The Strata Law Podcast with David Sachs

David Sachs
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Join Leading Sydney Strata Lawyer, David Sachs and the team at Sachs Gerace Lawyers as they discuss legal matters relating to strata law in New South Wales. Sachs Gerace Lawyers is a specialist law firm with over 25 years practicing at the forefront of strata and community title law. Recognising the particular needs of the Strata and Community Title industry, David Sachs and his team provide specialist legal services to Strata and Community Title clients.Sachs Gerace Lawyers: https://sglawyers.com.au/Podcast & Law Firm Marketing: https://www.practiceproof.com/law-firm-marketing/

  1. How to Sign and Finalise an Agreement

    Jun 1

    How to Sign and Finalise an Agreement

    Have you ever wondered what actually makes an agreement legally binding? Is a signature enough, or are there other legal requirements that need to be met? In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, Despina Veleski of Sachs Gerace Lawyers explains what it takes to properly execute an agreement and why who signs a document can be just as important as the signature itself. You'll learn about the different ways agreements can be signed, including physical, electronic and counterpart execution, and discover the key factors that determine whether an agreement will be legally enforceable. Despina also discusses how signing requirements differ for individuals, companies and owners corporations, and why authority, process and intention are critical to getting it right. Whether you're involved in a commercial transaction, dealing with a strata matter, or simply want to better understand the legal effect of signing an agreement, this episode provides practical guidance on avoiding common mistakes and ensuring your agreements stand up when it matters most. Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    18 min
  2. Dollars and Sense? Thinking Commercially in the Strata Context

    May 11

    Dollars and Sense? Thinking Commercially in the Strata Context

    In this edition of the Strata Law Podcast, Clement Lo, Special Counsel at Sachs Gerace Lawyers, discusses the often emotionally charged world of strata disputes and litigation.  Drawing on the iconic line from the movie, "The Castle" — “It’s a home I’ve got, not a house” — Clement explains why conflicts in strata schemes can escalate so quickly, and why owners and committees alike often struggle to think clearly when their personal space feels under threat.  In this podcast, Clement discusses the legal duties of strata committees under Section 37 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW), the obligations litigants owe to courts and tribunals, and the commercial realities committees must weigh before pressing ahead with a dispute.  Clement also offers practical guidance on costs, risk, and the importance of setting aside pride and ego, while explaining when defending proceedings genuinely is the right course of action. Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    13 min
  3. What You Need to Know About Confidentiality Clauses

    Mar 30

    What You Need to Know About Confidentiality Clauses

    In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, Sachs Gerace Lawyers' Erin Keogh discusses a topic that plays a crucial role in strata living—confidentiality clauses. Whether you're working with an owners corporation, a strata committee, or advising clients looking to buy into a scheme, this is a subject that comes up time and time again.  Erin explores how confidentiality clauses work, when they apply, and why they’re so important for managing disputes, protecting legal advice, and maintaining relationships within a building. Erin also discuses strata schemes can balance openness with discretion, while still meeting legal obligations under New South Wales strata laws. Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    9 min
  4. Releases and Indemnities: The Cost of Getting It Wrong

    Mar 1

    Releases and Indemnities: The Cost of Getting It Wrong

    You've reached a settlement in your strata dispute — the negotiations are done, and it's time to put pen to paper. But buried in that deed are two terms that could define your rights for years to come: the release and the indemnity.  In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, David Sachs, Principal of Sachs Gerace Lawyers, unpacks two of the most commonly misunderstood terms in settlement documents and contracts — and explains why they demand careful, tailored drafting.  David breaks down:  What a release actually is — and why the definition of "claims" in the document is the part you need to scrutiniseA real-world case where an owners corporation accidentally signed away its right to pursue fire compliance defect claimsWhat an indemnity is and how it differs from a release — one ends claims, the other creates ongoing obligationsHow indemnities commonly arise in strata building defects disputes between owners corporations, builders, and lot ownersWhy AI-drafted contracts are no substitute for a lawyer who can tailor these clauses to your specific situation Whether you're an owners corporation settling a defects claim, a builder negotiating a deed of release, or a lot owner trying to understand what a settlement document commits you to, this episode is essential listening.   Need help? Contact Sachs Gerace Lawyers: www.sglawyers.com.au   Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    15 min
  5. How to Record Settlement Agreements

