Lathrop GPM is nationally recognized for its experience in construction law. Our clients include owners and developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, sureties, lenders, tenants, subcontractors and suppliers in matters involving a wide variety of complex construction, design and insurance coverage issues. Our representation includes matters relating to construction law including many litigation, arbitration and mediation forums throughout the country.

Our attorneys have demonstrated skill and proficiency in a multitude of construction law issues, including construction defects, breach of warranty claims, delay and acceleration, extra work, insurance coverage, wrongful termination, bid protests, mechanic’s liens, surety bond claims, design defects, construction administration, personal injury and contract negotiation and drafting. Many of our lawyers have personal experience as developers of residential and commercial project developments, so we have first-hand knowledge of the challenges you face.

In addition to our litigation skills, we offer significant experience with arbitration and mediations through the American Arbitration Association or on a private basis. Besides representing clients in these settings, our construction lawyers frequently serve as certified neutral arbitrators or mediators. Experience as an advocate or a neutral arbitrator/mediator provides our lawyers with unique insight necessary to properly guide our clients through any construction law proceedings.

Our multifaceted legal representation of construction clients not only addresses litigation concerns, but also the client’s business needs. To minimize the risk of litigation for construction clients, we provide proactive services through advice and counsel in the drafting, review, analysis, and negotiation of construction contracts and related documents. Our clients have commended us for helping them to achieve their business goals.

Experience

  • Representing owner in 98-day bench trial for breach of contract and defective construction in a more than $20 million claim against contractor and architect.
  • Prevailing in complex construction defect trial that resulted in $7.5 million verdict plus attorney’s fees and interest.
  • Representing general contractor in successful binding arbitration of $1 million claim for additional payment against owner of commercial development project.
  • Representing design/builder regarding bid protest in construction of $6 million public facility.
  • Representing materials supplier in $643,000 breach of contract claim. We won at trial, successfully defended the verdict on appeal, and obtained full payment of judgment.
  • Representing landlord in $14 million claim by tenant arising out of construction of internet data centers. The dispute was resolved successfully at mediation.
  • Negotiating construction management and architectural services contracts for construction of $25 million facility.
  • Successfully representing subcontractor in $400,000 claim for payment in residential high-rise construction project.
  • Representing regional bank in sale of three problem construction loans valued at more than $15 million in principal to investor.
  • Obtaining multi-million-dollar settlement for client in claim involving significant defects in construction of new, 11,000 square foot home in Pebble Beach.
  • Representing prime contractor on multi-million dollar claim brought by subcontractor for national underground cable telecommunications network project. The matter was resolved favorably in mediation.
  • Representing general contractor that claimed additional compensation due from owner of large multi-family residential project. The case was resolved successfully in confidential settlement after mediation.
  • Representing general contractor in two-week binding arbitration against owner of condominium project. Client was awarded 100% of claim, plus interest and all attorney’s fees.
  • Advising a prime contractor for high visibility, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project on variety of construction issues, including negotiating change orders, dealing with international steel supplier, and defending against claims by subcontractors.
  • Representing general contractor in $2 million breach of contract claim against owner. The matter was successfully resolved at mediation.

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