Construction
USA Guide 2024 : New York
Band 2
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
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.
Work Highlights
- Zetlin & De Chiara successfully represented Henkels & McCoy in a claim against Verizon Sourcing for breach of contract in relation to failure of payment over the work performed for Verizon's Fibre One initiative.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"A great team. They are always responsive."
"The firm has a deep bench that always results in prompt responses to our needs."
"They are absolutely phenomenal. They are able to look at situations and really go through matters and get to the bottom of it without causing stress and anxiety."
"A great team. They are always responsive."
"The firm has a deep bench that always results in prompt responses to our needs."
"They are absolutely phenomenal. They are able to look at situations and really go through matters and get to the bottom of it without causing stress and anxiety."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"He is a preeminent litigation expert."
"Michael is at the forefront and knows all the necessary players."
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.
"Michael Zetlin is very kind and a pleasure to work with. He gets back to you immediately and answers your questions. He gives wise counsel and good advice."
"A very fine construction lawyer."
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 has handled some very complicated and sophisticated matters and other parties respect his views and opinion. He has been responsive on a number of urgent matters and will always make himself available."
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.
"Great litigator and business acumen to get to the resolution."
"He knows the industry and issues."
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.
"Carol is great at contracts."
Ranked Lawyers at
Zetlin & De Chiara LLP
New York
Members
Provided by Zetlin & De Chiara LLP
Bill Chimos
Jaimee Nardiello
Jaimee Nardiello
James Terry
Loryn Riggiola
Roy Schwartz
Industries
Provided by Zetlin & De Chiara LLP
Construction