SMTD Law LLP

SMTD’s Jeff Hook Obtains Favorable Coverage Determination for Contractor On March 12, 2024, the Department of Industrial Relations, in PW Case 2021-010, issued a coverage determination finding the Eastwood Framework Street Improvement for Wet Utilities Project was not a public work and therefore was not subject to prevailing wage requirements despite the contract calling for the payment of prevailing wages.?This resulted in the dismissal of a Civil Wage and Penalty Assessment that assessed a combined $722,707.55 in wages and penalties against SMTD’s client. ? #SMTDLaw #JeffHook #ConstructionAttorney #ConstructionLaw

SMTD’s Jeff Hook Successfully Defends High Stakes Prevailing Wage Case at Hearing on the Merits. On November 21, 2024, Katrina S. Hagen signed a Decision of the Director of Industrial Relations that determined less than $10,000 in unpaid prevailing wages was owed by SMTD’s client and reduced the penalty rate against it from $200 per day per worker to the statutory minimum.?This result followed five days of hearing on the merits where attorney Jeff Hook defended SMTD’s contractor client against a Notice of Withholding of Contract Payments that assessed $469,312.49 in unpaid wages/training funds and $433,970.00 in penalties.?After cross-examinations of the Labor Compliance Officer and six former workers that testified on behalf of the Enforcing Agency, followed by the presentation of the Contractors’ witnesses and evidence, the 47-page decision determined only two percent of total assessed wages was owed. ? #SMTDLaw #JeffHook #ConstructionAttorney #ConstructionLaw

SMTD Law LLP is honored to announce the addition of attorney Brian Junginger to the Firm's Oakland Office. Mr. Junginger is a highly experienced construction law attorney with a proven track record of success. He has been practicing construction law for nearly 20 years and has represented a wide range of clients, including owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and sureties on large-scale private and public works projects. His unique perspective allows him to focus on the important contractual terms and the routinely litigated clauses, while still maintaining a practical approach that helps to ensure that deals get done. You can read Mr. Junginger’s complete bio here: ?https://lnkd.in/gAvwMYya #SMTDLaw #welcometotheteam #BrianJunginger #constructionlaw #constructionattorney

SMTD Law LLP Welcomes Gregory Dukellis And Invites You To Cocktail Reception We are thrilled to announce that Gregory Dukellis, a highly respected construction lawyer with an impressive record of success on some of the most significant legal disputes in the construction industry, has joined SMTD Law LLP as a partner.?With extensive experience representing general contractors, and other key players in the industry, Greg has built a reputation for expertly navigating complex construction issues, formulating effective strategies and successfully resolving disputes for his clients.?Prior to joining SMTD Law LLP, Greg served as the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for MWH Constructors, Shimmick Construction Company and AECOM. Greg’s keen legal insight and in-depth industry knowledge will further enhance our firm’s construction law practice, offering unparalleled service and advocacy to our clients in California and beyond. His presence at SMTD Law LLP solidifies our commitment to delivering exceptional results, while helping our clients achieve their goals in today’s fast-paced construction landscape. You can read Mr. Dukellis’s complete bio here:?https://lnkd.in/g63qVaTT ? Join Us for a Special Cocktail Reception To celebrate Greg’s arrival, we are hosting an exclusive cocktail reception in his honor on: November 6, 2024 5:30 p.m. Bistango Restaurant, Irvine, CA Come meet Greg, raise a glass with us, and enjoy an evening of great company, fine drinks, and conversation. Kindly RSVP to [email protected] by November 1 and we will provide you with confirmation and details for entry. We look forward to celebrating this event with you. #SMTDLaw #welcometotheteam #GregoryDukellis #constructionattorney #constructionlaw

SMTD Law LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Alexander Verdegem as an Associate Attorney to the Firm's Irvine Office. Mr. Verdegem joins our firm having experience in corporate, real estate and general civil litigation, and will support the firm’s clients in construction, surety and business matters. Mr. Verdegem earned his law degree from Loyola Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts, Politics, degree from Princeton University. He gained valuable experience in civil litigation and is committed to providing high-quality legal representation. Mr. Verdegem will be working closely with our team to further enhance our firm and ensure continued success for our clients. You can read Mr. Verdegem’s complete bio here: https://lnkd.in/gJbvdtsU ? #SMTDLaw #welcometotheteam #AlexanderVerdegem #civillitigation #constructionlaw

On October 30th Ali Salamirad will be hosting the webinar, “Differing Site Conditions: The Big Game of Shifting Risk”. The webinar will focus on evaluating, preparing, and effectively presenting differing site conditions claims. These claims can significantly impact projects and companies, making it crucial to navigate the legal, accounting, and practical aspects with precision. The webinar is part of WPL Publishing's extensive course on Construction Claims and Change Order Management. Register for webinar: https://lnkd.in/gJFveXsD For those unable to attend the webinar, we recommend checking out a relevant article from the SMTD Law LLP archives: https://lnkd.in/gF7BefA4 #SMTDLaw #WPLPublishing #constructionlawwebinar #constructionattorney #constructionlaw #constructionclaims #construction #laborproductivity #measuredmile #differingsiteconditions #changedconditions

SMTD Law LLP is thankful for the continued support of its amazing clients.

NASBP’s Summer 2024 issue of Surety Bond Quarterly features an article by Marilyn Klinger, SMTD Law LLP Partner and NASBP Attorney Advisory Council participant. The article highlights an arbitrator’s perception of how the experience of construction parties seeking alternative dispute resolution has improved and will continue to do so. Read full NASBP article:?https://lnkd.in/daybVF9q ? #SMTDLaw #NASBP #SuretyBondQuarterly #MarilynKlinger #surety #suretylaw

Congratulations to Michael Timpane on being recognized in Chambers and Partners USA 2024: Construction Mediator – California. Managing partner of the Oakland office, Mike Timpane is an experienced construction lawyer with an active practice in mediation and arbitration work. He represents a broad spectrum of clients including sureties. Chambers Reviews "Mike Timpane at SMTD is solid and smart. He is a construction lawyer, so he gets it." - Construction: Mediators client "I think he is very knowledgeable in construction law. He understands the issues and dynamics. He is also a pragmatist." - Construction: Mediators client View Mike Timpane’s Chambers and Partners Profile: https://lnkd.in/d2ENHsu5 ? #ChambersandPartners #TopConstructionLawyer #ChambersUSA #ChambersUSA2024 #LegalRankings #SMTDLaw #MikeTimpane #ConstructionLaw #SuretyLaw