Construction & Development Attorneys in New York City
New York’s construction and development industry operates under intense regulatory pressure, aggressive timelines, and complex multi-party relationships. From ground-up development to major renovations, every project involves overlapping contracts, subcontractor disputes, lien rights, and regulatory compliance issues that can derail progress and erode margins. Travis & DeBlase represents owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors across all phases of construction and development — from contract negotiation through project completion and dispute resolution.
Legal Challenges in Construction & Development
Construction projects in New York City face a unique combination of legal pressures. The city’s Lien Law imposes strict filing deadlines and trust fund obligations that can expose contractors and owners to personal liability. Department of Buildings regulations, landmark preservation requirements, and zoning restrictions add layers of complexity to every project. Disputes over change orders, delays, defective work, and payment are common — and when they arise, the financial stakes are significant. Our attorneys understand the business realities of construction and development, and we structure our legal strategies to keep projects moving forward while protecting our clients’ financial interests.
What We Handle for Construction & Development Clients
We represent clients across the full lifecycle of construction and development projects. Our work in this sector includes contract drafting and negotiation for owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors. We handle mechanic’s lien filings, lien foreclosures, and lien bond disputes under New York Lien Law. We litigate construction defect claims, delay damages, and change order disputes. We advise on Article 3-A trust fund compliance and defend against trust fund diversion claims. We negotiate and resolve payment disputes at every tier of the contracting chain. And we counsel clients on regulatory compliance with the New York City Department of Buildings, including permit issues, stop work orders, and violations.
Facing a construction dispute or need counsel for an upcoming project?
Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your interests.
Mechanic’s Liens & Trust Fund Compliance
New York’s Lien Law is one of the most complex in the country. Filing deadlines vary depending on whether the project involves a private improvement or a public improvement, and whether the lienor is a general contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier. Beyond lien rights, Article 3-A of the Lien Law imposes trust fund obligations on owners, contractors, and subcontractors — making construction payments received into statutory trust funds that must be applied to project costs before any other use. Diversion of trust funds is a serious matter that can result in personal liability for corporate officers. We advise clients on compliance with these requirements and represent them in lien enforcement and trust fund diversion litigation.
Construction Contracts & Risk Allocation
Well-drafted construction contracts are the first line of defense against disputes. We negotiate and draft contracts that clearly allocate risk for delays, cost overruns, defective work, and change orders. We advise on indemnification provisions, insurance requirements, retainage terms, and dispute resolution clauses. Whether our client is an owner engaging a general contractor or a subcontractor entering into a trade contract, we ensure that the contractual framework protects their financial position and limits their exposure.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
When construction disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation, we litigate aggressively in New York state and federal courts. We handle cases involving breach of contract, construction defects, delay claims, professional negligence against architects and engineers, and fraudulent lien claims. We also represent clients in arbitration proceedings before the American Arbitration Association and other forums commonly specified in construction contracts. Our litigation approach is practical — we focus on achieving results that make business sense, whether through early resolution or trial.
Related Practice Areas
Construction Litigation · Business Agreements · Business Disputes · Commercial Litigation
Related Resources
Christopher Travis — Attorney Profile
Joseph DeBlase — Attorney Profile
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Schedule a Consultation
If you are involved in a construction or development project and need legal counsel — whether for contract negotiation, dispute resolution, or lien compliance — contact Travis & DeBlase to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.