    Feb 4

    How to Record Settlement Agreements

    📜 Settling a legal dispute? Make sure it's recorded properly—or risk losing everything you've agreed to.  You've finally reached an agreement with the other party. The hard part is over, right? Not so fast. How you record that settlement agreement can make or break your ability to enforce it later. Get it wrong, and you could find yourself back at square one—or worse, bound by terms you never intended.  In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, Sachs Gerace Lawyers, Anne Fernando discusses the two usual ways to formally record a settlement agreement: consent orders and settlement deeds. Whether you're navigating a home building dispute, strata issue, commercial disagreement, or any civil claim in New South Wales, understanding when to use each option—and what must be included—could save you thousands of dollars and countless sleepless nights.  Whether you're a property owner, builder, strata committee member, or just someone trying to resolve a dispute efficiently, this podcast gives you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.  Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    9 min
  6. What is a Binding Agreement?

    Jan 7

    What is a Binding Agreement?

    Think you need a signed contract to be legally bound? Think again! 🚨  In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, Despina Veleski, from Sachs Gerace Lawyers unpacks what a binding agreement really is — and why it’s one of the most misunderstood concepts in contract law. From quotes and emails to verbal arrangements and unsigned documents, Desipna breaks down how enforceable obligations can arise long before a formal contract is signed. Discover why that simple "yes, go ahead" email or accepted quote could lock you into legal obligations you never intended. Whether you're managing a strata property, hiring a builder, or running a construction business, understanding binding agreements could save you from expensive disputes and legal headaches.  What You'll Learn:  ✅ The 3 critical elements that create a binding agreement (it's not just signatures!)  ✅ How verbal agreements and emails can become enforceable contracts  ✅ Why quotes aren't "just quotes"—when they become legally binding  ✅ Common misconceptions that lead to legal trouble  ✅ How to protect yourself when entering agreements Need help, contact Sachs Gerace Lawyers Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    18 min
  7. Who Controls Strata Litigation?

    12/01/2025

    Who Controls Strata Litigation?

    In this episode of the Strata Law Podcast, Sachs Gerace Lawyers, Special Counsel, Clement Lo shifts the focus to one of the most misunderstood aspects of strata governance: who has the legal authority to settle litigation on behalf of an owners corporation.  Contrary to popular belief, only a limited number of decisions actually require approval at a general meeting — and notably, settling litigation is not one of them. This revelation reframes how strata committees operate in high-pressure dispute scenarios and highlights the significant responsibility placed on committee members when legal proceedings are on foot.  Clement outlines how personal emotions, principle-driven objections, and internal conflict can derail sensible settlement outcomes — particularly where the most cost-effective commercial solution may be to bring proceedings to an end.  With recent legislative reforms increasing the expectations placed on committee members, this episode explores how governance, accountability, and strategic decision-making now intersect more than ever.  Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    10 min
  8. "Without Prejudice" in Strata Law: What It Really Means

    10/29/2025

    "Without Prejudice" in Strata Law: What It Really Means

    In today’s episode of the Strata Law podcast, we’re talking about a concept that often pops up in disputes but isn’t always well understood: “without prejudice.” What does it really mean? When can you use it in a strata dispute? And how can it protect you if your matter heads to the Tribunal? Joining us in this episode is Erin Keogh, a Solicitor at Sachs Gerace, who breaks down how “without prejudice” works, the myths around it, and why it’s a vital tool for keeping negotiations off the record and relationships intact. Whether you’re an owner, committee member, or strata manager, this episode will give you practical insights into resolving conflicts the smart way. Produced by Law Firm Marketing experts, Practice Proof

    8 min
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About

Join Leading Sydney Strata Lawyer, David Sachs and the team at Sachs Gerace Lawyers as they discuss legal matters relating to strata law in New South Wales. Sachs Gerace Lawyers is a specialist law firm with over 25 years practicing at the forefront of strata and community title law. Recognising the particular needs of the Strata and Community Title industry, David Sachs and his team provide specialist legal services to Strata and Community Title clients.Sachs Gerace Lawyers: https://sglawyers.com.au/Podcast & Law Firm Marketing: https://www.practiceproof.com/law-firm-marketing/

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