, a great team!”
Thuc Anh – Client
“Our company has been working with Lovegrove & Cotton for the last 10 or so years. They have been amazing to work with.”
Mohamed Zeydan – Client
“We started to have Justin as our construction lawyer since lockdown period for our various property development projects, before we could meet in person. We found that Justin’s legal advices are knowledgeable, efficient and practical to follow in the real world.
We are happy to have team at Lovegrove & Cotton as our long-term construction lawyer.”
Lydia Lee – Client
