Ulmer & Berne’s construction law practice has been nationally recognized by Chambers USA as one of the best in the state of Ohio. We draw upon the expertise of a skilled group of attorneys who are knowledgeable in construction law and take a unique and special interest in the construction industry. In each of our Ohio offices, we have a partner with over 20 years of experience litigating construction law cases before state and federal courts throughout the country, administrative agencies, and appearing in mediation and arbitration proceedings. We are especially proud of the results we have obtained for our clients.
Our construction law practice offers a broad range of services. From determining the type of project delivery system through design, engineering, financing, preconstruction, construction and close-out services, our attorneys work closely with our clients to achieve the best results. Our residential and commercial clients range from locally owned contractors to some of the largest architectural firms in the region as well as one of the top 10 largest U.S. home builders. In addition, we have represented public and private owners on complex construction projects, including sports arenas and parking facilities.
Our attorneys assist clients through all phases of a construction project. We are experienced with providing all of the following services:
- Determining the type of project, organization and financing options
- Drafting contracts for construction, design, engineering, subcontracts and supply purchase orders
- Construction financing – including representation of many national lenders
- Prevailing wage requirements
- Minority business enterprise requirements
- Payment and performance bonding requirements
- Bid challenges
- Joint venture agreements
- Change orders
- Mechanic’s liens
- Prevailing wage laws
- OSHA compliance
- Union issues
- Development or defense of claims for additional compensation
- Claims disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation
Our approach is multidisciplinary, engaging members of the Firm’s other practice areas - including real estate, finance, employment and labor, environmental or intellectual property areas, among others - to advise our clients on the issues they face every day.
Our attorneys take an active role in learning about construction. From taking classes on reading drawings or estimating projects, to visiting job sites, we work closely with our clients to understand how buildings are designed and built. By doing so, we build strong lasting relationships with our clients.
We are most proud of the successful results we have been able to obtain for our clients in courtrooms and arbitration rooms throughout the country. In Ohio, Ulmer & Berne attorneys have been involved in everything from multi-party litigation over some of the largest buildings, hospitals and stadiums in the state to addressing claims on single family residences at arbitration. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge and depth to handle all types of construction litigation.
The attorneys at Ulmer & Berne are dedicated to the promotion of the construction industry. They have assumed leadership roles in trade associations and often are called upon to speak or write on issues of importance to the construction industry.