Construction: Florida

THE FIRM This sizable team excels in a wide variety of construction practices, and is particularly skilled at representing sureties. In addition, it provides expert advice on complex real estate matters, such as leasing, sales, and real estate-related litigation. During the down economy, the team has focused on more reliable public projects, like schools, highways, bridges and airports.

Sources say: "They are excellent lawyers. I give the firm my highest rating."

KEY INDIVIDUALS George Meyer is described by commentators as the "dean of transactional construction matters." His practice, which is national in scope, is characterized by commercial loans, condominium law and Florida Construction Lien Law, as well as large, complex public and private development projects. In the Orlando office, Charles Cacciabeve is recognized for his expertise in construction litigation. He has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating contract documents, and typically represents owners, contractors and architects. Cary Wright has an active litigation practice, focusing on defect, liens and insurance coverage disputes. The "responsive, knowledgeable and excellent" Patricia Thompson "really knows what she's doing," according to sources. She is renowned in Florida and around the USA for her expertise in representing sureties, as well as for her work with contractors and in construction litigation. She works regularly with Bruce King in the Miami office, who has a wonderful reputation for contract surety work. Head of the construction group Luis Prats has a strong litigation practice, especially in the northern part of the state. He represents condominium associations, designers and architects with regard to defective construction work. The widely respected Michael Nuechterlein is recognized for his mediation and arbitration work. He has been designated as a Master Arbitrator by the American Arbitration Association, and regularly acts in construction disputes.

THE FIRM This premier construction firm operates a nationwide practice out of its one office in Florida. The team focuses on construction litigation for blue-chip clients, and has recently seen a significant increase in public sector work, especially relating to PPP projects. In the past year, it has represented Miami International Airport's primary general contractor on its $3 billion reconstruction, and the consortium procuring the multibillion-dollar 'Airport City'.

Sources say: "Absolutely the crème de la crème of construction. You always get a personal touch and they make you feel you belong. In one word: excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lawyer and engineer James Moye is outstanding in both litigious and nonlitigious matters. He has recently advised the master developer at Miami International Airport on a multibillion-dollar project for design, construction and financing. Sources praise him for his active involvement and creative thinking, and describe him as "very highly qualified, with great intellect and knowledge – he is head and shoulders above any other lawyer." He is assisted regularly by Sean Dillon, a qualified engineer who excels in complex litigation and mediation. Together, they recently represented the general contractor on the seismic retrofitting of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dillon is described as "sound, very intelligent, thoughtful, and easy to deal with." Stephen Pickert has a finance background, and is involved in both commercial and residential construction projects. He recently represented the general contractor of the Condo Tower, a $160 million 34-story luxury condominium tower in downtown Orlando.

THE FIRM This first-rate, nationally recognized firm excels in its representation of general contractors and construction managers, and has particular prominence in southeast Florida. A substantial part of the practice involves helping clients negotiate the substantial risks and problems inherent in the construction industry. It has recently seen an increased focus on public work, especially concerning infrastructure projects, and dispute resolution relating to failed condominium and hotel projects. 

Sources say: "We have been very pleased with its services, and I have no qualms about recommending it to anyone. I want these guys on my side. They are very responsive, readily available, and do a wonderful job of keeping me up to speed."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Melinda Gentile continues to shine in her representation of general contractors in public projects. She recently represented the design builder on a multibillion-dollar PPP-sponsored federal highway project in south Florida in all aspects of contract negotiation, project administration and claims avoidance and resolution. Managing partner of the Florida office, Stephen Reisman focuses on the negotiation and preparation of documents, contract claims, design defect claims and insurance claims. He recently represented a general contractor in managing the risks and exposures related to a systemic fire sprinkler pipe failure in an occupied high-rise residential condominium. 

THE FIRM This impressive practice covers the full range of construction law, spanning contract formation and administration issues, as well as construction litigation, arbitration and mediation. It has extensive experience in transportation infrastructure projects, and has recently seen an upsurge in product liability litigation, especially concerning Chinese drywall and condominium associations. Clients include contractors, public and private owners, designers, sureties and lenders.

Sources say: "It has an enormous team and is up there with the best."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kimberly Ashby handles both construction litigation and transactional work, focusing in particular on workouts and foreclosures, reviewing contracts and eliminating problems that lead to litigation. According to sources, she is "extremely good and highly qualified – for my money, one of the premier construction lawyers in Florida." Stacy Bercun Bohm is seen as a leader in the area of Chinese drywall. She is noted for her representation of homebuilders, developers, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals in complex litigation, contract and project administration matters.

THE FIRM This excellent firm has 14 offices around Florida, and 16 lawyers who focus solely on construction law. This gives it the capacity to offer the full range of construction-related services to its clients, including delay and defect claims, liens, licensing, procurement for government agencies, insurance coverage disputes, and work for surety companies and municipalities. It is noted in particular for condominium defect cases.

