Construction Litigation Lawyer

We routinely deal with payment delays, contract breaches, construction defects, mechanic's lien claims, project delays, and disputes over building code compliance - including issues between contractors, subcontractors, developers and property owners.

Our team is highly experienced in construction-related legal disputes (mediation, arbitration, trial), with a practice limited strictly to construction law to ensure the most up-to-date knowledge of industry issues and regulations.

We do review and draft contracts relating to payment terms, scope of work, change order procedures and dispute resolution policies to avoid ambiguities that fuel future disagreements.

We consult with engineers, architects, construction managers and other industry specialists to review drawings, codes and specifications for technical accuracy when presenting evidence or arguments.

We provide hourly billing, fixed fees for defined stages and contingency arrangements where appropriate; payment plans and detailed bills help clients manage costs and avoid surprises.

Key factors include the case's complexity, number of parties, volume of documents, need for expert opinions, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial; we emphasize cost-effective actions focused on your interests.

Timeframes range from 6-18 months for simple matters to several years for larger, multi-party lawsuits with substantial discovery; we seek condensed schedules using a combination of case management and alternative dispute resolution.

We pursue mediation or binding arbitration as resolution avenues in the majority of our cases (often leading to reduced costs and ongoing commercial relationships), with court as a last resort when negotiations fail.

Clients receive regular updates by email, phone or client portal according to preference, with urgent notifications concerning important developments; plain language is used to explain legal concepts and options.

We carefully time procedures to prevent unnecessary project shutdowns, secure interim agreements to allow work to continue, and choose dispute resolution methods whenever possible that avoid interfering with your operations.

Our advice and tactics blend in relevant building code sections (e.g., California Civil Code §§8410-8424 for liens), OSHA regulations and construction contract protocols; we tailor arguments to industry norms to add weight to the case.

We frequently retain licensed engineers, architects and other construction professionals who can assess documentary evidence, examine alleged deficiencies and testify as expert witnesses if needed.

• Maintain thorough written notes of communications
• Perform periodic contract reviews
• Use documented approval processes for changes
• Harness early warning solutions such as formal dispute resolution clauses in agreements

We accept instructions from all parties in construction disputes, including owner and contractor, subcontractor and developer interests, giving us insight into both sides of every argument.

• Payment delays of more than a week past the contract due date
• Health and safety concerns
• Alleged construction deficiency claims over $10,000
• Being threatened with a lien or lawsuit

Signs you should consult a lawyer (often sooner is better) include any of the above circumstances.

• Copies of contracts, drawings, change orders, and payment records
• Correspondence (email, letters, memos)
• Photographs or videos of disputed work
• Any prior registered lien notices

Organize the documents in chronological order for review.

We create a multi-party strategy chart with reasons for each party's position and liability, file cross-claims where necessary, and use alternative dispute resolution resources to streamline the multi-party negotiation process whenever possible.

Our lawyers handle appeals by reviewing the trial record for potential grounds, drafting written and oral arguments, and presenting to the appellate court (keeping trial counsel involved for continuity of facts).

We provide advice based on projected numbers for settlement, cost to litigate, probable outcome and business disruption; these calculations allow the client to make a practical decision on accepting or rejecting a settlement claim/offer.

Call, email or book online; initial meetings can take place virtually on short notice or in-office where more detailed records must be reviewed.