Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Construction Law Representation in Santa Monica
Established in 1982, our law firm has dedicated four decades to providing strategic legal representation in business litigation with a specialized focus on the construction industry. Our practice encompasses all facets of construction law, mechanics lien enforcement, and commercial dispute resolution, serving a diverse clientele including owners, contractors, suppliers, and design professionals. With extensive experience in both transactional and litigious matters, we prioritize client needs through cost-effective solutions and proactive legal counsel. Our founder, James D. Lipschultz, brings 40 years of expertise in navigating complex construction claims, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution mechanisms, including arbitration and mediation.We maintain active involvement in all stages of construction projects, from initial contract drafting to post-completion litigation, while also offering customized legal forms and educational seminars to industry professionals. Our commercial litigation services extend to breach of contract cases, creditors' rights enforcement, and business torts, supported by a deep understanding of state and federal judicial systems. As a sole practitioner since 2015, Mr. Lipschultz continues to deliver personalized legal services grounded in practical industry knowledge and a commitment to achieving favorable client outcomes.
Services
Construction Law
Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Commercial Litigation
Business Contract Drafting
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40 years of specialized construction law experience
- Proven track record in mechanics lien enforcement
- Comprehensive dispute resolution expertise
- Personalized client-focused legal strategies
- Active participation in all construction project phases
Services
Construction Law
We provide comprehensive legal representation for all construction industry participants, from contract negotiation to dispute resolution. Our practice covers licensing, bidding issues, and complex claims involving delay damages, productivity losses, and contract breaches. With deep expertise in California's construction regulations, we help clients navigate state-specific legal requirements while protecting their interests in both private and public projects.
Mechanics Lien Enforcement
Our firm specializes in enforcing mechanics lien rights, stop payment notices, and bond claims for construction professionals. We assist contractors, suppliers, and design firms in securing payments through customized legal forms and aggressive claims enforcement. With 40 years of experience, we handle both state and federal project claims while also defending clients against improper lien actions.
Commercial Litigation
We represent businesses in complex commercial litigation matters including contract breaches, creditors' rights enforcement, and business torts. Our practice includes writs of attachment, injunctions, and Uniform Commercial Code claims. With trial and appellate experience, we develop strategic approaches to resolve disputes through litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods.
Business Contract Drafting
Our services include drafting and negotiating construction contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders for commercial and residential projects. We create customized agreements that minimize litigation risks while addressing specific project delivery methods like design-build. Our litigation experience informs contract language that protects clients' interests throughout project lifecycles.
Dispute Resolution
We offer mediation, arbitration, and trial representation for construction and business disputes. Our approach focuses on early resolution through strategic negotiation while maintaining readiness for courtroom advocacy. We handle claims involving contract breaches, payment disputes, and complex construction issues like delay damages and productivity losses.
People
James D. Lipschultz
Attorney
Specializing in construction law for 40 years, James D. Lipschultz represents industry professionals in contract disputes and litigation. He provides practical legal solutions informed by extensive experience in both transactional and courtroom settings.
Questions
What construction law services do you offer?
We represent all construction industry participants in contract disputes, licensing issues, and complex claims involving delay damages, productivity losses, and contract breaches.
How do you handle mechanics lien claims?
We enforce mechanics liens, stop payment notices, and bond claims for contractors and suppliers while also defending clients against improper claims through customized legal strategies.
What commercial litigation experience do you have?
We handle breach of contract cases, creditors' rights enforcement, business torts, and Uniform Commercial Code claims with both trial and appellate experience.
Do you draft construction contracts?
Yes, we create customized construction contracts, subcontracts, and purchase orders that minimize litigation risks while addressing specific project delivery methods.
What dispute resolution methods do you use?
We employ mediation, arbitration, and litigation strategies tailored to each case, focusing on early resolution while maintaining courtroom readiness for complex disputes.