Sources say: "This is a terrific group of highly regarded and knowledgeable litigators. They are fine lawyers, no question about it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chair of the practice Steven Lesser is held in high regard. He focuses on defect and delay-related claims, and was recently retained by Carnival Cruise Lines to represent it in various construction and design claims. He is "disarming, with no ego, and instantly resolves things and gets the job done." He is also praised as being "up there with the best, absolutely world-class." Lee Weintraub is a strong litigator, whose specialty lies in representing owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals. He is described as "a good technician and a good lawyer," and has recently been working on a performance bond relating to a new development in Sebring.

THE FIRM This premier West Palm Beach practice is well known for Chinese drywall litigation. It also regularly represents contractors, designers and developers in delay claims, defect claims and design-related disputes.

Sources say: "It is very highly regarded and absolutely well established."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice chair Bruce Alexander has recently been gearing toward mediation and arbitration, but also excels in litigation and transactional work. He is widely respected, with sources describing him as "excellent, the best, as good as they come." Certified civil mediator Linda Dickhaus Agnant excels in litigation. She mainly represents general contractors on construction lien foreclosure and concrete restoration, although she has also carved out a niche representing professional engineers. Richard Chaves works closely with Bruce Alexander. He is strong on work for associations and contractors in Chinese drywall matters and condominium litigation.

THE FIRM This exceptional group is regarded as the go-to firm for design professionals, architects and engineers. It stands out for its skill in litigation, as well as in contract negotiations and alternative dispute resolution.

Sources say: "I think very highly of the lawyers – they are professional and really efficient. They are unique in what they do and I love working with them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Downs is "extremely good" in defending designers, contractors, owners and developers. He has also served as a special master, arbitrator and mediator around the state. "Top-flight" Michael Kashtan continues to focus on contract and construction disputes for design professionals. He has a varied background in complex commercial and insurance litigation, and has experience in arbitration and mediation.

THE FIRM This specialist construction firm offers its clients assistance on the full range of construction law matters. It is especially skilled in its work for subcontractors, but also represents owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, material suppliers, manufacturers and sureties.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Ferencik does a substantial amount of trial work, including construction claims and providing defense for manufacturing and construction defects. He is praised for his courtroom skills. Peter Brandt is active in arbitration, litigation and contract negotiation. He also excels in transactional matters. Ira Libanoff is well known for his expertise in construction claims and lien law. He has recently been involved in work for a number of multinational companies.

THE FIRM Operating out of Orlando, the team here offers its clients the full range of construction law services, from air matters to condominium defects. The team is especially strong in representing homebuilders in litigation related to Chinese drywall, and has recently seen an uptick in PPP work. 

Sources say: "This is a big, national firm with some fine lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Former engineer Michael Hornreich is "tremendous, and greatly respected" for his work with contractors, which focuses on contract negotiation and litigation. Recent highlights include representing the University of Central Florida in connection with defects in a student housing facility of 34 buildings. Michael Murphy, also a trained engineer, has developed a practice in claims related to occupational safety. He typically works on defects in construction, design claims, delay, disruption and acceleration claims, and lien foreclosures. He is well known throughout the state and is becoming increasingly well known nationally.

THE FIRM This active corporate firm is strong locally and nationally, and offers expertise in all areas of construction, from water intrusion to infrastructure work. It has particularly extensive experience of representing companies in energy projects. Recent work includes representing a client in a wind turbine contract claim exceeding $500 million.

Sources say: "It is an absolutely great firm, with a large and active construction group. They know what they're doing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Weiss is thought of highly for his work in litigation, arbitration, insurance and sureties. He has recently been involved in water intrusion cases and development, and sources describe him as "certainly well qualified." Ben Subin is both "an excellent construction lawyer, with technical knowledge about the power industry and vendor issues," and a "charming and smart guy." He focuses on construction claims relating to major public facilities, and also has expertise relating to power generation facilities. Frederick Dudley is "one of the best lawyers in the state for lobbying," rule challenges and government relations. He also handles litigation and licensing matters. He recently advised an international commercial contractor on licensing requirements for a $1 billion public project contract.

THE FIRM This highly respected construction boutique has a niche in horizontal construction, concentrating on road and bridge claims. It is also skilled in the area of government contract law.

Sources say: "It is a major player and has excellent lawyers. They are really smart and do a very good job. Superb."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph Lawrence is an "outstanding construction lawyer," praised for his tenacity in the courtroom. He is also skilled in contract negotiation. Michael Piscitelli is particularly skilled in civil litigation, surety and fidelity bond law, and administrative law. Rob Vezina concentrates on government litigation, contract law, and administrative and appellate law. He is noted for horizontal construction.

