An Idaho court has confirmed an arbitration award for a general contractor who left a project and did not return after being told by the owner to “get the f*** off my site.” The case involves the construction of five buildings within 200 days. Dissatisfied with the contractor’s progress, the owner sent written notices demanding
Arbitration
The Power of Incorporation Compels You: Surety Succeeds in Compelling Contractor to Arbitrate Bond Claims Pursuant to Arbitration Clause in Subcontract
In Swinerton Builders, Inc. v. Argonaut Insurance Co., Swinerton Builders, a contractor, sued a surety on bond claims arising from defaults by its subcontractor on a series of work orders. The owner of Swinerton’s mechanical subcontractor on three projects passed away unexpectedly, and the subcontractor was unable to complete its remaining work on the…
11th Circuit Confirms International Arbitration Award in Guatemalan Hydropower Project Dispute
Last week, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed an international arbitration award in a case involving a failed hydroelectric project in Guatemala. The project involved an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction agreement (EPC contract) to build a new hydroelectric power plant on the Ocbolay River in Guatemala. The owner terminated the EPC contract for convenience…
Mistake No. 7 of the Top 10 Horrible, No-Good Mistakes Construction Lawyers Make: Not Paying Attention to Your Arbitrator or Judge During a Hearing
I have practiced law for 40 years with the vast majority as a “construction” lawyer. I have seen great… and bad… construction lawyering, both when representing a party and when serving over 300 times as a mediator or arbitrator in construction disputes. To be clear, I have made my share of mistakes. I learned from…
The Finality of Arbitration: Supreme Court of South Carolina Curbs Arbitration Panel’s Authority
Will White is a co-author of this post, and is a Summer Associate at Bradley.
One of the several attractive aspects of arbitration is the finality of the decision. With limited grounds to appeal or vacate an arbitration award, litigants can generally expect a final award to end any controversy between them. There are, however…
Mistake No. 4 of the Top 10 Horrible, No-Good Mistakes Construction Lawyers Make: Not Knowing When to Fold ‘Em
I have practiced law for 40 years with the vast majority as a “construction” lawyer. I have seen great… and bad… construction lawyering, both when representing a party and when serving over 300 times as a mediator or arbitrator in construction disputes. To be clear, I have made my share of mistakes. I learned from…
Mistake No. 3 of the Top 10 Horrible, No-Good Mistakes Construction Lawyers Make: Failing to Perform Due Diligence on Potential Mediators and Arbitrators
I have practiced law for 40 years, with the vast majority as a “construction” lawyer. I have seen great… and bad construction lawyering, both when on the other side of a dispute, as well as when serving over 300 times as a mediator or arbitrator in construction disputes. To be clear, I have made my…
Mistake No. 2 of the Top 10 Horrible, No-Good Mistakes Construction Lawyers Make: Not Educating Clients on the Pros and Cons of Arbitration
I have practiced law for 40 years, with the vast majority of that time spent as a “construction lawyer.” I have seen great… and bad… construction lawyering, both when on the other side of a dispute, as well as when serving well over 300 times as a mediator or arbitrator in construction disputes. To be…
California Court Sends Solar Contractor’s Bond Claims to Arbitration
A California federal court ruled last week that a surety can enforce an arbitration clause in a contract to which it is not a party. The dispute involves performance and payment bond claims brought by solar contractor Swinerton Builders, Inc. Swinerton brought the claims in California federal court against Argonaut Insurance, the surety of a…
The Top 10 Horrible, No-Good Mistakes Construction Lawyers Make: Mistake No. 1: Not Realizing It’s All About the Facts
I have practiced law for 40 years, with the vast majority spent as a “construction lawyer.” I have seen great… and bad… construction lawyering, both when on the other side of a dispute, as well as when serving well over 300 times as a mediator or arbitrator in construction disputes. To be clear, I have…