Michael Vardaro

Construction Law; Litigation

Michael J. Vardaro, Managing Partner at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, is a former construction worker with a degree in civil engineering who focuses his practice on construction litigation, drafting and negotiating construction contracts, and providing advice to a variety of construction industry clients.

Mr. Vardaro's unique background gives him the ability to understand the intricacies and nuances of the construction process and to provide focused and innovative counseling to clients ranging from construction companies to owners/developers to architects and engineers.

Mr. Vardaro successfully represents clients in complex commercial and construction litigation matters in venues across the country. He has extensive experience resolving claims through mediation as well as representing clients before administrative boards and arbitration panels.

In addition to dispute resolution, Mr. Vardaro drafts and negotiates complex construction contracts for various project types around the world and regularly counsels clients with respect to professional licensing, corporate organization and transition, general business matters, risk management and insurance issues. He works extensively with regard to advancements in the construction process, including design build, integrated project delivery (IPD), building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable/green design and construction. Other relevant experience includes representing clients in international matters including in the Middle East.

Mr. Vardaro is well known for expertise on the ethics of construction, and is a frequent speaker on the topic. He has a particular interest in the Citicorp building in midtown Manhattan and the ethical issues that arose many years after that project was completed. He appeared on the Science Channel series Engineering Catastrophes ​to discuss problems with the building's design.

Mr. Vardaro was named a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He was recognized for his experience and expertise as a leading construction lawyer by The Legal 500, Super Lawyers and has received the notable AV from Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Vardaro has also been a featured guest lecturer at Columbia University and New York Polytechnic University speaking about legal issues in the construction industry.

Mr. Vardaro is a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Active Design. He is also a member of the New York Building Congress and the American Council of Engineering Companies.

American Bar Association

American Council of Engineering Companies - Member, Legal Counsel Forum

American Society of Civil Engineers

Center for Active Design - Board Member

Florida Bar Association

New York Building Congress - Member, Energy, Environment, Public Procurement, Healthcare Committees

New York State Bar Association