Construction

The construction industry practice group has a broad range of clientele covering the entire spectrum of the construction industry in all aspects of contract negotiation, claims avoidance, claims preparation, construction litigation in federal and state venues, as well as mediation and arbitration.

While litigation is often the result of a construction industry claim, claims avoidance is obviously preferable. Thoughtful drafting of construction contract documents is most often the best opportunity to avoid the common disputes which arise in any construction project. However, disputes will arise. When this happens, the members of the construction industry practice group have extensive litigation experience at all levels in numerous courts of law. Additionally, our firm has had much success in alternative dispute resolution, specifically mediation and arbitration. Ultimately, we know that successful conclusions are at the heart of all construction projects.

Our team of construction industry lawyers work closely with the BSW environmental group to provide our clients with the highest quality counseling on environmental matters of all types. With the growing complexity of environmental laws, the construction industry as a whole has become more sensitive to environmental issues, including air, water, solid and hazardous waste, super fund, non-hazardous oil field waste, underground storage tanks, wetlands, endangered species, land use and development, insurance coverage litigation, natural resources, oil pollution, coastal zone management and restoration, forestry management, aquaculture and environmental justice.

BSW is also known for its construction labor expertise. Several members of the construction practice group also actively engage in traditional labor law practice consisting of union avoidance training, election campaign management and responding to unfair labor practice charges, strikes and pickets.

As general counsel for the American Institute of Architects (Louisiana), American Institute of Architects (Baton Rouge), Associated Builders and Contractors (Pelican Chapter), American Society of Civil Engineers Louisiana Division, Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Concrete and Aggregates Association of Louisiana, Louisiana Building Material Dealers Association, and our association with the Association of General Contractors, BSW has also developed a unique position in the construction industry to draft, lobby or respond to the latest construction industry sponsored legislation by representing a variety of clients involved in both public and private construction projects.

The construction industry practice group understands the unique issues which face construction companies in Louisiana. Our attorneys have practiced before numerous federal, state and local courts and administrative bodies throughout the Southern United States. Lawyers within our group are licensed to practice in numerous states and have been authorized to practice on a pro hoc vice basis in many others. At BSW, we know that winning whether through a pretrial settlement or at the trial and appellate level is critical.

Background and Experience

  • Litigation Prevention
    • Contract Review
    • Contract Negotiation and Preparation
    • Construction Document Forms
    • Investigation of Construction Failures and Claims
    • Claims Avoidance Training
    • Claims Documentation Training
  • Litigation, Mediation and Arbitration
    • Construction Delay, Disruption and Extra Work Claims
    • Public Bid Disputes, State and Federal Claims for Unanticipated Differing Site Conditions
    • Surety and Insurance Coverage Issues
    • Design Professionals Errors and Omissions /
      Failure to Warn
    • Certification of Payment Issues
    • Construction Failure Cases