Construction

Attorneys in Taft’s Construction practice advise industry participants, including owners, contractors, design-builders, developers, architects, subcontractors, engineers and material suppliers, on all aspects of public and private construction projects, such as:

• Project feasibility and financing.
• Leasing.
• Project delivery method selection.
• Contract form selection, drafting and negotiation.
• Bidding and bid protests.
• Zoning.
• Compliance for public and government-assisted projects.
• Insurance, bonds and indemnity.
• Dispute resolution.
• Labor and employment issues, including union matters, OSHA compliance and workers’ compensation.
• Risk management.

While our priority is to implement approaches that minimize disputes and to negotiate workable settlements when disputes arise, we have achieved successful results before courts, arbitrators and contract appeals boards with respect to all types of claims, including payment, performance and insurance coverage disputes. We help our clients determine the most effective contracting approach to achieve project objectives, such as integrated project delivery, CM at risk and other non-traditional contracting structures, wrap-up insurance programs, building information management (3D project models), “lean construction” or enhanced participation of disadvantaged business entities.

Our construction attorneys also coordinate closely with other Taft attorneys who have extensive experience in other aspects of construction project development, including project feasibility, tax considerations, brownfields and other environmental issues, zoning, joint ventures, financing options and negotiations, governmental incentives and leasing.

Depth of Experience

Our experience in construction is broad and deep. We have represented some of our construction-related clients for decades. As a result, we know the industry’s economics and key players well, and we often help our clients make valuable business connections. Among many others, we represent major regional general contractors and owners who we have assisted with every phase of $100 million plus projects to build or expand hospitals, casinos, office facilities and sewage systems. We have also worked on projects to build or expand stadiums, military facilities, water plants and schools. Private projects include development and construction of numerous commercial, residential, hotel, restaurant, industrial, mixed-use and entertainment properties, both locally and nationally.

Taft brings lean construction practices to clients that are designed to maximize value and minimize waste throughout the construction process. We incorporate integrated project delivery (“IPD”), a process uniquely suited to put lean construction principals into practice. IPD aligns interests, objectives and practices through a team-based approach where all disciplines in a construction project work as one entity, creating faster delivery times and lower costs. Read more about how we incorporate lean construction practices and IPD processes into our projects here.

Our construction attorneys represent companies ranging from small to large, from the supplier to the end user. We understand the economic challenges our clients face, and we are committed to keeping legal costs reasonable in light of the economics of the matters we are addressing. Our goal is to partner with our clients for successful, profitable construction projects.

Chambers USA recognized Taft as a 2015 and 2016 leading firm in Construction, as well as 15 other practice areas. Taft's construction attorneys are also contributing authors to Construction Law Insight, a newsletter that provides updates and analysis on a wide range of construction law topics.