Construction

In the time-sensitive construction industry, it is critical for businesses to partner with an attorney who understands construction law. A lawyer with expertise in this field can save companies money and help prevent lawsuits. At Prince Lobel, our construction attorneys know the law, having represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, designers and financial institutions in a wide range of matters. More importantly, we understand the construction business and how to avoid or manage unexpected issues that impact our clients’ projects.

Prince Lobel construction attorneys work with clients throughout the life of a project, from the initial bid and contract to the preparation of extra work, productivity and delay claims. An intimate knowledge of Massachusetts public construction and mechanic’s lien laws gives our attorneys the tools needed to evaluate potential claims, develop an appropriate strategy for each case and promptly resolve all matters. We have vast experience prosecuting and defending claims on a wide variety of projects, including commercial and residential developments, schools, manufacturing facilities, office renovations and construction, and road and bridge construction. Clients benefit from our litigation expertise, which our attorneys use to analyze contracts and avoid potential claims.

The attorneys in our construction group are members of the Association of General Contractors, a full-service national trade association that represents more than 32,000 leading firms in the industry - including general contractors, specialty contractors, and service providers and suppliers.

Our construction law practice includes:

Prosecuting and defending delay and productivity claims
Handling extra work claims
Taking on federal and state statutory bond claims, mechanic’s lien claims and indemnity claims
Defending and prosecuting bid protests
Contract drafting and negotiation
Litigation
Arbitration and mediation in state and federal courts

To learn more about our experience in the construction industry, please contact Group Chair Hugh J. Gorman, III at hgorman@PrinceLobel.com or 617 456 8093.

Representative Matters

On appeal, successfully argued that firm client, a surety, should receive an expedited trial under G.L.c.149, §29. Vacating the trial court decision, the appeals court stated that sureties are "a party" as much as those providing labor and materials for construction-related work.
Successfully represented subcontractor against claims relating to breach of warranty and unfair trade practices. This was the first decision in Massachusetts to effectively limit the rights under the “warranty of habitability” to only the developer/vendor, and specifically exclude subcontractors.
Secured dismissal of $1.5 million in claims against a general contractor for a $26 million residential development in Leicester, Massachusetts.
Successfully defended a large food manufacturer against $400,000 in productivity claims from a mechanical contractor regarding an $18 million upgrade to an existing manufacturing facility.
Secured favorable resolutions for owners with HVAC, water infiltration, mold, fire safety, bridge bearing and paving disputes.
Developed claims for a major general contractor on road and bridge projects related to extra work and delays.
Represented a general contractor against claims from subcontractors on a $4 million Massachusetts Department of Conservations and Recreation project.
Defended a general contractor against subcontractor claims related to the $4.5 million emergency repair of a public school.
Successfully resolved claims for a general contractor against the owner of a downtown office building undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation.
Defended a developer against a private-equity lender in claims from the construction of a 180-lot development and championship golf course.
Represented a bonding company in prosecuting delay and productivity claims from a $61 million power plant upgrade.
Secured multimillion dollar design and construction settlement for defects in a new luxury residential property in downtown Boston.
Successfully resolved acoustical claims and implemented remediation of acoustic deficiencies.
Secured recovery for property owner in connection with adjacent transportation infrastructure project.