The Real Deal
Murphy Pearson’s real estate and construction lawyers represent developers, general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, suppliers, brokers and agents, and investors in transactions and disputes. Whether negotiating and drafting contracts, handling Calderon claims (pre-litigation procedures applicable to a homeowners’ association claim for construction defects against its developer or builder) or defending clients in construction defect litigation and administrative board proceedings, we aggressively represent our clients’ interests in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
For businesses and individuals whose primary business isn’t real estate, we help clients navigate real estate transactions, including sales and acquisitions, leases and subleases.
The Business of Building
A well-crafted contract upfront sets the stage for successful relationships. We find the best way to avoid real estate and construction disputes is to properly identify issues, clearly document intentions, and minimize and allocate risks at the outset so clients are well-insulated should a future dispute arise.
Working with lawyers in other practices, such as employment, tax, and business , we help real estate industry businesses with project ownership agreements, entity formation, and ongoing operations. Our multidisciplinary group adeptly negotiates contracts for a wide range of projects from complex public-private partnerships to small developer projects.
Once construction is complete, our team can help prepare:
- Commercial and residential leases
- Property management agreements
- Sales contracts
- Investment vehicles
Litigation
Aggressive, creative and cost-effective litigation solutions are the hallmark of Murphy Pearson’s dispute resolution approach. Drawing on our extensive litigation experience, we are able to quickly analyze a claim and develop practical strategies and budgets, giving our clients the ability to determine a case’s relative risks and benefits. Our attorneys have experience trying, and winning, complex construction matters at both the state and federal level. Additionally, our team is licensed in the states of California, Nevada and Washington. When appropriate, our attorneys can leverage the firm’s expertise in other legal disciplines to support positive case outcomes.
For Design Professionals
Murphy Pearson attorneys represent various design professionals, including architects; civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, mechanical and acoustical engineers; and landscape architects in both deals and disputes. We bring a firm understanding of the design process and the particular legal responsibilities of design professionals within that process. Whether a client comes to us directly or via a claim tendered through their insurance carriers, our deep experience in professional liability allows us to help clients effectively respond to claims occurring during the construction process and the specific standard of care issues those claims often entail. We are also experienced in circumstances giving rise to the design professional’s duty to defend his or her clients in light of the California Court of Appeal’s ruling in the CH2M Hill case.
Real Estate Brokers & Agents
Our real estate attorneys represent brokers and agents in claims raised related to professional liability and their ethical obligations when representing clients.
