David Trinder

Graduate Diploma in Construction Law

Contract/Claims Management, Co-Projects, Western Australia

What is your professional education and work background?
I started life in the construction industry in 1989 with a degree in Quantity Surveying and the first three years thereafter working for a large private practice in London. Since arriving in Australia in 1997, I have worked exclusively for Contractors in contract administration and management of medium to large building projects. During this time I gained recognition as a registered builder.

In the last two years I have provided professional contract management services on large EPC type projects and have been engaged on a power station and desalination project. In this time I have also been recognised as a Registered Adjudicator under the Construction Contracts Act (2004) in Western Australia.

How did you come about studying at Melbourne Law School?
With my 40th birthday approaching in mid 2011, I choose to go back to study for the personal challenge and to consolidate the industry experience I had gained into an area that I have since chosen to focus the next stage of my career upon – construction law.

Why Melbourne Law School? From my research this was recognised as being the leading institution within Australia to study construction law. Having now completed my course, I can certainly advocate that the course material, lecturers and facilities are all first class.

Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters?
This has been one of the most rewarding things I have done over the life of my career and would recommend the Melbourne Law Masters to others considering post graduate study. Coming into the course with 20 years experience has certainly been of benefit and has allowed me to extract the most from the experience. I have particularly enjoyed being back in the class room with likeminded people who have a thirst for knowledge and lecturers who are experts in their field.

Why did you choose to undertake the subjects you did?
Firstly, I choose to start with the foundation subject "Principles of Construction Law" to settle back into academic life and before setting the bar higher. The other three subjects were all chosen to best fit and enhance my current career path. This focus is on contract management, the certification of complex time and cost related matters and the resolution of disputes during construction. The subjects chosen were also designed to underpin my ability to adjudicate on payment disputes.

I decided to sign off with "Advanced Construction Law" as a personal challenge, so as to write a 10,000 word research paper for my 40th birthday present. That's one off the bucket list. Whilst not for the faint hearted, this task has given me a great sense of personal achievement.

What networking opportunities has the Melbourne Law Masters provided you with?
It has been great to meet other professionals with different backgrounds and perspectives. It is good to keep in touch and the course definitely has the ability to open doors.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I enjoy that every large construction project is different. This involves different construction techniques, different people and different types of contract. This sets out a unique challenge for each project. I most enjoy being able to confront these challenges with the combined understanding of technical, commercial and now legal principles.

How do you think your studies will help you in your current role and in the future?
I already see the benefits of having been enrolled in the course at Melbourne Law School. This starts with greater personal confidence in the subject areas taken and translates into peer recognition from colleagues. Prospective clients also certainly see an added value from the commitment to participate in the course. I have recently secured a senior position on a large construction project. Whether my studies contributed to this is not known, however I do know that my ability to perform this role will be enhanced having now completed the course.

My positive experience from the course has also given me the desire to continue with further academic study sometime in the future. Like most things in life, the more you put in the more you get out. Therefore, be prepared to commit the time in order to derive the maximum benefit.