Fabienne Loncar

Partner

Fabienne Loncar is a partner at Chambers Russell Lawyers, with over 20 years of experience providing strategic, results-driven legal services to a diverse range of industry stakeholders. She advises on all aspects of Owners Corporation law, including defect claims, legislative compliance, and dispute resolution. Fabienne combines technical expertise with a client-focused approach. She brings a strategic perspective and innovative thinking to each matter, delivering practical, actionable advice while anticipating future challenges. She is dedicated to being approachable and accessible, and recognised for her ability to guide committees and managers through complex legal and regulatory landscapes efficiently and effectively.

Expertise

  • Advising and representing Owners Corporations in defect claims, non-compliant cladding disputes, and recovery actions.
  • Providing guidance on interpretation and application of Owners Corporation legislation and rules, ensuring compliance with legal changes.
  • Managing plan of subdivision and boundary disputes affecting property rights and shared spaces.
  • Representing clients in VCAT and other tribunal hearings, offering advocacy and dispute resolution expertise.
  • Drafting and amending special rules, contracts, and other governance documentation.
  • Coordinating multi-jurisdictional litigation including urgent injunctions, complex claims, and commercial or residential disputes.
  • Presenting at industry seminars, contributing to publications, and providing tailored education to committees, managers, and stakeholders.

Selected Cases

  • Acted in numerous large scale defect claims, both litigated and non-litigated, with values ranging up to $20 million, including Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) applications.
  • Acted in recovery actions against builders, design professionals, surveyors, architects, and fire engineers for defect claims, achieving successful outcomes in both commercial and residential settings.
  • Advised Strata Community Australia (SCA) on the effect of the 2021 amendments to the Owners Corporations Act 2006, specifically regarding the contract of appointment and its implications for the sector.
  • Successfully defended an insurance claim brought by a mortgagee in possession under a domestic building insurance policy, setting a legal precedent in insurance disputes.

Contact Fabienne

Latest Articles

New Victorian Building Legislation

Introduction to Strata Building Defects

The Challenges of Arranging Building Work to Existing Strata Schemes