Our construction lawyers have vigorously litigated construction cases in many state and U.S. district courts across the country, defended appeals in several U.S. circuit courts, and handled numerous construction arbitrations. Working with local counsel where appropriate, we represent our clients whenever they may become involved in construction litigation. We are strong in both jury and bench trials.
We also stress the importance of resolving construction disputes at the project level, and as soon as possible. Treating every dispute as unique, we consider all possibilities as we evaluate the most efficient means of reaching a successful and prompt resolution. Often this leads to a negotiated settlement. In other instances, we suggest mediation, use of a private judge, or other means of alternative dispute resolution. When cases must be litigated or arbitrated, we continue to consider methods of bringing the proceeding to successful conclusion short of trial.
Despite the variety of available alternatives, some disputes need to be litigated. Morgan Lewis construction attorneys are knowledgeable trial lawyers with successful track records in complex construction cases, including litigation of some of the most sophisticated projects in the world. Our experience includes disputes arising out of the timeliness and cost of projects (changes, delays, disruption, and terminations), and problems with the finished project resulting from design defects, construction workmanship, or materials selection. We represent and have litigated on behalf of project owners and contractors in all types of project performance problems, construction defects, disputes on public and private school projects, hotels and resort construction, the development and structuring of power plants and other EPC contracts for power and cogeneration facilities, high-tech chip and biotech manufacturing facilities, tenant fit-outs, museums, and many other commercial and industrial projects.
Adding to our extensive background, some of our lawyers have served as mediators or arbitrators under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association, federal and state courts, or by private arrangement.
The bulk of our construction practice is devoted to dispute resolution matters. We have also earned a national reputation in litigation arising from catastrophic losses, collapses, fires, and other events. We also routinely represent entities in the prosecution of insurance coverage disputes for property damage, builder’s risk, and personal injury claims, and in contract and tort claims against contractors, engineers, and material suppliers for environmental and air quality problems in buildings, including mold contamination and clean up.