Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation for Construction, Surety, and Business Litigation
SMTD Law LLP is a boutique law firm specializing in construction, surety, business, and real estate litigation. Our attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex disputes across California, the Southwest, and beyond. With offices in California and Arizona, we combine the depth of large-firm expertise with the agility of a streamlined practice to deliver tailored legal solutions. Our team prioritizes client objectives, offering competitive rates without compromising on quality representation. We are committed to civility, diversity, and professionalism while achieving results for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses.Our attorneys frequently counsel clients on contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in construction and commercial matters. We emphasize proactive dispute resolution to minimize litigation costs but are prepared to advocate aggressively when necessary. Our practice spans state and federal courts, arbitration tribunals, and specialized boards, ensuring comprehensive legal support. We maintain active roles in industry organizations and contribute thought leadership through publications and speaking engagements. Our dedication to integrity and client success has established us as a trusted partner in the legal community.
Services
Construction Litigation
Surety Litigation
Business Litigation
Real Estate Transactions
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of experience in construction litigation.
- Our attorneys handle matters nationwide with local expertise.
- We combine boutique firm agility with large-firm legal resources.
- Our team includes nationally recognized ADR practitioners.
- We prioritize client objectives while maintaining ethical standards.
Associations and certifications
- American Arbitration Association
- California Public Works Arbitration Program
Services
Construction Litigation
Our attorneys handle all facets of construction litigation, including contract disputes, payment claims, and regulatory compliance. We represent owners, contractors, and sureties in state and federal courts. Our team provides strategic counsel to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting client interests.
Surety Litigation
We represent sureties in performance, payment, and bid bond disputes. Our services include default analysis, indemnity enforcement, and defense against fraud claims. Our experience spans complex surety issues in commercial and construction contexts.
Business Litigation
Our practice covers breach of contract, partnership disputes, and debt collection matters. We handle cases in state and federal courts, focusing on business torts, insurance coverage, and bankruptcy representation. Our approach prioritizes client business objectives.
Real Estate Transactions
We counsel clients on commercial real estate acquisitions, leasing, and development. Our services include entity formation, contract drafting, and joint venture agreements. We have negotiated over $700 million in property transactions and complex lease arrangements.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Led by experienced arbitrator Marilyn Klinger, our ADR practice resolves construction and commercial disputes through mediation and arbitration. We offer early neutral evaluation and court-appointed dispute resolution services, leveraging decades of industry expertise.
People
Marilyn Klinger
Managing Partner
With 45+ years of construction law experience, Marilyn Klinger leads SMTD Law's ADR practice. She serves on AAA arbitration panels and the California Public Works Arbitration Program, focusing on construction dispute resolution.
Questions
What areas of law does SMTD Law LLP specialize in?
We specialize in construction litigation, surety bonds, business disputes, real estate transactions, and alternative dispute resolution.
Where does SMTD Law LLP operate?
We handle matters throughout California, the Southwest, and nationally from offices in California and Arizona.
What experience does SMTD Law LLP have in construction law?
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex construction disputes, including contract negotiations, payment claims, and regulatory compliance matters.
Does SMTD Law LLP offer alternative dispute resolution services?
Yes, led by Managing Partner Marilyn Klinger, we provide mediation and arbitration services through recognized industry panels.
What types of clients does SMTD Law LLP represent?
We represent clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses in construction, surety, and commercial law matters.
How does SMTD Law LLP approach client representation?
We combine large-firm expertise with boutique service, focusing on client objectives while maintaining ethical standards and cost-effectiveness.
