MEET THE BOSS: FLORA WAMBETI WAMBETI LEGAL PTY LTD
Wambeti Legal is a law firm that specialises in construction law, initial contract negotiations, contract management, risk management and commercial advice. According to Flora Wambeti, Principal, Wambeti Legal Pty Ltd, "We provide intelligent strategies and solutions for small to medium businesses involved in the engineering and construction industries. "We work with clients in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, energy, technology, engineering, and others." Wambeti Legal's construction law specialities include initial contract negotiations, contract management, risk management and commercial advice.
WHY FLORA WAMBETI LAUNCHED INTO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP After 15 years of experience in Tier 1 and 2 companies in several sectors, including construction, and armed with a Master of Laws from Monash University, Wambeti saw first-hand what small and medium-size businesses were willing to sacrifice to win tenders and jobs from a large Tier 1 company. According to Wambeti, decisions made to tender in haste or even in fear can be
18
devastating for an SME. The experienced in-house lawyer had witnessed the results of ill-informed decision-making by smaller businesses, often unknowingly and with good intent. Moreover, the compassionate Wambeti felt helpless by being unable to help. With those accounts mounting over the years, Flora Wambeti decided to use her experience and expertise to help small and medium businesses navigate, with confidence and success, the complexities of construction law, and Wambeti Legal launched in 2021.
HOW IS WAMBETI SUPPORTING THE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN SA? "The civil construction industry has experienced shockwaves over the past couple of years due to COVID-19," notes Wambeti. "We are supporting clients by helping them manage risk in their new and existing contracts. "Contracts in the civil construction industry require more compliance and documentation, and we are helping them with contract management." Wambeti continues, “The old days of managing a contract on an ad-hoc basis are long gone. Companies that succeed in winning repeat business have invested in building a solid customer relationship. One of the best ways to build that
relationship is to invest time and resources into contract management.”
HOW HAVE YOUR SERVICES SUPPORTED CIVIL CONSTRUCTION FIRMS? Wambeti supports clients in achieving specific bespoke legal solutions in their business. Wambeti explains, "For each client, their specific project is as important to us as it is for them, and it is fair to say that any project can make or break a client. For that reason, any project where our services are required is treated with care and attention. "Our clients are typically small to medium businesses, and we see opportunities grow across Australia." Wambeti continues, "Irrespective of the size of your civil construction company, there are many opportunities to win new work in South Australia. I value and enjoy helping businesses that are keen to grow, and over time, I see Wambeti Legal being able to share in the growth journey of such a business.”
WHEN SHOULD YOU ENGAGE A CONSTRUCTION LAWYER? In a commercial (or business) setting, law firms are often engaged when a company or person needs to engage in litigation. Wambeti says, "We understand that this is sometimes necessary when things have gone wrong.
CIVIL CONNECT
