Foster Swift construction attorneys have the skills and focus to effectively help clients accomplish their goals. Our construction attorneys provide services in the following areas:
Negotiation and Drafting:
- Architectural Agreements
- Construction Agreements
- Owner Development Agreements
- Subcontractor Agreements
- Supply Contracts
- Developer Agreements
- Utility Easements
- Construction Management Agreements
Advice Concerning:
- Utilization of American Institute of Architects & Associated General Contractors Documents
- Change Orders
- Different project delivery systems
- Design Build Contracts
- Dispute Review Boards and Standing Neutrals
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods
- Environment Conditions Impacting Projects
Litigation has been filed and defended in State and Federal Court in multiple states. Arbitration and facilitative mediation have been utilized. Matters litigated and arbitrated include:
- State and Federal Bond Claims
- Construction Liens and Foreclosures
- Builder's Trust Fund Matters
- Claims for Extras, Delay Claims, Claims for Acceleration, Claims for Loss of Efficiency, Differing Site Conditions and Bid Protests
- Breach of Contract
- Collateral Damage from Construction Projects
Administrative Proceedings:
- MIOSHA matters have been investigated and defended on behalf of construction clients
- Licensing claims have been defended and licensing qualifications have been pursued with the appropriate administrative body
Consulting and Related Services:
- Foster Swift attorneys maintain strong contacts with construction industry consultants and professionals
- Foster Swift attorneys are arbitrators, mediators and case evaluators
- Foster Swift attorneys have frequently presented seminars regarding construction topics, alternative delivery methods, project finance for infrastructure, liens, claims for extras, dispute review boards, alternative dispute resolution methods, and understanding the AIA documents
Membership:
The firm's attorneys are members of the following:
- American Arbitration Association
- Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (formerly Michigan Road Builder's Association and Associated Underground Contractors)
- Associated General Contractors
- Michigan Institute of Architects
- Circuit Court Mediation and Case Evaluation
- American Institute of Architects
- American Bar Association Forum on Construction Industry
- Greater Lansing Homebuilders Association
- Michigan Home Builders Association
- National Home Builders Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
Foster Swift has been named a Tier 1 firm in Construction Law in Lansing by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Publications & Alerts
- Resuming Construction Under Executive Order 2020-70, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, May 6, 2020
- Governor Whitmer Moves to Reopen Construction and Real Estate with Updated Stay-At-Home Order, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, May 4, 2020
- Back to Work Planning for the Construction Industry, Foster Swift Legal Update E-blast, April 30, 2020
- When Is A House Not A Home?, Foster Swift Construction Law News, May 16, 2013
- Michigan Overhauls Arbitration Rules, Foster Swift Construction Law News, March 27, 2013
- Construction Anti-Indemnity Statute Expanded, Foster Swift Construction Law News, March 12, 2013
Events
- Trigger Point to Avoid Financial Ruin: Perspectives from a Bankruptcy Lawyer, Great Lakes Crop Summit, January 31, 2018
- Public-Private Partnerships: Powering Projects...Beyond the Basics, Design-Build Institute of America - Great Lakes Region, April 26, 2013
- New Restrictions on Public Contracting Due to Governor Snyder, Detroit Area Construction Association, November 17, 2011
News
- Foster Swift Listed in Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2020, November 1, 2019
- 23 Attorneys Selected to 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers and “Rising Stars”, Automation Alley, September 3, 2019
- Foster Swift Rated Tier 1 in 27 Practice Areas in Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms", November 1, 2018
- 30 Foster Swift Attorneys Selected to 2017 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists, September 8, 2017
- 21 Foster Swift Attorneys named to 2015 Michigan Super Lawyers and Michigan Rising Stars, September 8, 2015
- 44 Foster Swift Attorneys Named to 2016 Best Lawyers in America® Roster, August 21, 2015
- dbusiness Names Four Foster Swift Attorneys Top Lawyers 2014, December 2013