Providing Proactive Counsel to Construction Industry Clients
The design and construction of today’s public and private projects are increasingly complex. Because schedules and budgets are tighter than ever, conflict is inevitable. Disputes can result from any number of factors, including problems with materials, delivery delays, cost overruns, design flaws, inefficiencies of other contractors, or budget disputes. The Construction Law Group at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote has represented owners, contractors, design professionals, vendors, subcontractors, and sureties throughout the country. Because we understand the challenges our clients face, we can provide tangible value in the areas of project analysis exposure and legal strategy.
Contract Preparation and Review
Language in contract documents is often the most critical factor in a construction dispute. Signing a contract without fully reviewing and understanding its legal implications can leave parties little bargaining power. Dickie McCamey’s Construction Law Group carefully reviews contract documents to make sure that our clients know and manage the risks, up front. We listen to our clients’ concerns and are highly effective in negotiating contracts that advance our clients’ objectives. Our attorneys also develop and update contracts, purchase orders, and other documents to limit risk and offer effective recourse in the event of a future dispute.
Claims Disputes and Litigation
Serious construction disputes require immediate attention to meet statutes of limitations or contract requirements, such as notice of claim or breach. Our Construction Law Group works daily with standard agreement forms such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) family of documents, PennDOT specifications, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), and Housing and Urban Development General Conditions. Irrespective of whether the client is a plaintiff or defendant, we are fully versed in prosecuting or defending claims. The combination of our extensive knowledge of the various construction disciplines and our litigation experience provides us with the ability to advise clients quickly and efficiently when questions arise regarding their obligations under these contracts.
In the event of a dispute, our attorneys have experience as trial lawyers that have represented clients in a variety of venues, including matters in arbitration, mediation, the Board of Claims, and claims in the state and federal courts. Though we seek to minimize costs, we will not hesitate to bring a matter to litigation if aggressive action offers the greatest chance of ultimate success.
Bid Protests
Bid protests on public projects are highly controlled matters, typically regulated by a state’s Procurement Act. In the event a bid protest is justified, rapid action must be taken. The Construction Law Group works closely with contractors and subcontractors to swiftly and accurately prepare a bid protest to preserve our clients’ right to do the work.
WBE/MBE Compliance
The members of our Construction Law Group have helped numerous contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers comply with government requirements for Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation. Meeting the percentage goals for public and private projects requires careful planning, documentation, and investigation. We concentrate on making sure that WBE/MBE requirements are properly satisfied from a project’s inception to completion, which helps prevent conflicts and disputes with government entities later on.
Our construction lawyers know the nuances of the law and the industry and are committed to delivering the practical, business-minded advice our clients need at every phase of the construction project.
For further information on the capabilities of the Construction Law Group, contact W. Alan Torrance, Jr. at 412-392-5272 or atorrance@dmclaw.com; or Scott A. Fenton at 614-484-1190 or sfenton@dmclaw.com.