‘Second to none’ King & Spalding LLP is a trailblazer in complex and first-of-a-kind contracts, projects, and disputes. At the helm of the operation is Houston’s Scott Greer, who advises on the development of large energy and data center projects; and Austin’s Mike Stenglein, who helps clients resolve disputes involving critical U.S. infrastructure. Terra Mareck Cothran recently joined the Houston office where Andrew Stakelum is also based – he draws on his energy expertise to help clients resolve conflicts involving power plants and pipeline projects. In San Fransisco, David Wallach is focused on renewable energy, while Stephen O’Neal is effective in construction and engineering disputes. Austin-based Adam Gray, Luke Roniger and Matt Vandenberg concentrate on litigation and arbitration involving energy and technology megaprojects. In Atlanta, Gregg Jacobson assists with the negotiation and drafting of construction agreements, including procurement, EPC, and professional services. Austin’s Robert Garner is similarly experienced and has represented owners and developers in a variety of projects from university facilities to mining expansions. Ingrid Myers recently retired while Jonathan Katz departed from the firm.

Hailed as ‘the best in the industry’, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. prides itself on being construction law focused. The national practice, headquartered in New York, is committed to advising contractors, owners, construction managers and companies. The firm’s chair, Steven Charney, based in New York and New Jersey, advises powerhouse US contractors in high-value contract disputes. Founding partner and New York-based Robert Peckar represents general contractors and construction managers in disputes. The New York office’s co-managing partners, Paul Monte and Gregory Chertoff, advise on complex agreements and issues involving buildings and powerplant projects. The Miami office’s managing partners, Adam Handfinger and Gary Stein, are well-respected for handling contract negotiations and litigating defects, payments, lien, and bond claims. Washington DC’s co-managing partner, Michael Branca, is renowned for his expertise in construction and government contracts; he has been involved in numerous public and private projects.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP stands out for its ‘exceptional expertise’ and ‘collaboration’ among its construction team. The national practice is led by California’s Michael McKeeman, who handles contract drafting, negotiation, and disputes; and New York’s Alison Ashford; who structures complex infrastructure projects such as airports, rail stations, and educational facilities. Washington DC’s ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ Charles Wall advises on large projects delivered through public-private partnerships, design-build, and progressive design-build. Washington DC’s Bennett Greenberg and Michael Wagner are similarly experienced while also arbitrating and litigating government contract and infrastructure disputes. San Francisco’s Gregg Dulik and Los Angeles’ new recruit Brenda Radmacher bring further dispute strength to the practice, often handling claims involving bid protests, mechanic’s liens and defects arising from public and private projects. In the Seattle office, Meghan Douris and Ryan Dumm advise clients on the challenges associated with constructing high-rise buildings and heavy civil infrastructure developments, while Ashley Sherwood deals with multi-party actions involving various contract-based claims.

Holland & Knight LLP is home to ‘excellent litigators and construction attorneys’ who advise on industrial, resort, mixed-use, power generation, and major infrastructure projects. The firm’s recent highlights include representing the New York Thruway Authority in its defense of the construction of the highly-publicized Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The multi-state practice is led by Stephen Shapiro, who divides his time between Washington DC and New York, and Ben Subin, based in Orlando and Miami. Robert Bernstein heads the New York team with his expertise in heavy construction, infrastructure, and real estate development. He is joined by Adam Paterno, whose transactional practice includes the representation of owners, developers, contractors, and designers across the country. Operating from Boston, Gina Fonte and Edwin Hall assist with both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Orlando’s Monte Starr and Nashville’s Joe Watson and Mark Bell have litigated a variety of construction issues involving defects and delays, contracts and payments, and liens and bonds. The team also has a Chicago presence where Gregory Meeder advises developers, contractors, and corporations on high-value projects.

Jones Day advises on complex construction projects and is ‘excellent’ at handling ‘large and sophisticated disputes’. The practice is headed by Los Angeles’ Daniel McMillan, who has both transactional and trial expertise, and Dallas’ Roy Powell, who has litigated and arbitrated major infrastructure and energy disputes. New York’s ‘highly intelligent and responsive’ recent joiner Lawrence Dany focuses on dispute avoidance – he mitigates conflict risks through drafting solid design-build and EPC agreements. In Los Angeles, Michael McCauley focuses on disputes in the renewable energy sector, including wind farms and battery storage projects. Washington DC’s Christopher Thatch and Pittsburgh’s Tarek Abdalla also have extensive project experience in the public and private sectors; these include power plants, pipelines and infrastructure builds. Further dispute talent emanates from the Atlanta office, where Joseph Finley advises on claims concerning schedule delays, cost overruns, and defective design, whereas in Dallas, Peter Laun is consulted on insurance recovery, contracts, and securities.

