Overview
Passionate about construction and immersed in the industry, Gunster brings extensive knowledge and experience to every matter we handle. Taking a client-focused approach, we provide practical, actionable advice to help our clients achieve their business goals. Guiding clients from concept to completion and post-completion issues, we have what it takes to get projects done.
Why Us
We know the industry because we have been involved in it at every stage. Members of our team have worked in construction, building and managing projects from the ground up. Many of our team members started in construction: as painters, electricians, project managers, or regulators. Our lawyers studied construction management or engineering and now they serve as adjunct professors and guest lecturers to teach our state's young people. We speak the language and understand the business and legal needs of companies involved in the design, development and construction process.
Our attorneys support all aspects of project development but also help clients navigate their business challenges, employee relationships and regulatory requirements. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients every step of the way, we help them make their ideas a reality. Combining industry knowledge with our commitment to excellence, we ensure our clients receive quality legal representation and strategic advice.
Our Clients
Gunster represents a diverse array of stakeholders in the construction industry. From large multinational construction firms to local contractors, developers and design professionals, our clients include:
- Property owners
- Contractors and large trade contractors
- Design-build firms
- Architects and engineers
- Real estate developers
- Construction managers
- Lenders
- Suppliers and manufacturers
How We Help
From project conception through reality: our attorneys engage at every step to partner with our clients and develop a successful project. Our team has worked on a wide range of projects: including multiuse and multifamily projects, office developments, retail and hospitality spaces, stadiums, prisons, pipelines, roads and bridges, infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, energy generation projects, hospitals, wastewater and treatment facilities, and many others. Our extensive background in project types and contracting methods lets us focus on issue identification and risk mitigation to help clients "see around the corner" and manage risks.
Not only do we leverage this knowledge to help projects go smoothly, we bring the same background to supporting our client's general business needs, providing counseling, advice and dispute resolution tailored to construction professionals. Our employment and corporate teams work hand-in-hand to provide advice specifically relevant to clients in the industry.
Across all our areas, we bring sophisticated dispute resolution skills. Our lawyers routinely advocate for clients in mediation, arbitration, litigation, and administrative forums. When disputes arise, we fiercely advocate for our clients, focused on achieving the client's underlying goals.
And we stand ready to assist clients outside of the construction industry with their construction needs, helping to translate their goals and dreams of today into the completed projects of tomorrow.
Our Services
We regularly represent clients regarding construction, real estate, zoning and eminent domain, procurement and government contracting, litigation, employment and labor, and corporate law.
Construction Law
- Drafting and negotiating construction and design contracts
- Advising on project delivery methods
- Funding and finance arrangements
- Managing construction claims and disputes
- Addressing construction defects and delays
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
Real Estate, Zoning and Eminent Domain
- Environmental and land use permits
- Land use and zoning challenges
- Real estate transactions
- Leasing arrangements
- Eminent domain
Procurement and Government Contracting
- Handling bid protests and procurement issues
- Advising state and federal contractors on compliance issues
- Navigating small and minority business requirements
- Assisting clients with dispute review board presentations
- Representing clients in disputes with local, state and federal government arising from procurement contracts
- Advising on False Claims Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters
Business Litigation
- Breach of contract claims
- Shareholder and partnership disputes
- Real estate and property litigation
Employment and Labor Law
- Drafting and enforcing noncompete and confidentiality agreements
- Advising on employment policies and practices
- Handling employment disputes
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations
Corporate Law
- Corporate governance and structuring
- Mergers and acquisitions, including tailored due diligence
- Financing and capital raising
- Strategic planning and risk management
- Joint venture and project teaming
Learn More
Industry Engagement
Gunster attorneys are active in and lead many construction-related industry associations including:
- ABA Construction Forum
- IBA International Construction Projects Division
- Design Build Institute of America
- Association of General Contractors
- Florida Transportation Builders Association
