**Audience: Mid to Senior Practitioner**
Synopsis
This half-day masterclass, to be presented by Kyra Reznikov of Finlaysons, will work though legal and contractual risks for the site contamination industry associated with client contracts and report writing. The course will include lectures, case studies and group work-shopping and will be aimed at mid to senior level site contamination professionals.
As an industry, the work we undertake is often at the request of a client, pursuant to a contract of engagement. Contracts might be negotiated or based on standard terms. Understanding key terms and conditions on contracts could help us make better informed decisions both in tendering and prior to signing along the dotted line. This part of the course will include:
- key contract terms – what they mean and how to use them (including complete agreement, order of precedence, change / variation, confidentiality, Force Majeure, law of the contract and jurisdiction, termination, limitations of liability, indemnities and best endeavours / reasonable endeavours);
- implied contract terms;
- ‘Battle of the Forms’ and work at risk; and
- tips and tricks for scoping and tendering for work.
In general, the final deliverable for site contamination investigations is a report that details the investigation undertaken and its findings, including the potential risks to human health and/or the environment associated with the site. Reporting investigation findings and communicating potential risks in a way that can be clearly understood by both technical and lay people (including clients, regulators, purchasers, developers and financiers) is fundamental to our roles as site contamination professionals. Failure to communicate appropriately can have significant legal, financial and reputational consequences. This part of the course will cover risks and management techniques for reporting including:
- misleading and deceptive conduct in report writing;
- clarity of language; and
- third party reliance on reports.
Participants will be encouraged to provide examples or specific queries in advance that can be incorporated into the workshop (email to follow registration)
Presenter Bio
Kyra Reznikov is the head of Finlaysons’ Environment, Planning and ESG practice and has degrees in Chemical Engineering and Law. She is recognized as a leading environmental lawyer in Adelaide and was named by Best Lawyers Australia as ‘Lawyer of the Year – Planning and Environmental Law in South Australia’ in April 2018 and again in April 2023.
Kyra regularly works with and advises site contamination consultants regarding legal obligations, report writing and contract negotiation. She has presented numerous seminars and training sessions to the site contamination industry and has been teaching and guest lecturing at the University of Adelaide since 2009.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
- Up to 8 CPD points (CEnvP) may be earned by attending this event.
- Booking cancelations require a minimum notice of five business days for full refund.
- This event is open to ACLCA members only. Register now to avoid missing out – spaces are strictly limited.
- Bookings close Tuesday 17 November 2026