Construction

The DFL Construction Group litigates and arbitrates large, complex construction disputes, and provides construction contract drafting, negotiation, project counseling, and insurance coverage representation. Claims handled include delay, defects, bond disputes, scope change, force majeure, termination, and mechanics' liens, pursued through trials, mediations, and ICC/ICDR/AAA/UNCITRAL arbitrations. The department represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, suppliers, and policyholders—including multinational firms, joint ventures, Fortune 500 companies, and public transportation authorities—across sectors such as oil and gas, power, infrastructure, and hospitality. In 2024, DFL recovered over $500 million for clients. Notable matters include representing Seattle Tunnel Partners on $500M+ TBM damage claims (three-month jury trial); lead counsel in a CAD $1.5B ICC pipeline arbitration resolved favorably; a $16.8M full jury verdict for Matrix North American Construction; and a $200M+ arbitration award on a high-speed rail project. DFL Legal has particular depth in international construction arbitration across 20+ countries, policyholder-side construction insurance recovery, and EPC/mega-project disputes. Founded by five former partners of an international law firm with over 100 years of combined experience, the department delivers big-case results with boutique agility.