Legal Counsel for Public Construction

Description

The ATTORNEY will provide professional legal services for the County on an as needed basis and as authorized by specific request for service, including but not limited to:Provide advice, review, analysis and drafting with respect to new contract documents, for the purposes of preparing legally enforceable agreements, and ensuring that the County is aware of potential areas of exposure prior to entering agreements.  This includes contract documents, including American Institute of Architects (AIA) construction documents, bid specifications and related documents. Provide specialized analysis of the merits of claims arising out of a contract, both on behalf of and against the County.Alert the County to changes in statutory or case law that may impact County projects.Provide legal services on a case-by-case basis relating to dispute avoidance, dispute resolution, and construction contract litigation.Serve as lead, or co-counsel with attorneys from the County Attorney's Office in construction contract litigation in state and federal courts, including mediation and arbitration proceedings.Provide guidance to the County with respect to selection of Owners' Representatives, and their scope of work, and with respect to insurance, warranty and bonding issues.Hire litigation-related expert witnesses and consultants with prior County approval.Prepare case budgets including estimated fees and costs for each case assigned to the firm.  Provide to the County Attorney or designee, regular updates on case progress and opportunities for settlement.Provide telephone consultation with the County Attorney or designee, or with County staff as authorized by the County Attorney or designee.Provide other construction contract assistance to the County Attorney or designee upon request.Requests for performance of professional services by the Attorney under this agreement