- Areas of Expertise
- Public Construction Claims
PKEC represents contractors and subcontractors on public works projects throughout California, addressing the distinct legal and procedural frameworks that govern these jobs. From procurement and bid preparation through project execution, our attorneys navigate issues such as listing law compliance, bid protests, and contract administration. When disputes arise, we guide clients through resolution processes tailored to public projects, including dispute review boards, administrative proceedings, arbitration, and litigation where necessary.
Our experience spans large-scale infrastructure and public developments, including projects exceeding $1 billion and claims involving significant financial exposure. We regularly handle disputes involving extra work, delay, acceleration, disruption, and loss of productivity, with experience before state and federal courts as well as administrative forums. This background informs a practical, disciplined approach to public works claims, grounded in a detailed understanding of project delivery, regulatory requirements, and the strategic considerations unique to California public construction.
Related Services
Public works bidding is highly competitive and technical. Whether a bid dispute is about bid responsiveness, bidder responsibility, compliance with bidding laws and regulations, including the subcontractors listing law, PKEC’s experienced attorneys guide clients through this time-sensitive process.
Intimately familiar with public contracting customs and practices, PKEC’s attorneys help clients comply with their public works contracts—everything from notice and Government Code claim provisions, to change order requests for delays, inefficiencies, and extra work, to bonding requirements.
We have extensive experience resolving disputes against public agencies including:
Administrative Remedies
Before litigation, pursuing administrative remedies is often required. We guide clients through this essential process, helping to exhaust all remedies and protect your right to further legal action if necessary.
Change Order Disputes
Changes in public construction projects are inevitable. We assist in resolving disputes over cost adjustments, work scope, and schedule modifications that arise from change orders.
Delay and Disruption Claims
Delays in public sector projects can lead to significant financial and operational setbacks. We work with clients to assess the causes and impacts of delays, ensuring you receive fair compensation for additional time and costs incurred.
Termination for Convenience or Cause
When a public project faces termination, whether for convenience or default, we help clients understand their rights and obligations under the contract, working to reduce financial exposure and ensure fair treatment.
Acceleration and Loss of Productivity
Acceleration of a public project often leads to pressure on resources and claims for added costs. We handle acceleration claims with precision—ensuring clients are compensated for any additional expenses incurred by speeding up project timelines.
A complex set of statutory requirements, PKEC’s attorneys help clients navigate through the Government Code claims process to ensure their clients rights are preserved and that their claims are properly prosecuted.
A contractor found to have submitted false claims is liable for triple the amount of damages the public entity sustains, plus penalties. PKEC knows these laws and knows how to defend against them. During a 243-day trial, a public agency lost each of its over 100 false claims allegations, while PKEC obtained recovery for its contractor client on its disruption and loss of productivity claim. PKEC lawyers also defeated false claims allegations by the City of Los Angeles after a five-week jury trial in the case of Dillingham-Ray Wilson v. City of Los Angeles (2010) 182 Cal.App.4th 1396. The contractors in that case also recovered eight years of prompt payment penalties.
Contact PKEC Today
If you’re facing construction-related disputes or claims on a public project, PKEC is here to guide you through the process with practical, expert advice. Our team is committed to helping you resolve challenges efficiently and effectively. Reach out to us today to discuss your project and learn how we can help protect your interests and keep your work on track.