Timothy M. Truax

Experienced construction and real estate attorney, practicing all aspects of construction law, including litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, contract drafting, and general advice.  Recognized for more than 10 years as one of the leading construction lawyers in Southern California.  Matters handled involve commercial, industrial, infrastructure, residential, retail, hospitality, educational and other projects; both public and private.  Comprehensive understanding of construction industry.  Emphasis on negotiated resolution of disputes without the expense of litigation.  Service as arbitrator/mediator and expert witness in construction disputes.

Representative matters include contract drafting and negotiation of construction and design contracts for major commercial, entertainment, residential and mixed-use projects, for both owners and contractors.  Regularly advise developers, general contractors and others concerning legal, contract and insurance issues.  Serve as personal counsel for clients in construction and design defect cases, overseeing work of defense counsel, working with insurance carriers and advising as to strategy.  Participate in lobbying for and against legislation affecting construction industry, including revising pending bills and testifying before legislative committees.

Experience includes numerous construction defect (residential and commercial), professional liability (error & omission), delay and disruption, mechanic's lien and stop notice, and disputed change order matters.  Tried or arbitrated 12 construction cases to judgment/award, almost all as first chair.

Extensive general litigation experience, including products liability, personal injury, real estate, environmental, commercial and employment matters, with four such cases tried to judgment/award.

Transactional experience includes real estate purchase and sale, land use/entitlements, loan documentation, and leasing matters.