Construction: District of Columbia

THE FIRM This high-quality boutique advises contractors on sizable government projects in the DC market. Of late, the group has been especially busy with bid protests and general services administration (GSA) work. 

Sources say: “An excellent construction team that delivers consistently good results.” 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly respected Douglas Patin specializes in advising federal government contractors on fraud, bid protests, mediations and contract disputes. He is regularly instructed in large and complex cases for sizable institutions. Robert Symon has built an excellent reputation for his contract expertise. He has recently been very active in GSA work, and in handling a major case in Hawaii regarding military housing.

THE FIRM This sizable group's excellent reputation is founded on its considerable expertise in government contracts and compliance. It is able to draw on the firm's wider resources and geographical spread to provide high-quality assistance on a national basis.

Sources say: “This is a highly effective team; I am always glad to have it on our side and not against us." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS “Very diligent, practical, thorough and responsive,” Andrew Stephenson “always delivers outstanding results” for infrastructure projects, the drafting and negotiation of contracts, compliance and labor law matters. He is also respected as a mediator and arbitrator, and is firmwide head of the construction group. Interviewees recognize Stephen Brett Shapiro as a “terrific lawyer who deserves his great reputation” for his work on government and commercial contracts, procurement, bid protests and claims. He recently won a number of motions that obliterated a claim against a large institutional owner.

THE FIRM This top-notch team is bolstered by a substantial New York practice, and peers and clients are equally enthusiastic in their praise of its quality. It is strong across the board of complex litigation, arbitration, mediation and transactional matters, and it has recently seen an upsurge in work relating to government contracts and bid protests. On the private sector side, the group has been focusing on resolving claims.

Sources say: “It does a spectacular job of securing favorable settlements. Its billing is reasonable and it focuses on making good business decisions for its clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Adrian Bastianelli is highly regarded as a mediator and arbitrator, and sources consider him “the dean of construction in DC; an outstanding lawyer who is undoubtedly a market leader." He acted as chair of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry last year, and also successfully completed a number of major settlements in large infrastructure and facility matters. Clients praise Michael Branca as “a very intelligent practitioner who is in command of the issues.” He often handles compliance and fraud matters for large contractors and power plants.

Since publication, Michael A Branca has moved in-house.

THE FIRM Sources are quick to highlight this group's expertise in government contracts and construction. It is regularly instructed in high-profile matters relating to infrastructure projects, procurement, regulations and litigation.

Sources say: “It is an excellent team that provides good service at a good value.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients are impressed by Bennett Greenberg's “tremendous knowledge, extensive experience and excellent work ethic.” He focuses on a combination of litigation and contracts work, and has recently been advising on the design of the Martin Luther King Memorial Project. Interviewees agree that Richard Preston is “a top-notch practitioner” due to his wide-ranging expertise, which includes disputes and government contracts and often involves an international element. David Mancini is a new addition to the firm, having previously practiced at Howrey. He has been involved in numerous foreign corrupt practice matters and ethics investigations of government contractors. Clients describe him as “a communicative, capable and business-oriented practitioner.”

THE FIRM This compact but high-quality team continues to offer a renowned subcontractors' practice, in addition to advising on mechanics' lien claims, government contracts, litigation and compliance. Recently, it has been developing a particular focus on the education and private sectors.

Sources say: “A group of impressive lawyers with a deservedly excellent reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joel Rubinstein provides expertise in a variety of matters, including setting up companies, dealing with minority programs, bid protests and construction claims. Andrew Cook acts in subcontractor disputes as well as mechanics' lien claims.

THE FIRM This group represents contractors and owners in litigation and arbitration, and provides advice and routine counsel to a number of hotel groups. It is particularly highlighted for its skilled handling of government contracts.

Sources say: “It has an impressive ability to resolve disputes in the best possible way."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joseph McManus excels at litigation, arbitration and government contracts work. He has recently assisted a number of large power and electricity companies, and his practice encompasses both domestic and international work.

THE FIRM This boutique has offices throughout DC and Northern Virginia, and impresses with its representation of owners, contractors, subcontractors and developers. Its areas of expertise include government contracts, bid protests and litigation. 

Sources say:  “A very efficient and cost-effective group.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers predict that Stephen Seeger “is destined for great things.” He has a particular focus on litigation, representing contractors, subcontractors and developers in major disputes, and interviewees praise him as "a highly active practitioner who's often involved in the biggest cases."

THE FIRM This firm was established in early 2009 by a group of former McManus, Schor, Asmar & Darden attorneys. The team has particular expertise in contract drafting, negotiation and project delivery, and frequently appears in state and federal courts before both governmental bodies and private tribunals. Its solid client base includes owners, developers, contractors, public and private builders, subcontractors and Fortune 500 groups. 

Sources say: “It meets the client's needs perfectly; it is an extremely capable group of individuals that offers very reasonable rates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Asmar primarily handles construction litigation, contract review and drafting. His former experience as a general contractor makes him a valuable asset to clients, who praise him as “easy to work with and extremely practical; he has deep knowledge of all aspects of construction law.”

THE FIRM This firm makes is debut in the rankings following the arrival of the highly respected former team from Smith Currie & Hancock. The new team brings with it a considerable amount of expertise, particularly on federal construction matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Larry Harris is universally regarded as an excellent alternative dispute resolution lawyer. He maintains a significant presence in the construction law community, and market sources recognize him as “the complete package; he's very good at representing his clients and seeing the big picture.” Dirk Haire provides “wonderful client service” thanks to his “tremendous breadth of knowledge and contacts.” His expertise lies in federal construction law, and he is the team's go-to lawyer for general contractors.

THE FIRM The arrival of two lawyers from Howrey has launched this group into the rankings, giving it considerable expertise in complex construction litigation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Ness is highly respected for his “absolutely superb combination of skills and knowledge" and his “crisp, clear and compelling style." He has recently been handling a number of large transactions, disputes and government-related matters. Kevin O'Brien assists owners and contractors in both private and public construction projects. He has been kept busy this year with arbitrating on behalf of various cement companies and nuclear power plants.

THE FIRM The arrival of a hoard of ex-Howrey partners has boosted this firm's strength in construction matters. The team works closely with the firm's real estate, energy and insurance coverage practice groups.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Evan Jaffe continues to shine in negotiation, counseling, claims and government projects work; he is also involved in a number of mediations. Sources attribute his high standing to his "exceedingly smart and tenacious approach. He is a superb advocate with a remarkable skillset." "Enormously successful and awfully good," David Dekker offers deep knowledge of insurance coverage.