Phew! We made it through 2020.
Needless to say, this year has been an “interesting” (in the Chinese curse sort of way) year. While the year started strong, COVID created some hurdles for the construction industry in Virginia. Everything from new emergency regulations, to the need to be extremely careful with your notices, and keeping track of claim deadlines in the face of court closures and Virginia Supreme Court orders dominated the construction legal and business landscape.
Even my solo practice was impacted by the virus. Like many, my usual routine of working all day at the office was put on hold. I now work at least half the day in a home office. Luckily for me, my practice has continued and my construction clients did not have to shut down completely because, at least in Virginia, construction is considered essential.
On the plus side, this year was a good one from a business perspective. I was named for the 14th straight year (and all 10 years as a solo) to the Virginia Business Legal Elite in Construction Law. I was also named for the 4th straight year to the Virginia Super Lawyers in the Construction Litigation Category (thanks). I continued as a member of the Virginia Bar Association Construction and Public Contracts Law Section Council and chairing its Legislative Committee (and giving a talk on recent construction-related General Assembly activity).
I was also privileged to speak on the topic of mechanic’s liens at the first Virtual Construction Law and Public Contracts Section seminar. Even though the program was online, the seminar was a success in my opinion. I also continue to be active in the Associated General Contractors of Virginia. I also kept up my mediation practice and my certification as a mediator here in Virginia. As always, I’ve also gained some new friends and rekindled some old friendships both in the legal and construction communities.
Without further ado, thanks to all of you that make my practice of construction law so rewarding, with and without the 2020 challenges.
Happy New Year and here’s to a hopeful, happy, healthy, and normal 2021.
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