Thoughts on construction law from Christopher G. Hill, Virginia construction lawyer, LEED AP, mediator, and member of the Virginia Legal Elite in Construction Law

Category Archives: Construction Law

Even Fraud in the Inducement is Tough in Construction

Originally posted 2014-06-10 15:38:08. I have discussed how hard it is in the Commonwealth of Virginia to make out a claim for fraud when a construction contract is involved.  On limited exception is where a claim for “fraud in the inducement” is involved.  Essentially, such a claim states that one party was hoodwinked into entering

Construction Contract Basics: Indemnity

I’m back after a welcome change of offices from a Regus location to a separate and more customer-friendly local shared office space location.  I thought I’d jump back into posting with a series of construction contract-related posts, the first of which relates to indemnification clauses. An indemnification clause in a contract obligates one party (the

AGCVA Annual Convention 2019 Was a Blast!

Originally posted 2019-02-04 09:00:30. This year marks the Centennial of the Associated General Contractors of America and the AGC of Virginia.  This year’s conference (held January 24-27, 2019) at a new venue , the Greenbrier in White Sulfer Springs, VA, celebrated that milestone. I have been to many of these over the years and discussed

Reminder: Second Tier Subcontractors Have Miller Act Claim

Originally posted 2013-02-11 09:00:06. Here at Construction Law Musings, we often discuss the Federal Miller Act and its Virginia equivalent (the “Little Miller Act“).  These two statutes provide subcontractors on government projects (on which no mechanic’s lien can attach) the protection of payment and performance bonds. One question that often arises in this context is

E-Mail Can Waive Arbitration (sometimes)- A Cautionary Tale

Originally posted 2010-12-11 10:00:10. We have discussed arbitration clauses at length here at Musings.  From the judicious use of these clauses to help resolve disputes to waiver of rights under these clauses through inaction, arbitration clauses permeate the construction landscape.  A recent case out of the Western District of Virginia Federal Court adds a new