ZRFM regularly represents participants in the construction industry, including private and public owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, lenders, managers, sureties, architects, and engineers. We know that risk is a part of every construction project -- beginning with early design work, increasing during construction, and possibly continuing on for years after the completion of a project. We work closely with our clients to manage risks, prevent risk from becoming loss, and deliver practical business solutions aligned to each client's unique objectives.

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of the legal issues and potential liability inherent in the relationships between owners, general contractors, and sub-contractors in general, and specifically in the context of the many project delivery systems used today in the construction industry. ZRFM can assist in managing the risk inherent in the construction process through careful drafting of construction contracts and counseling clients regarding key contract administration and performance issues that often help the client avoid costly and time-consuming litigation once construction has commenced.
Pictured from left to right: David W. McArdle , E. Regan Daniels Shepley , Elizabeth Felt Wakeman , Kelly A. Cahill and Ryan P. Farrell

Our attorneys advise and counsel employers and executives on qualified and non-qualified retirement plans on a wide range of matters. We advise on the tax, legal, and economic issues arising out of establishing and maintaining 401(k) and other employee pension plans. We also work with clients to develop and implement pension and profit-sharing plans, 401(k) plans, cafeteria plans, deferred compensation programs, and other tax-deferred arrangements that address long-term and short-term corporate objectives.

Under our approach, dispute resolution does not begin with a claim; it begins with the parties' initial agreement before a project begins. We help manage risk by drafting and negotiating contracts and conditions, placing specific emphasis on insurance requirements and risk-shifting provisions. Custom agreements with insurance requirements, indemnification provisions and damage-limitation clauses are prepared to protect clients from the risks unique to each project. We help clients "resolve" disputes and potential setbacks to the project completion before they occur through carefully drafted contract language regarding, for example, construction delays, cost overruns, and design changes. We utilize a combination of contractual and statutory rights and remedies, such as mechanics liens acts to assist clients in minimizing or avoiding economic losses due to construction setbacks.

For more information regarding the Construction Law Road Map 2009 handbook, click here