Construction and Lien Law

The firm’s foundation was built on servicing the many contractors, architects and developers in Arizona during the building boom of the late 1990s through the real estate crash of 2009.   The partners have substantial experience with all issues in the construction process, from permitting, public works bid protests, zoning issues, real estate purchase due diligence, architect contracts, construction contracts, disputes between owners, architects, contractors and subcontractors over workmanship and payment, lien issues, lien perfection and litigation, and bond issues. We also have extensive experience with claims brought before the Board of Technical Registration, Arizona Registrar of Contractors, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Firm founders, Jeff Craven and Gary Smith and co-authors of the Arizona State Bar’s 2001 edition of the Lien Law Manual, and Gary Smith is author of The Orange Book, Practice and Procedure Before the Registrar of Cnotractors and the Office of Adminstratve Hearings.  The lawyers of our firm are also frequent lecturers on construction-related topics. 

Our team approach allows us to draw on a wide range of legal knowledge and experience to address the spectrum of legal issues that can arise in construction matters. Our attorneys take pride in their willingness and ability to service all clients – ranging from small contractors and suppliers to owners to developers of major projects.

Construction disputes often involve contractors, subcontractors, and property owners in matters such as inferior workmanship, incomplete work, unpaid fees, defects, and bonds for public and private projects. The status of professional licenses with the Registrars of Contractors may be on the line.

We assist clients with construction and lien law issues including:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, & Arbitration
  • Architect Contracts
  • Bid Protests
  • Board of Technical Registration Advocacy 
  • Bond Claims
  • Building Permit Assistance 
  • Collection Matters
  • Construction Contract Drafting, Including:
    • General Contracts
    • Sub Contracts
    • General Conditions
    • Materials Contracts
    • Lump Sum Contracts
    • Cost-Plus Contracts
    • Time and Materials Contracts
    • Design Contracts
    • Design-Build Contracts
    • Real Estate Financing Contracts 
  • Construction Defect Claims
  • Construction Defect Defense
  • Construction Litigation
  • Contract Disputes
  • Contract Preparation, Negotiation, & Review
  • Complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors
  • Department of Real Estate Advocacy 
  • General Counsel Relating to Issues Arising Before, During or After Construction
  • License Acquisiton and Protection
  • Mechanics’ and Materialmens’ Lien Claims
  • Miller Act (federal) & Little Miller Act (state) Bonds
  • Negotiation and Resolution of Issues and Disputes
  • Private Payment & Performance Bonds
  • Professional Liens
  • Prosecuting and Defense of Construction-Related Claims
  • Public Works Projects
  • Registrar of Contractors Advocacy
  • Zoning and Conditional Use Permit Issues