Department profile
Allen Matkins

Construction

USA Guide 2026 : California


Allen Matkins

Rankings

About

Provided by Allen Matkins

Allen Matkins is the go-to construction law firm for many of the largest, most active developer/owners in the country.  Our clients are sophisticated and demanding.  Whether it is negotiating a construction loan, drafting a complex construction agreement, litigating multi-party construction claims or pursuing insurance coverage for catastrophic damages, our clients expect – and receive – the highest level of construction expertise.  

Our legal capabilities include the design, entitlement, land use, eminent domain, bidding, contracting, claims, negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation aspects of construction matters.  We often handle multi-party cases involving complex insurance coverage and labor issues.  We work with a wide range of state, national, and international clients on projects with budgets ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Allen Matkins attorneys frequently handle all aspects of construction projects, from inception through claim resolution. We represent a wide range of local, national and international clients, including owners, landlords, major tenants, real estate investors, developers, construction managers, and financial institutions. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - California

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Allen Matkins' work includes drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts for a range of projects, including mixed-use, residential and retail developments. The firm has the capacity to handle construction issues arising from each stage of a project, encompassing bid protests, delay and insurance claims. It is noted for its experience in both private and public projects. The group has particular strength in the south of the state, with construction practitioners resident in the firm's Los Angeles, Century City, San Diego and Orange County offices.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Allen Matkins continued to serve as construction counsel to Associate Capital for the development of a $628 million, seven-story hospital and life sciences complex at San Francisco’s Potrero Power Station.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Allen Matkins is savvy about market positions and internal business considerations and is able to provide advice that takes these factors into account.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Allen Matkins has great subject-matter expertise in construction agreements, especially for large complex projects.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • The team at Allen Matkins is efficient and practical.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Allen Matkins offers top-tier responsiveness.

    Construction respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Up and ComingAriel Shaeps
    Up and ComingAriel Shaeps

    Ariel Shaeps

    Ariel Shaeps is the co-chair of the firm's construction group, specializing in design and construction transactions. His advices a large variety of institutional developers, publicly traded REITs, limited partners and financial institutions.

    • Ariel Shaeps is outstanding.

      Construction respondentUSA
    • Ariel Shaeps is a great resource in advising us through multiple construction contract negotiations, as well as disputes arising from those contracts.

      Construction respondentUSA
    • Ari is responsive and takes the time to explain his position regarding the provisions in the agreements he drafts. He also respects our feedback and adjusts as needed.

      Construction respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Allen Matkins (1)

California

Members

Provided by Allen Matkins

  • Gary McKitterick

  • Gregory Clark

  • Timothy Hutter

  • Ariel Shaeps

  • Mark Hartney

    Head of Department

  • Valentine Hoy

  • Nancy Fong

  • Patrick Breen

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