Jones Walker LLP‘s ‘extremely strategic and responsive’ construction team advises on a multiplicity of construction projects including industrial, commercial, residential, renewable energy, aerospace, and mixed-use assets. The practice is led by Atlanta’s Chad Theriot, who advises on contract negotiation and construction litigation; and New Orleans’ Michael Drew, who is knowledgeable regarding government regulatory matters such as permitting large-scale brownfield and greenfield projects. Altanta’s Neal Sweeney has expertise in major infrastructure and public-private projects, such as airports, highways, and tunnels. The firm’s Houston practice is headed by Cindy Matherne Muller, and supported by Tiffany Raush, who represents companies ranging from large EPC contractors to start-ups on capital projects. New Orleans’ Richard J. Tyler and Jackson’s Adam Stone are skilled in complex construction litigation and arbitration.

Akerman LLP‘s attorneys are experienced in handling a range of projects, from tunnels and highways to data centers and government facilities. Washington DC’s Jeffrey Gilmore heads the practice and ‘sets a high bar’ with his P3 project expertise encompassing sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and wastewater systems. Leslie Miller Tomczak leads the Fort Lauderdale office where she advises on various asset classes including hotels, hospitals and high-rises, and is adept at dealing with sustainability issues. Fort Lauderdale’s Stacy Bercun Bohm  – with the support of DC’s Daniel Miktus, is currently advising Westend Properties Limited on its multi-million-dollar renovation of the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. In DC, Stephen Hurlbut focuses on government contract litigation involving delays and scheduling issues, while Orlando’s George Tate handles a broader range of defects, delays, and payment disputes.

Mayer Brown is prolific across construction sectors and has advised on large projects including infrastructure, manufacturing and processing plants, energy and power, and residential and commercial real estate. Joanna Horsnail leads the construction and engineering practice in Chicago, where she acts for owners, developers, designers, contractors and construction managers in transactional matters. Chicago-based Nathan Galer advises on project development and finance agreements, including EPC and professional services agreements. The firm’s Houston office benefits from the presence of litigation and dispute resolution head, Charles Kelley, who regularly represents global companies in the construction space. Kelley and Horsnail are currently advising Team Japan on the Texas Central High-Speed Rail Project multi-million dollar deal, in which it will design and build a railway line and fast-train system between Dallas and Houston.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is well-reputed for helping its clients execute large and complex projects and advising on disputes in the context of construction accidents and force majeure events. Washington DC-based practice heads Melissa Lesmes and Clark Thiel are key individuals for construction delays, defects, and insurance coverage disputes. Charles Conrad leads the firm’s Houston branch, where he represents owners and contractors in traditional and renewable energy disputes. Recent joiner Derrick Carson, also Houston-based, tries similar cases in front of juries, judges and arbitrators. San Francisco’s Robert James and special counsel John Heisse assist developers, builders, and designers throughout public and private construction projects. In the DC office, Laura Bourgeois LoBue and Michael McNamara advise on construction and engineering disputes, involving disruption, suspension and termination of contracts.

Thompson Hine LLP is ‘knowledgeable and efficient’ and ‘brings a multidisciplinary approach’ to construction and renovation projects. Cleveland-based Alan Ritchie acts as department head and also sits within the wider real estate group. Along with Jeffrey Appelbaum, he has considerable experience working on community impact projects such as sports facilities and mixed-use developments. Also in the Cleveland office are Daniel Haymond, who has represented owners, developers, and architects in arbitrations involving hydroelectric power plant and natural gas pipeline disputes; and Erin Luke, who focuses on a broader range of sectors from manufacturing and production to hospital and medical facilities. In New York, James Frankel is a key contact for contract formation and administration. Columbus’ Jack Clark is similarly experienced while John B. Kopf handles delay disputes. William Thrush departed from the firm.

 

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP is acclaimed for its comprehensive construction department which advises on project feasibility, risks and final completion as well as high-stakes litigation. Practice head Mike Subak is based in Philadelphia where he represents EPC contractors, construction managers, and owners in high-value disputes. In the New York office, Aaron Abraham offers a wide scope of services, including drafting and negotiating contracts, structuring major projects, and advising on construction and design defect claims. In Pittsburg, Albert Bates helps clients resolve disputes involving power generation, infrastructure, and heavy industrial developments. In the Atlanta office, Jason McLarry and Joseph T. Imperiale deal with conflicts concerning an array of construction projects from power plants and pipelines to high-rise buildings and university facilities.

