Construction Law

Construction Law

Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck, LLP’s construction law practice is well-known throughout New York and New Jersey for providing comprehensive legal services to the construction industry. By handling the full range of issues involved in both private and public construction projects, our lawyers understand the broad picture while focusing on the minute details that can often have immense repercussions.

We represent developers, project owners, contractors, construction managers, trade contractors, architects, engineers, material suppliers, surety companies and other related businesses and professionals.

Claims, Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation 

Our attorneys assist construction industry stakeholders in a wide scope of claims involving liens; performance, payment and bid bonds; extra work; wrongful termination; defective work; delay, and contractual breaches.

While we often seek to settle disputes, we are ready and able to take a dispute to mediation, arbitration or litigation if the other party does not agree to an equitable settlement.

Our attorneys advise clients which course of action best suits their needs and goals. We evaluate a claim from the onset and during dispute resolution in order for our clients to understand the range of recovery and decide whether to settle the claim so as to avoid unnecessary legal costs. Our experience enables our firm to best present a claim for damages and to defend against claims.

Construction Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Interpretation

The contract sets the foundation for the entire construction project. A well-written contract can significantly reduce risks and enumerate remedies should disputes arise. For this reason, we consider contract drafting and negotiation one of KDV’s most important services for risk reduction and effective contract administration.

Our lawyers negotiate contract terms favorable to our clients and meticulously draft a clear, thorough agreement while keeping in mind the market realities so that our client does not waste time and money negotiating terms which will not be accepted by the other party based on industry standards. We also review existing contracts and suggest risk management approaches especially for public improvement contracts which cannot be negotiated with the public owner.

Compliance (M/W/DBE, OSHA, Safety)

Construction industry businesses and professionals must abide by a complex web of local, state and federal regulations that are difficult to interpret and reconcile. Complicating the matter, case law, legislation and agency regulations are constantly evolving, and businesses are expected to immediately understand and adapt to these changes.

Our lawyers remain up-to-date on the laws and how changes impact our clients’ businesses and projects. We guide our clients through compliance issues related to all aspects of OSHA/Safety, wage, the Buy American Act, LEED , and Minority, Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (M/W/DBE) .

Construction Administration Services & Risk Management

Following contract notice requirements are crucial to pursuing or guarding against claims related to termination, delay, extra work, extensions of time and damages. Our law firm helps contractors meet their obligations to deliver notices that comply with the contractual terms or to effectively enforce notice provisions against claimants. We also assist clients with risk management approaches that limit their exposure to claims, liability and loss.

Practice Group Leadership

Andrew L. Richards Co-Managing Partner - Long Island Office
Chair of Construction Practice Group

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Erik Ortmann Partner
Vice-Chair of Construction Practice

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