David Wanhatalo
USA Guide 2023
Up and Coming : Construction
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(205) 458-5179Share profile
Up and Coming
About
Provided by David Wanhatalo
Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation
Manufacturing
Construction & Project Development
International Contract Arbitration
Economic Development
Alternative & Renewable Energy
Automotive
Commercial Contracts
Career
David Wanhatalo is a member of the firm's Construction and Project Development practice group representing various owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and designers in connection with the design and construction of projects.
David assists clients throughout the construction process, including the drafting and negotiating of contracts, claims resolution during the project, and litigation and arbitration arising after the project. David has extensive experience drafting and negotiating construction contracts, design contracts, design-build contracts, transportation and logistics contracts, material purchase agreements, equipment purchase and installation contracts, as well as equipment leases. He also has significant experience with federal government contracts and licensing agreements. In additions to his construction contract experience, he is regarded as an authority on complex contracts, called upon to draft, review and negotiate contracts across various industries for firm clients.
David has been involved in several large and complex lawsuits and arbitrations involving various design, construction, and equipment related issues. David also assists clients with lien and bond claims and compliance with Alabama’s general contractor licensing requirements.
Before attending law school, David worked in the construction industry for several years. His most recent position was as a project manager, where he oversaw the construction of several bridge projects. He has also worked as an engineer on various heavy construction projects, including the Central Artery Tunnel (the “Big Dig”) in Boston, as well as the Central Expressway Project in Dallas. David’s construction experience includes estimating, scheduling, interpreting plans and specifications, design, subcontract management, change orders, claims, safety and cost engineering. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Virginia.
He is a member of the American Bar Association and its Forum on the Construction Industry, the Alabama State Bar, and the Birmingham Bar Association. David is also a member of the Associated General Contractors and the Design-Build Institute of America.
Professional Memberships
Associated General Contractors of America, Alabama Section, Birmingham Chapter
American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry
Alabama State Bar
Birmingham Bar Association
National Society of Professional Engineers
Board Member, Alabama Germany Partnership
Experience
Draft and negotiate various contracts related to construction projects, including owner-contractor agreements, design-build agreements, architect/engineering agreements, equipment installation and supply agreements, and purchase orders.
Assist contractors, subcontractors, and engineers assert lien and bond claims.
Assist contractors, subcontractors, owners, and engineers with all aspects of construction disputes, including change orders, claims, arbitration, and litigation.
Assist contractors, subcontractors, and owners with issues involving Alabama's general contractor licensing requirements.
Education
University of Alabama School of Law
J.D.
2004
Rochester Institute of Technology
B.S.
Awards
"Up and Coming" in Construction
Chambers USA
2022
Construction Law
The Best Lawyers in America®
2022
Litigation-Construction
The Best Lawyers in America®
2022
"Rising Star," Construction Litigation
Alabama Super Lawyers
2012
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Burr & Forman LLP
Alabama
Key Sectors
Provided by Burr & Forman LLP
Property, Construction and Infrastructure
Industrials, Engineering and Manufacturing
Government and Public Sector
Energy and Utilities