State and city governmental bodies, owners, real estate developers and construction companies seek out Venable LLP for its expertise. Kenneth Roberts in Chicago spearheads the team, focusing on keeping his clients’ capital improvement projects within budget and schedule and resolving potential disputes outside the courtroom. Fellow Chicago-based and deputy team leader Heidi Rowe is experienced in contract drafting and negotiation, as well as contract enforcement and claims management. Chicago’s Jonathan Freilich represents design professionals in projects ranging from home remodeling to commercial and infrastructure. In Washington, Amanda Schermer MacVey advises on construction transactions during which she anticipates and works towards resolving commercial disputes before they materialize. Seasoned New York litigator Russell Wolfson recently joined the practice. Alongside Chicago’s Katherine Peluso, he is advising InvestMates Real Estate on its mixed-use development project worth $150 million.

Focused on construction law, Vinson & Elkins LLP represents 8 Rivers Capital, LLC, Goldman Sachs, Infinium Holdings, Inc. and many other clients in public and energy infrastructure projects. This includes associated litigation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution services. Headquartered in Houston, Alan Alexander leads the practice; he has a considerable history of working on oil and gas and renewable energy developments such as carbon capture, clean ammonia, and green hydrogen projects. Further specialists within the team include Stephanie Coco, whose energy transition experience includes solar, wind, and electric vehicle charging, while recent rejoiner, Mark Brasher has worked on high-speed rail and thermal power generation facilities. Unless stated otherwise, all the aforementioned attorneys are based in Houston.

Dickinson Wright PLLC ‘s attorneys are ‘extremely knowledgeable and practical’ in trying litigation claims before arbitration panels and courts. Todd Baxter leads the practice from his Arizona base – he regularly negotiates and drafts contracts and initiates litigation proceedings on behalf of contractors, owners and developers. Grand Rapids’ John Cameron also prepares contracts for the development of large-scale projects including hotels, healthcare facilities, and sports complexes. In Phoenix, Stephen Richman is an experienced arbitrator who is well-versed in design-build, lien laws and risk-shifting clauses, while Scott Holcomb represents public entities in construction and real estate litigation. Andrew Alvarado is another key litigator based in Austin.

As a key component of the firm’s real estate practice, DLA Piper LLP (US)‘s construction team handles transactional and contentious work on behalf of owners, contractors, and design professionals. The team is spearheaded by Baltimore’s Anthony Meagher, a trained arbitrator and mediator who deals with project issues; and Atlanta’s Brian Fielden, who is well-versed in energy and infrastructure projects delivered through public-private partnerships. Boston’s Anita Agajanian negotiates construction contracts as well as architect and developer agreements. In Baltimore, Nicole Kozlowski litigates construction and commercial disputes, while in Washington DC, Christopher Henry represents owners, developers, and contractors in transactional involving major projects.

Developers, owners and investors rely on Greenberg Traurig LLP to negotiate bespoke contracts and agreements which aim to mitigate the potential risks posed by construction and development. Miami’s Michael Thomas and Los Vegas’ Mark Ferrario head the practice – both are experienced trial lawyers who litigate issues such as mechanic’s liens and design defects. Dividing their time between New Jersey and New York, David Jensen counsels owners and developers throughout all stages of construction projects while Robert Epstein advises contractors and designers on claims relating to defects and delays. In Miami, Michael Murphy advises contractors and material suppliers on similar claims as well as acceleration and lien foreclosures, while Thomas Heisler litigates business-related construction disputes in federal and state courts.

Construction and government contracts specialist Smith Currie Oles advises contractors, engineers, suppliers and owners on both transactional and litigious project matters. The practice is led by the firm’s managing partner, Atlanta-based Eric Nelson, who concentrates on federal construction, healthcare, and EPC project claims. San Francisco’s Daniel McLennon and Washington DC’s Shannon Briglia represent clients in contract, bond and surety conflicts before courts and alternative dispute venues. Lauren McLaughlin, also DC-based, assists subcontractors, sureties and designers during public and private developments; throughout projects, she works to mitigate the risk of litigation.

Praised for being ‘knowledgeable, responsive, and producing high-quality work’, White & Case LLP handles high-profile energy transition projects. Its clients consist of developers, contractors, government agencies, and multinational corporations such as Microsoft and Amazon. The construction department is headed by Houston’s David Strickland who leads clean energy mega-projects involving solar and wind, geothermal power, battery storage, and renewable natural gas. In the firm’s adjacent project development and finance group, recent joiner and Houston-based Peter Berg ‘earns respect on all sides of the table’ in negotiations concerning on- and off-shore projects. New York’s newly promoted partner Rafaele Turco is involved in developing power, energy and infrastructure projects as well as cross-border financing.

Baker Botts L.L.P. is prolific in the energy and infrastructure industries and assists its clients with projects spanning railroads, wind and solar turbines, natural gas pipelines, and refineries. The firm also assists with commercial, industrial and residential developments. Houston-based Connie Simmons Taylor chairs the real estate and construction department. In Washington DC, Daniel Kruger, alongside associate Sean O’Neill, advises on the construction and development of projects involving nascent technologies and renewable energy, such as battery storage and gas turbine power generation projects.

