Department profile
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

Construction

USA Guide 2026 : California


Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - California

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is home to an experienced team with a large presence in Northern California. The group handles the full gamut of construction law matters, from contract drafting to project management and dispute resolution. It has a particular focus on public work projects, often acting for state, federal and local governments. The firm also acts for major energy, transportation and engineering corporations.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino successfully represented Webcor in a dispute with a subcontractor regarding severe performance issues and project delays on a major construction project, ultimately securing full recovery of Webcor’s claims from insurers and resolving the matter through settlement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Varela Lee is experienced and mighty, and they definitely understand how the construction industry works.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Varela Lee has a strong construction litigation team, with a very nuanced knowledge of all facets of construction law.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Varela Lee offers outstanding responsiveness and a practical approach to solving problems.

    Construction respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleBennett J Lee
    Senior StatespeopleBennett J Lee

    Bennett J Lee

    Bennett Lee advises his clients on the full gamut of matters relating to construction contracts, including delay claims and breach of contract litigation. He is also regularly called upon to act as an arbitrator in complex construction disputes.

    • Bennett Lee is a fantastic attorney with a strong understanding of our business and specific needs. He takes a strategic approach to litigation, ensuring our strategy is aligned with the goal.

      Construction respondentUSA
  • Band 5Andrew Van Ornum
    Band 5Andrew Van Ornum

    Andrew Van Ornum

    Andrew Van Ornum has extensive experience representing contractors, owners and engineers in construction transactions and disputes. His practice spans contract drafting, procurement and dispute resolution across various industries.

    • Andrew Van Ornum has a great depth of knowledge and experience.

      Construction respondentUSA
  • Band 5Nicholas A. Merrell
    Band 5Nicholas A. Merrell

    Nicholas A. Merrell

    Nicholas Merrell focuses his practice on construction disputes and federal government contracts. He represents general contractors, owners, designers and sureties on a variety of disputes.

    • Nicholas Merrell is articulate, hard-working and a great trial advocate.

      Construction respondentUSA
    • Nicholas Merrell provides well-reasoned, practical advice that fits the needs of our business.

      Construction respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino (3)

California

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino has rankings in the following guides

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