One of the many items of construction law that has always been about as clear as mud has been the interaction between a contractual pay if paid clause and payment bond claims either under the Federal Miller Act or Virginia’s “Little Miller Act.” While properly drafted contractual “pay if paid” clauses are enforceable by their
Thoughts on construction law from Christopher G. Hill, Virginia construction lawyer, LEED AP, mediator, and member of the Virginia Legal Elite in Construction Law
Tag Archives: Little Miller Act
Subcontractors Must be Careful Providing Bonds when General Contractor Does Not
After I wrote the title to this post, I thought, “Well, that says it all, doesn’t it?” I also considered the fact that for those that read this construction law blog on a regular basis, I am likely stating the obvious. I then thought about the fact that there can be confusion regarding the purpose
Contractors in Virginia Need To Be Ready for July 1, 2011
The Virginia General Assembly has passed a couple of bills, effective July 1, 2011, that will affect contractors’ and other construction professionals’ rights to payment and where they can and should bring their construction related claims. The first set of changes are to Virginia’s “Little Miller Act” of which I have spoken on many occasions
The Anatomy of a Construction Dispute Stage 3- The Last Straw
Over the past two weeks here at Construction Law Musings, I’ve discussed the first two stages of a typical construction dispute (if such a thing exists): the claim, and how to bring heat short of litigation/arbitration. As promised, this week I’ll be discussing the next step or “last straw” in a construction dispute, namely, arbitration
The Nuts and Bolts of a Payment Bond Claim in VA
After a week off from posting, much of it dealing with payment bond claims, I am back with a basic, but necessary refresher on these claims. A payment bond on a construction project (whether private or public) gives an unpaid subcontractor or supplier another collection option outside of a breach of contract action, or in
About Musings
I am a construction lawyer in Richmond, Virginia, a LEED AP, and have been nominated by my peers to Virginia's Legal Elite in Construction Law on multiple occasions. I provide advice and assistance with mechanic's liens, contract review and consulting, occupational safety issues (VOSH and OSHA), and risk management for construction professionals.
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