Leake construction attorneys expertly navigate the complex legal landscape of the construction industry. We represent all project participants, including architects, engineers, design subconsultants, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, vendors, sureties, insurers, and owners/developers. As a result, we understand the challenges faced by construction industry professionals and our firm is uniquely positioned to consider all perspectives when assessing strategies and providing counsel to our clients.
Nearly all projects – from simple to complex – encounter issues during project completion. Typical problems include construction defects, design errors, cashflow issues, scheduling/completion delays, owner demands, and manpower inadequacies. When these issues arise or the project otherwise gets off track, project participants find themselves at odds with each other. If issues arise during the project or claims develop after the project’s completion, our attorneys are equipped to litigate, negotiate, pursue, and defend various claims on private, state, and federal construction projects, including:
- Professional Liability – Errors and Omissions Claims
- Design Defect Claims
- Construction Defect Claims
- Property Damage Claims
- Payment Disputes, including liens under Louisiana Private & Public Works Acts
- Acceleration and Delay Claims
- Sequencing and/or Scheduling Claims
- Comprehensive General Liability Claims
- Performance and Payment Bond Claims
Several of our attorneys are also experienced alternative dispute resolution litigators, including arbitration proceedings through the American Arbitration Association.
Construction projects typically start with excitement and shared positivity on what is about to be built – whether a dream home, commercial space, or large development. However, before embarking on the new opportunity, contract negotiation and drafting are pivotal steps as they lay the foundation for successful project execution and dispute resolution. Unfortunately, many learn this lesson the hard way after problems or disputes have developed.
Leake provides our clients with assistance in negotiating and drafting clear and concise contracts to ensure that they understand their responsibilities, obligations, timelines, financial terms, and potential liabilities. This clarity assists in mitigating risks, preventing conflicts, enhancing project efficiency, protecting legal rights, and managing expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition to contract negotiation, our firm also handles pre-project bid disputes, local, state and federal regulatory matters, code compliance, pre-litigation safety and warranty compliance, licensing issues, insurance and bonding requirements, and claims and litigation.
Construction projects routinely evolve into payment disputes or contract balance recovery. Our team is adept at enforcing and defending liens under the Louisiana Private and Public Works Acts and Miller Act, as well as pursuit of payment and performance bond claims, open account claims, UCC liens, and debt recovery.