Bracewell LLP has garnered praise for its understanding of the ‘unique conditions and business’ of the design and construction industry. The firm serves the needs of key industries such as energy, manufacturing, education, and local government. Phillip Sampson and the ‘knowledgeable’ Richard Whiteley co-chair the Houston-based construction practice. Both practice heads litigate and arbitrate construction issues concerning defects, delays, and change orders. Aaron Roffwarg chairs the firm’s real estate department and brings his project finance experience to numerous oil and gas, pipeline and terminal projects.

Dentons handles a wide scope of issues on behalf of owners, contractors, suppliers, and design professionals, from project management and financing to litigation and alternative dispute resolution. The team is headed in St. Louis by Charles Vantine, who guides clients throughout all construction phases, and John Haug, who is engaged in the financing and development documentation of public and private projects. Dividing their respective time between New York and Short Hills, Philip White and Jonathon Jemison litigate and arbitrate construction disputes involving projects such as petroleum facilities, roads, sewers, and railways. San Diego’s Jae Park is also a seasoned litigator who tries cases concerning delays, disruption, extra work, and change orders. St. Louis-based Alexander McDonnell and Timothy Guntli comfortably represent clients from procurement to project completion. Clay Counts left the firm in 2024.

Husch Blackwell LLP offers contract drafting and dispute resolution services to developers, general contractors, and construction managers in connection with mixed-use developments, casinos, hotels, stadiums, and wastewater treatment facilities. The practice is led by Milwaukee’s Joshua Levy, who represents clients in trials and arbitrational hearings regarding change orders, cost overruns, design defects, and project delays. He is joined by fellow practice head, Omaha’s Brent Meyer, who advises government entities, business owners, suppliers and subcontractors on lien claims and other disputes, alongside contract negotiation and regulatory compliance.

K&L Gates‘s construction team serves as project counsel on megaprojects and works to quash the risk of disputes as well as deal with them when they arise. The firm’s roster of clients includes the Seattle Aquarium Society, Novelis, and Fortress Investment Group LLC. London’s Matthew Smith co-leads the team alongside Nashville’s ‘highly recommended’ Slade Sevier, who has contract negotiation and litigation expertise. In Pittsburg, ‘pro’s pro’ Richard Paciaroni and the ‘knowledgeable’ Jason Richey represent owners, engineers and contractors in disputes related to energy, power, and infrastructure projects. Nashville’s Robert Dodson advises on design, defects, and bid protest claims.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is trusted by clients in the public and private sectors to deliver on a variety of projects in the transportation, industrial, educational, retail, and technology sectors. The Boston-based practice is headed by Tony Starr, who advises on contract drafting and disputes involving mechanics’ liens, bonds, terminations and delays; and William Hill, who represents clients in arbitration and mediation and helps them avoid litigation. Rebecca Raphaelson is skilled in litigation and construction formation; she recently advised Gradiant Corp. on a multibillion-dollar transaction to construct a microchip manufacturing facility. Kevin Mortimer and Amy Pearlman also represent clients in alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Nixon Peabody LLP deals with all stages of construction and real estate development, from early project formation and contract negotiation up to and including dispute resolution. Clients as diverse as the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority and Home Depot. seek out the firm for middle-market to large energy and infrastructure projects. The practice is headed by San Francisco’s Anthony Barron, who represents owners and contractors in contract negotiation and project counseling; and trial lawyer, Jeffrey Brenner, who divides his time between Providence and Boston. Washington DC’s Vernon Johnson, Providence’s Armando Batastini, and San Francisco’s Robert Blum bring further construction litigation strength to the team.

Porter Hedges LLP assists construction industry clients such as owners, suppliers and contractors in addressing project risks from contract negotiation to completion, as well as dealing with potential disputes. The Houston-based practice is headed by David Peden, a seasoned litigator and arbitrator who handles construction and delay-related claims; and Amy Wolfshohl, who is similarly trained with a special focus on the industrial and energy sectors. John Hawkins is adept at negotiating and preparing design, construction, and EPC contracts to avoid the risk of litigation, while Sean McChristian supports clients throughout all stages of construction and design projects in the private and public spheres.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP guides clients throughout their proposed undertakings, from inception to completion and any issues arising during and after the process. The construction practice is led by San Francisco’s ‘deeply engaged’ Erinn Contreras, and New York’s Ira Shulman who ‘inspires confidence’ in his clients. In Del Mar, John Yacovelle represents developers, investors, and contractors on litigious and arbitrational claims ranging from stop notice and early terminations to engineering and construction contracts. In Orange County, Aaron Sobaski drafts design-build and other agreements pertaining to mixed-use projects.