Department profile
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

Construction

USA Guide 2026 : Virginia

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Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

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About

Provided by Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

The core of VLMG’s practice is devoted to the construction and engineering industry. All of VLMG’s partners have devoted their careers to construction law, where they counsel clients through dispute resolution on some of the most complex of construction disputes. VLMG advises its clients in federal and state courts, arbitration, and other forums of dispute resolution, including international arbitration (as explained more fully immediately below). VLMG’s team has substantial experience handling major litigations and arbitrations on national and global mega-projects, but also provides sound advice on more local disputes for its wide client base.

Clients (6)

  • Balfour Beatty
  • DPR Construction
  • Clark Construction
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
  • Parsons Transportation Group

Industries (5)

  • Construction
  • International Construction Arbitration
  • Government Contracts
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Surety

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - Virginia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a boutique construction firm with an impressive international client base. It boasts a deep bench of highly experienced construction law specialists handling a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious mandates. It regularly advises clients on high-value dispute resolution proceedings domestically and internationally. The team is noted for its expertise in the power and industrial sectors and also involved in the construction of a number of high-end rail, highway and airport developments.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented Suffolk Construction Company in front of the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino team is extremely knowledgeable, has great judgement and understands our business.

    Construction respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Joseph S Guarino
    Joseph S Guarino

    Joseph S Guarino

    Joseph Guarino primarily handles dispute resolution in the construction sector, including major claims relating to the development of energy facilities, hotel complexes and commercial buildings.

    • Joseph is one of the deans of the construction litigation space.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • Joseph is very good at connecting the executive team to key issues in the matter very succinctly.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Paul A Varela
    Paul A Varela

    Paul A Varela

    Paul Varela maintains an excellent reputation as a leading construction practitioner with broad experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters relating to large commercial development and infrastructure projects.

    • Paul is the ultimate diplomat; a great litigator, a great writer and one of the best negotiators.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Todd R Metz
    Todd R Metz

    Todd R Metz

    Todd Metz focuses his practice on disputes, with experience in arbitration proceedings as well as litigation relating to major domestic and international construction projects.

    • Todd is outstanding in his expertise and depth of knowledge in construction litigation.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Christopher Burke
    Christopher Burke

    Christopher Burke

    Christopher Burke is noted for his expertise in complex construction disputes, advising on litigation as well as arbitration proceedings. He has particular experience in matters relating to the construction of power plants and public infrastructure.

    • Christopher's attention to detail on complex construction projects and ability to remember all the details is excellent.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • Christopher is a excellent advocate and passionate in the work he does for his clients.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Brian Dugdale
    Brian Dugdale

    Brian Dugdale

    Brian Dugdale advises on a wide array of construction matters, including contract negotiation, joint venture formation and dispute resolution.

    • Brian is even keeled, very smart and is so responsive.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • Brian is very detailed oriented and he administers the case in a great way.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • David Wonderlick
    David Wonderlick

    David Wonderlick

    David Wonderlick is an expert construction practitioner who concentrates his practice on the representation of clients in construction and engineering disputes.
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  • Michael Suga
    Michael Suga

    Michael Suga

    Michael Suga is a go-to for high-stakes construction disputes. He routinely advises on major public and private construction projects on behalf of a range of clients including, subcontractors, developers and design professionals.

    • Michael is an excellent trial attorney, he has the ability to organize all of the facts.

      Construction respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino (7)

Virginia

Members

Provided by Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino

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

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