Lovein Ribman

FIRM DETAILS

Managing Partner: Robert M. Lovein

Senior Partner: Elana M. Ribman

Number of Partners: 6

Number of Attorneys: 17

Board Certified in Construction Law: 3 (out of 161 in Texas)

Board Certified in Real Estate Law: 1 (Haven J. Massey – also Board Certified in Construction Law)

Attorneys Pursuing Board Certification (2026 Cycle): 4

Offices: Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, Houston

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ABOUT

Lovein Ribman is a Texas-based law firm focused on construction and real estate law. For nearly two decades, the firm has represented owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals in disputes and transactions involving commercial, residential, industrial and public works projects throughout Texas. With offices in Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, the firm provides litigation and transactional counsel grounded in deep statutory knowledge and practical industry experience.

The firm’s leadership reflects recognized authority in Texas construction law. Managing Partner Robert M. Lovein and Senior Partner Elana M. Ribman are co-authors of Texas Construction Law and Practice (LexisNexis/Matthew Bender), a comprehensive treatise addressing mechanic’s lien law, construction defect litigation, contract drafting and disputes, and the statutory frameworks governing Texas construction projects.

The Construction and Real Estate Department includes three of the only 161 attorneys in Texas who are Board Certified in Construction Law — Robert M. Lovein, Haven J. Massey and Nick Messina. Haven J. Massey is additionally Board Certified in Real Estate Law, a dual certification held by only a limited number of Texas attorneys. Four additional firm attorneys are pursuing board certification in the 2026 certification cycle. This concentration of board-certified specialists reflects a focused and technically grounded practice across both disciplines.

The firm has received consistent recognition from Best Lawyers in Construction Law and Construction Litigation, including prior “Law Firm of the Year” distinctions. It was also annually recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms rankings before the publication concluded in 2024. In addition, many of the firm’s attorneys are regularly acknowledged by peer-review publications and professional associations for their work in construction and real estate law.

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MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE

Construction Litigation and Dispute Resolution

The firm represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as binding arbitration and mediation forums across Texas, in complex construction disputes involving defective construction, design errors, delay and disruption claims, acceleration disputes, cost overruns, payment disputes, and termination and default claims.

Mechanic’s Liens, Bond Claims and Payment Disputes

Lovein Ribman prepares, files and forecloses statutory and constitutional mechanic’s liens across commercial and residential projects and enforces and defends governmental and private performance and payment bond claims. The firm represents contractors, subcontractors and suppliers pursuing payment, as well as owners defending lien claims and removing invalid liens. The practice includes priority disputes and foreclosure actions under Texas Property Code Chapter 53, along with trust fund claims and prompt payment disputes.

Construction Contracts and Risk Allocation

The firm drafts, negotiates and revises construction contracts for owners and contractors, including custom agreements and industry-standard forms. It advises clients on indemnity provisions, insurance requirements, scope allocation, delay provisions, termination rights and dispute resolution clauses. The team also provides project-stage counseling to preserve statutory protections and mitigate risk before disputes arise.

Real Estate Development and Disputes

The firm advises clients on real estate acquisition, development and project structuring matters that intersect with construction. Its work includes negotiation of purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, commercial leasing matters, title-related issues and litigation involving property and development disputes. The team regularly handles matters where construction and real estate issues overlap.

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INTERNATIONAL WORK

Although the firm’s practice is concentrated in Texas, Lovein Ribman represents national and out-of-state owners, developers, contractors and suppliers engaged in Texas-based projects, including commercial, industrial and residential developments.

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PRACTICE AREAS

Construction Contract Disputes and Litigation

Complex Construction Defect Litigation

Mechanic’s Lien Filing and Foreclosure

Performance and Payment Bond Claim Enforcement and Defense

Construction Contract Creation, Modification and Negotiation

Acceleration, Delay and Disruption Claims

Trust Fund and Prompt Payment Claims

Commercial Real Estate Disputes

Risk Management and Statutory Compliance

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OFFICES

United States – Dallas–Fort Worth

1225 Main Street

Suite 200

Grapevine, Texas 76051

Tel: 817 442-5106

Fax: 817 442-5108

www.loveinribman.com

Email:[email protected]

United States – Austin

919 Congress Ave.

Suite 1200

Austin, Texas 78701

Tel: (512) 217-2777

Email:[email protected]

United States – Houston

Williams Tower (Galleria)

2800 Post Oak Blvd.

Suite 5600

Houston, Texas 77056

Tel: (346) 291-5106