Best Construction Law Firms You Need to Be Aware Of
What Makes A Construction Law Firm Unique
When it comes down to which construction law firms need to be on your radar, there are several criteria that make one firm stand out from the rest. First and foremost, a construction law firm should demonstrate a high level of technical expertise in the field. The highly regulated nature of construction means that they will be able to quickly identify areas of legal exposure for a client and how best to properly mitigate that risk. Additionally, it is important that the firm has a comprehensive knowledge of the issues, rules, regulations, conditions, and procedural requirements that govern construction . Second, the firm should be able to provide references from satisfied clients. For example, a construction law firm that specializes in construction litigation, should be able to provide references from satisfied clients attesting to the quality of its work in the courtroom. Third, and most importantly, a strong track record of success in winning cases goes a long way to solidifying that a firm is worth its "salt". In the field of construction litigation, this is especially true. A law firm should be able to tout a string of favorable outcomes for its clients.
The Best Construction Law Firms In The United States
1. Lonergan Partners
Named a top firm by the Chambers USA Guide for construction law, Lonergan Partners handles litigations and arbitrations in almost every jurisdiction across the United States. With particular expertise in international construction, the firm has represented contractors against the government in claims concerning impact and consequential loss. Their notable lawyers include Anthony R. Lonergan and Marley Lonergan.
2. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Bradley is known for its practice in construction dispute resolution, including litigation and arbitration, with extensive involvement on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and suppliers. They have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and Best Law Firms in America for their public finance, environmental, litigation, and tort law practices. Notable lawyers include Colin E. Richter and Charles L. Bentley.
3. Burr Forman
Burr Forman has been at the forefront of construction law for over thirty years, handling complex legal issues from small projects to large facilities. They’re one of the Southeast’s leading construction and insurance litigation firms. Their attorneys offer a comprehensive range of services from inception to post-construction. Eric W. Johnson has been recognized as one of the best lawyers in Alabama by Business Alabama Magazine.
4. Jackson Lewis LLP
This well-known USA based law firm has approximately 900 attorneys in more than 50 workplaces throughout the country. Its construction department represents general contractors, construction managers, architects and engineers, developers, and suppliers, emphasizing labor relations and employment law. Notable lawyers include James Pareti and John Jolley.
5. Husch Blackwell
This major American law firm gives construction businesses strategic and legal support to minimize business risk through a holistic approach to engineering law. The firm has earned praise in disputes advising and construction contract counselling for both public and private owner projects throughout the Construction and surety practice group. The firm has multiple partners who are industry leaders with extensive first chair construction law experience. Well known construction lawyers are Melanie A. Engle and Scott B. McGowan.
Construction Law Firms Worldwide
Renowned in the construction industry, a select few law firms have gained widespread recognition and influence, offering an extensive network of international offices, and a highly specialized team in relation to construction. Among these are the likes of Norton Rose Fulbright, DLA Piper and Pinsent Masons, each boasting a physical presence across more than 20 countries worldwide and able to boast teams of construction lawyers running into the triple figures in size. The offices of global leading construction law firms, such as Norton Rose Fulbright for example, are often staffed with construction lawyers versed in all forms of major contracting, including; sub-contracting, design, manufacturing and engineering, alongside the drafting of standard form contracts and have extensive experience with FIDIC and JBCC conditions of contract. In this way, a global leader in construction law can provide multi-jurisdictional legal advice to contractors and construction professionals on complex construction projects with a particular emphasis on public-private partnerships, concessions and infrastructure projects. Leading law firms, such as DLA Piper, provide construction industry clients a wide range of cost-effective dispute resolution services on a truly global scale. Such leading firms have the capacity to effectively handle disputes involving participants at every level of the construction supply chain, including; owners, contractors, lenders, sub-contractors, suppliers, insurers, design professionals, facility managers and end users of the completed facility. Global leaders of construction law have a long list of construction and engineering industry clientele that include several of the world’s most prestigious international organisations. Outstanding recognition has been garnered over the years working with state-owned enterprises, government agencies, quasi-governmental agencies, religious institutions, universities and schools.
The Services That Construction Law Firms Provide
A distinct aspect of leading construction firms is their ability to offer specialized services that cater to the unique needs of their clients. These services often span the vast range of expertise that covers the lifecycle of a construction project — from initial planning to final accounting. The top construction law firms provide comprehensive contract law and contract administration to ensure that the parties are protected. This includes the negotiation, drafting, and managing the change orders and understandings that shape the contractual relationship. In addition , many firms now offer specialized dispute resolution services that assist when the parties are unable to reach agreement. These services require the skills of a knowledgeable attorney with a firm understanding of the type of dispute. Accordingly, the best construction law firms tend to have lawyers with specialized education and experience in all aspects of construction law. Moreover, most have practical business experience that extends beyond the narrow confines of a legal distinction and provides them with essential insights that help decision-makers avoid costly mistakes. Finally, the top construction law firms offer regulatory compliance and related services that address the complex and often disparate nature of governmental and industry regulations that affect construction-related activities.
How To Select a Construction Law Firm
When selecting among leading construction law firms, there are several important factors to consider. Of course, a firm’s track record is paramount. You want the peace of mind of having an attorney who has successfully handled cases before and knows which strategies to deploy when litigating with a contractor or a subcontractor. But, fees are another key consideration. Can you negotiate a flat fee instead of an hourly rate, for example? Being able to budget effectively can be extremely important in any construction matter. Geographic location is yet another consideration. For example, in every state there are different statutes, ordinances, and case law, all of which can impact how a case is tried or settled out. In fact, even by county, that can differ and you do not want a law firm that is unfamiliar with the local rules and judges in your area. Additionally, while benefitting from a firm that specializes in construction law is important, you also need to speak with an attorney about any other legal concerns you may have and be able to get any sort of consultation you may need for those areas too.
New Developments in Construction Law
As construction law continues to evolve, several key trends are shaping the landscape today and in the future. One of the most significant changes is the integration of technology in all stages of construction. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) to cloud computing, the use of advanced technology in the construction sector is increasing. This trend calls for construction law firms to have a fundamental understanding of not only the traditional law but also how modern technology works as it relates to construction projects.
Another area impacting construction law today are changes in environmental regulations. Environmental impact concerns are now part of every major construction project , and more rigorous environmental laws being enacted to regulate development sectors like commercial, residential, and industrial. Leading construction law firms have positioned themselves to provide counsel on the latest environmental matters impacting construction.
Safety laws affecting site construction processes are another area of construction law that is having a prominent influence in the marketplace. Some of the new safety regulations are more focused on worker safety and rights. Construction law firms that have specialized practice areas within labor law are better suited to manage the evolving worker-safety laws affecting construction companies.