A study by the Construction Industry Institute found that poor contract management accounts for 35% of project failures. Having legal support ensures that project managers stay ahead of potential legal pitfalls before they become costly problems.
Day-to-Day Support of Project Managers: Keeping Your Projects Legally Sound and On Track
Project managers in the construction industry juggle multiple responsibilities, ensuring timelines are met, budgets stay intact, contracts are followed, and unforeseen legal challenges don’t derail progress. With increasing regulatory oversight, evolving contract obligations, and the risk of disputes, having legal support at every stage of the project is crucial.
At Grae & Grae LLC, we provide ongoing legal counsel and proactive risk management to project managers, ensuring they have the real-time guidance they need to navigate complex construction projects. From contract interpretation and compliance to handling change orders and avoiding costly disputes, our legal team works as an extension of your project management team, protecting your business from unnecessary risk.
How We Support Project Managers:
01
Contract Interpretation & Compliance
- Clarifying contract terms, obligations, and risk allocation.
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal construction laws.
02
Change Order Management & Dispute Prevention
- Assisting with proper documentation and approval of change orders.
- Minimizing disputes by clearly defining project scope changes.
03
Payment & Lien Management
- Ensuring proper billing procedures and payment applications.
- Advising on mechanic’s liens, bond claims, and payment disputes.
04
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
- Helping ensure OSHA, labor, and environmental compliance.
- Providing guidance on prevailing wage laws and workforce regulations.
05
Project Delays & Risk Mitigation
- Identifying potential delays early and implementing strategic solutions.
- Protecting against delay claims, liquidated damages, and penalties.
06
Subcontractor & Supplier Issues
- Assisting with vetting subcontractors and drafting enforceable agreements.
- Managing contractor default issues and dispute resolution.
07
Stop Work Orders & Government Audits
- Responding to violation notices, site inspections, and stop-work orders.
- Handling government audits and prevailing wage investigations.
Why Legal Support is Critical for Project Managers
- Risk Reduction: Legal compliance and contract clarity can reduce costly disputes by up to 30%.
- Faster Dispute Resolution: Legal guidance ensures faster resolution of issues, keeping projects moving forward.
- Regulatory Compliance: Construction sites face increasing OSHA inspections and labor law audits, requiring proactive compliance.
- Financial Protection: Avoiding contract misinterpretations and payment disputes safeguards profit margins and cash flow.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the most common legal issues project managers face?
Common issues include payment delays, scope changes, regulatory compliance, and subcontractor disputes. Legal oversight can help address these challenges proactively.
Q: How can I protect my company from subcontractor disputes?
Ensure that subcontracts are carefully reviewed, contain clear dispute resolution clauses, and define performance obligations. Legal review before execution can prevent future conflicts.
Q: What should I do if a stop-work order is issued on my project?
Immediately consult legal counsel to determine the cause, review your compliance status, and file the appropriate appeals or corrective actions.
Q: How do I ensure my change orders are enforceable?
Change orders should be in writing, properly documented, and formally approved before work begins to avoid disputes. Our legal team can assist with drafting and enforcing change order provisions.
Q: What role does legal counsel play in resolving project delays?
Legal support helps evaluate the causes of delays, negotiate contract extensions, and pursue compensation for owner-caused delays.
Why Choose Grae & Grae LLC for Project Manager Support?
- Industry-Specific Legal Expertise: We understand the unique challenges faced by construction project managers.
- Proactive Risk Management: Our team helps you identify and prevent legal issues before they escalate.
- Contract & Compliance Mastery: We ensure your contracts protect you and your projects remain compliant.
- Fast, On-Demand Legal Support: We work alongside your project team to provide timely, practical legal solutions.
Keep Your Projects Running Smoothly With Expert Legal Support
Construction projects are complex, and legal issues can arise at any moment. Having the right legal partner ensures that your projects stay on track, your contracts are enforced, and your risks are minimized.
At Grae & Grae LLC, we work as an extension of your project management team, providing the legal guidance you need to navigate challenges efficiently.
Contact us today to learn how our legal support can help you manage risk, enforce contracts, and keep your projects moving forward.