THE FIRM This recognized litigation group has seen an increase in construction defect claims, especially relating to multifamily projects. It has kept busy representing several large contractors, and has recently served as general construction counsel and lead trial counsel for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Chairman of the construction law and litigation practice Michael Wilson excels at analyzing defect and delay claims. He has recently been active in arbitrations, large federal claims and water intrusion cases.

THE FIRM This efficient and effective team is known for its expertise in multistate negotiations and disputes. It resolves conflicts relating to a range of matters, including bid protests, workouts, condominium litigation, and work for lenders, public entities and major infrastructure projects. It recently represented the Sanford International Airport Authority in a jury trial regarding a taxiway construction project. 

Sources say: "We are very, very pleased with the work. It offers a tremendous service at great value, is extremely responsive, and is overall excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeffrey Blease is the practice group's key contact.

THE FIRM This top-quality construction boutique continues to work on mediation, arbitration and litigation in state and federal courts throughout the USA. Its practice includes providing legal services to corporations, utility companies, financial institutions, public entities, small businesses and individuals.

Sources say: "It has a very substantial and highly regarded construction practice, and is involved in some major cases. It's superb – one of the best boutique construction firms in the entire state."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The excellent Brian Kirwin is well respected for his representation of general contractors and public owners in litigation and complex contract negotiations. Bruce Norris is skilled in alternative dispute resolution and litigation. His areas of expertise include design and construction defects, delays, disruptions and lost labor productivity.  

THE FIRM This excellent construction firm operates regionally across the Gulf Coast, spanning Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida. The team has the depth and diversity to provide a full service, typically representing large developers such as Crescent Heights of America and the InStar Services Group.

Sources say: "I'm very happy with the firm, it does a fine job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Tenacious litigator" Seth Schimmel is particularly skilled in the arenas of construction defect claims and remediation. Sources praise his "good analysis of issues and ability to anticipate and counteract opposing arguments."

THE FIRM This Florida-based firm continues to be active in litigation, arbitration and mediation. It often works on defect and delay claims, liens and bid protests.

Sources say: "This is a substantial construction practice and is also very highly regarded for corporate work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "intelligent and considerate" John Dannecker has earned a reputation as a strong litigator. He has recently been working on a nonjury trial for Pasco County, some multifamily projects and Chinese drywall matters. Brent Bell works closely with Dannecker, and also specializes in construction litigation. He often works on defect-related claims.

THE FIRM This small but successful firm continues to represent developers and condominium associations in litigation, alternative dispute resolution, liens and foreclosure defense, among other things.

Sources say: "It's been around for a while and is really good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Trial attorney Stuart Sobel is involved in a number of significant litigation matters around the country, often involving large construction projects. Sources praise his courtroom presence and his active involvement within the construction industry. Steven Siegfried is "one of the deans" of construction law in Florida. He typically represents condominium associations and subcontractors in relation to contracts and litigation.  

THE FIRM With offices in Florida and California, this litigation boutique excels at handling liens, foreclosures, contract disputes, disruption and delay claims, construction defect claims and bond claims. It typically represents design professionals.  

Sources say: "It is small, but it has quality lawyers and a very good construction practice. It has also worked on some significant cases."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Construction litigator Curtis Brown has expertise in issues such as contractual terms and conditions, the application of the UCC to the construction industry, and impact and delay claims.

THE FIRM The team here focuses mainly on litigation, including construction disputes, bid protests and contract disputes. Recently, the team has seen a rise in foreclosure cases, but it has also been busy with claims and threats of claims relating to a $1.4 billion coal-fired power plant project in West Virginia.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Civil litigator Denis Durkin has extensive experience of complex construction cases, and has been involved increasingly in mediations. John Foster typically works on high-profile claims involving theme parks, hotels, resorts and a variety of public projects.

THE FIRM This Florida-based firm specializes in construction litigation, including defect and delay claims, financing and leasing. It is also increasingly involved in the Chinese drywall controversy, LEED certification, 'going green' initiatives and work for developers. It recently drafted and negotiated the contracts for the 1111 Lincoln Road mixed-use parking structure located on Miami Beach. The project was developed by Robert Wennett and Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.

Sources say: "It's a collection of immensely talented lawyers, capable of handling any kind of matter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Kreitzer is cochair of the litigation group.

THE FIRM This team focuses on construction litigation, representing architects, engineers, developers and contractors in defect claims, payment bond claims, lien claims and claims avoidance. Recent work has involved hospitals, residential properties, public utilities and movie theaters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andy Dogali continues to work on construction litigation and insurance defense matters. He has represented architects and engineers, developers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, surveyors and insurers in all types of construction-related claim.

THE FIRM A new entry to the Chambers rankings, this multifaceted litigation firm is noted for its work on surety issues. Through its offices in Tampa and Atlanta, Georgia, it is able to service clients across the Southeast. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, insurers, architectural and engineering firms, contractors and governmental entities.

Sources say: "This is an outstanding law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seth Mills is the practice group's key contact.