Construction Attorney

Business

Handles the contract disputes, lien claims, and bond claims that show up throughout a project, the legal career path most newcomers never realize sits behind half the vocabulary on this site.

What is a Construction Attorney?

A Construction Attorney represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, or sureties in the legal side of construction: drafting and negotiating contracts, pursuing or defending mechanic's lien and bond claims, litigating or arbitrating disputes over delay, defects, and payment, and advising clients on risk before a dispute happens rather than after. It's a real, common legal specialty, distinct from a Construction Claims Consultant or Expert Witness, who provide technical (cost, schedule, or engineering) expertise rather than legal representation, though the two roles work closely together on the same disputes.

What they do

• Draft and negotiate construction contracts on behalf of owners, contractors, or subcontractors
• Advise clients on risk allocation, insurance requirements, and contract terms before a dispute arises
• Pursue or defend mechanic's lien and bond claims
• Represent clients in construction disputes through mediation, arbitration, or litigation
• Review change orders, notices, and correspondence for legal exposure
• Work alongside claims consultants and expert witnesses on complex disputes

A typical day

• 8:00 AMReview and redline a proposed prime contract for a general contractor client
• 9:30 AMDraft a notice letter preserving a client's right to a delay claim
• 11:00 AMPrepare for a mediation session on a disputed change order
• 1:30 PMAdvise a subcontractor client on filing a mechanic's lien before the statutory deadline
• 3:30 PMCoordinate with a retained scheduling consultant on expert testimony for an upcoming arbitration

Skills

Software

Education

Required:

A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, then passing the bar exam in the state(s) where the attorney practices

Helpful:

An LLM (Master of Laws) in construction law, or prior experience in construction, engineering, or project management before law school

Not necessary:

A construction-specific undergraduate degree; construction attorneys come from all undergraduate backgrounds and learn the industry's technical side on the job

Career progression

1. 1.Associate Attorney
2. 2.Senior Associate
3. 3.Partner or Practice Group Leader
4. 4.General Counsel (in-house at a contractor, developer, or surety)

Who hires for this role