Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, Construction

About

Provided by Zetlin & De Chiara LLP

Zetlin & De Chiara LLP provides sophisticated, innovative legal representation and business counsel to real estate owners, commercial and residential developers, architects and engineers on all aspects of construction projects and disputes. The firm's attorneys bring a rare blend of expertise to their work including in-house construction counsel experience, LEED accreditation, and education in architecture and engineering.

Zetlin & De Chiara provides counsel through the construction planning, design and building process, from drafting and negotiating contracts to developing risk management strategies. With a bench of experienced trial lawyers, we have been repeatedly brought in to solve massive disputes that inevitably occur in the construction industry. When construction-related disputes arise, we serve as advisors to our clients from the onset of litigation. We have a reputation and track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, even in difficult circumstances. Our attorneys draft and negotiate the contracts necessary to bring our clients’ construction and design projects to life. Zetlin & De Chiara also assists clients with business formation, licensing and corporate issues. Zetlin & De Chiara has been involved with many iconic projects in the education, healthcare, hospitality, infrastructure, transportation, cultural, environment and energy sectors.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - New York

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Zetlin & De Chiara is a respected construction law boutique distinguished for its representation of architectural and engineering firms, and increasingly owners and developers. The firm has notable strength in litigation and arbitration in addition to contract review and negotiations. The team handles a wide range of public and private sector developments, including retail, infrastructure, industrial and residential projects. It demonstrates additional expertise in project labor agreements and real estate licensing agreements.

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Work Highlights

Zetlin & De Chiara are representing SHoP Architects in the high profile Pier 17 project in New York City, regarding allegations of a deficient electrical distribution system.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

They understand the complexities and how to reach successful resolution.

Construction respondent
USA

Their attorneys are incredibly experienced about the AEC industry, are strategic thinkers and work tirelessly on behalf of their clients.

Construction respondent
USA

They understand the complexities and how to reach successful resolution.

Construction respondent
USA

Their attorneys are incredibly experienced about the AEC industry, are strategic thinkers and work tirelessly on behalf of their clients.

Construction respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Michael K De Chiara

Band 1

Michael De Chiara works predominantly with design-side construction professionals, including architects and engineers, on high-stakes structural or design defect suits. He is highly experienced in delay claims, costs issues and contract negotiation and drafting.

Michael is one of the absolute best attorneys in the profession.

He is a leader in his field and industry.

Michael is a brilliant visionary who can immediately cut through complicated matters and find a sensible path forward.

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Michael S Zetlin

Band 1

Michael Zetlin has built an excellent practice representing design professionals in litigation and arbitration. He also frequently advises on risk management issues and other issues affecting developers during the course of projects.

One of the best around overall.

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Michael Vardaro

Band 2

Managing partner Michael Vardaro represents a broad range of sector clients, including architects and engineers, in construction-related disputes. He is particularly adept at advising on design and construction defect claims and contract issues.

Michael is an expert in our field, with fantastic commercial awareness and vision.

He has a commanding presence, is a great speaker and is incredibly knowledgeable.

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Raymond T Mellon

Band 2

Raymond Mellon is a litigator and arbitrator who focuses on design defect and damages cases. He has additional experience in general contract issues associated with construction projects.

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Carol J Patterson

Band 3

Carol Patterson has an expansive construction practice encompassing both complex litigation and transactional matters. Her main areas of focus include advising architects in contractual and risk management matters.

She is smart, detail-oriented and practical.

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Jaimee Nardiello

Up and Coming

Jamie Nardiello is a partner at the firm focusing on construction litigation and environmental law. She handles high profile and complex matters also involving IP disputes. In addition, she is currently Chair of the D&I Committee at the American Bar Association on Construction Law.

She is very direct and gets to the point.

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