Organization
Matthew DeVries
Best Practices Construction Law is a legal blog authored by Matthew J. DeVries, a shareholder at Buchalter, a full-service business law firm with offices across several U.S. states. The blog focuses on legal issues and best practices within the construction industry, covering topics such as risk assessment, claims management, contract drafting, project management, technology in construction, alternative dispute resolution, and legal trends. It provides analysis and commentary relevant to contractors, developers, owners, and other stakeholders involved in construction projects, including public infrastructure and commercial developments. The content aims to address practical problems and solutions encountered in construction law and project execution.
482 published works
Best Practices Construction Law
New Rule Allows Federal Agencies to Require Use of Public Labor Agreements
The Obama administration is scheduled to issue a final rule today that allows federal agencies to require public contractors to use public labor agreements (PLA) on large public construction projects. PLAs are collective…
Best Practices Construction Law
Some Favorite iPhone and iPad Apps for the Construction Industry
With the release of the new iPad this past weekend, there is no better time than to share some of my favorite applications for the construction industry. Of course, these…
Best Practices Construction Law
Make Up Your Mind Mother Nature: Construction Law and Weather Delays
My children have been mad at Mother Nature over the past month. One day ... jeans, turtle necks and jackets. The next day ... shorts and flip-flops. At least in…
Best Practices Construction Law
The Spearin Doctrine In Less Than 140 Characters
Today's post is about the Spearin Doctrine, tweeted in less than 140 characters: US v. Spearin: Owner designs. Contractor builds. Owner accepts. Work sucks. Owner sues. Contractor absolved. Owner loses.
Best Practices Construction Law
Fourth Circuit Concludes that “Pay if Paid” Clause is Unambiguous and Enforceable
As you may be aware, one of the greatest risks on a construction project involves the payment process. Particularly in these economic hard times, a contractor and its subcontractors and…
Best Practices Construction Law
Government YouTube: 160,000 Hours of C-SPAN Video Available Online
As I was flipping through the Wall Street Journal this morning, I saw a full page advertisement featuring C-SPAN's Video Library with over 160,000 hours of video and over 115,000 political…
Best Practices Construction Law
Ctrl-Alt-Delete: What Do You Do When Your Presentation Goes Bad?
CSI "Construction Specifications Institute" "Powerpoint gone bad" "Powerpoint problems" "public speaking advice" "presentation tips"
Best Practices Construction Law
A More Accurate Description of the International Green Construction Code
On Friday, I read a press release by the USGBC and blogged about the new International Green Construction Code (ICCG). In my haste to avoid the traffic from the SEC Basketball Tourney in…
Best Practices Construction Law
SEC’s Blue Basketball versus Nation’s First Model Green Building Code
I know its late on Friday afternoon. The SEC men's basketball tourney is a few blocks away. No one wants to talk about green building right now. Most people around here only…
Best Practices Construction Law
Aging Infrastructure: What? Why? Where? How? When?
On Thursday, I will be joining a panel of construction attorneys and consultants to address the issue of aging infrastructure in America and, in particular, how to finance all the work that needs…