| By Jonathan J. Straw | Sureties are not banks. But, more courts are treating them as such by finding subcontractors are entitled to payment before finding the party actually responsible for the damages and/or delays. The general rule is that a surety assumes only the liability of its principal (the [...]
| By Jonathan J. Straw | How do you learn a new game? Do you dive in, play, and learn as you go? Do you blend these two extremes? Do you read or listen to and learn all the rules before ever playing? Understanding the rules helps you play a better [...]
| By Brad C. Friend | The Virginia General Assembly Delays Vote on Bill Revising Mechanics’ Lien Notice Requirements. As every construction lawyer knows, statutory notice and filing requirements must be complied with to enforce mechanics’ liens. The timing requirements for serving notice and filing the actual lien in many jurisdictions [...]
| A. Wayne Lalle, Jr. | Construction contractors doing business with the Government may be required to comply with various socioeconomic programs. One such program requires participation in government contracts among disadvantaged ("DBEs"), minority ("MBEs") and women-owned businesses ("WBEs"). When a construction contractor circumvents or even abuses these programs, the [...]