CRAIG B. PAYNTER has spent more than twenty years building a successful practice in the construction law area. Mr. Paynter brings a wealth of experience to the counsel he provides his clients. Chambers USA says of Mr. Paynter that he is known for his “impressive knowledge, experience and good judgment” and praised for his specialist expertise of both public and private development.  He represents clients in all aspects of construction, with a particular emphasis on public sector litigation and contracting. Mr. Paynter is a leading authority on eminent domain issues and currently serves as a Federal Civil Rule 71.1 Commissioner for eminent domain acquisitions related to an interstate natural gas pipeline project.

Representative Experience

• Currently serving as Special Counsel to Ohio Attorney General representing The Ohio State University as Construction Counsel on contractor claims, surety takeovers, and on the replacement of defective work emanating from the construction of complex project known as Phase I and Phase II of the $150 million Larkins Hall Recreation Facility
• Served as Federal Civil Rule 71.1 Commissioner for eminent domain acquisitions related to interstate natural gas pipeline constructed by Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC
• Successfully represented a drywall subcontractor in claims against owner and general contractor arising out of the construction of a $40 million corporate headquarters building in the central Ohio area
• Liberty Township, Delaware County. Drafted contracts for first-known collaborative effort between Township and YMCA for construction of a community recreation center. The contracts included a lease of the premises constructed to the YMCA, as well as the contracts for traditional design, bid, build project delivery. After substantial completion, represented Liberty Township in claims against a contractor and its bonding company for defectively installed work, achieving correction of the defect for the Township.
• Represented Liberty Township in construction of recreation center, township firehouses, community building and active park facilities
• Assisted Northern Area Water Authority municipal joint venture and its participant municipalities in site acquisition and construction of a $20 million water treatment and distribution network
• Lead Counsel as Special Counsel for City of Columbus in eminent domain proceedings by which properties were acquired on which to construct the Ohio State University Gateway project, contributing significantly to the timely acquisition of properties
• Represented Ashland County in a lawsuit alleging unworkmanlike work performed on standing seam metal roof on County jail facility
• Successfully represented a municipal joint venture and its participant municipalities in claims arising out of the design and construction of a sanitary sewer wet-well and lift station
• Successfully represented Lake Erie area Water District in claims against design professional where allegations centered on the negligent design of intake facility

Achievements and Awards

• AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law & Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
• Listed as Ohio Super Lawyer, Construction/Surety (2004 – 2005, 2007– 2012)
• Listed in Chambers USA, Construction Litigation

Professional Memberships and Community Service

• Columbus Bar Association, Former Chair of the Construction Law Committee (2002 – 2004)
• Ohio State Bar Association, Construction Law Committee
• American Bar Association, Forum on the Construction Industry
• Columbus Lawyers Club
• Western Reserve Academy Alumni Association
• Legal Advisor - Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio (1987 – present)
• Leadership Columbus Class of 2001
• Leadership Delaware County Class of 1994 (Participant 1995 &1996)

Speeches and Publications

• “Competitive Bidding “- Ohio Township Association, February 2, 2007
• “Construction Claims Issues” - Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, 2006 Summer Workshop
• "Strong Oversight Can Get Community Centers Built,” Columbus Business First, March 2, 2004

Other Professional Experience

• Special Outside Counsel to Ohio Attorney General