Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino (VLMG)

April 2020 - Chambers USA Recognizes VLMG Nationally and at State Levels

» Posted April 29, 2020News

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino once again has been recognized in the 2020 Chambers USA guide in the “Construction” category.  VLMG is described as a "well-respected boutique comprised of construction law specialists on both coasts.  Handles sensitive and substantial cases for many of the country's top 100 industry players."  A client lauded the firm for "help[ing] us overcome major construction hurdles on key projects in a timely, intelligent and creative manner; they really know construction law and come up with great ideas and insights."

For 2020, VLMG is again ranked in Band 1 for Construction in Virginia, and in Band 3 both in California and Nationwide.

To identify and rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms, Chambers and Partners, a UK-based research and publishing group, employs a team of more than 200 full-time researchers to conduct an in-depth assessment of recent work and extensive interviews.

Chambers and Partners also recognized Paul Varela, Bennett Lee, Todd Metz, Joseph Guarino, Christopher Burke, and Brian Dugdale for their individual achievements.  As described by Chambers:

USA NATIONWIDE

What the team is known for Well-respected boutique comprised of construction law specialists on both coasts. Handles sensitive and substantial cases for many of the country's top industry players. Specializes in industrial and power sector projects with engineering, procurement and construction contractors and developers. Increasingly active in international construction projects and arbitrations and has significant experience in government contract disputes. Particularly skilled in cross-border and multijurisdictional matters.

Strengths A client reports: "I've been particularly impressed by how quickly they grasp the details of some very complicated engineering and design issues."

Sources say: "They provide knowledgeable and communicative advice."

Clients commend the groups' "excellent ability for strategic planning, high efficiency and capability to comprehend complex technical matters with respect to construction."

Work highlights Continued to represent a joint venture comprised of Balfour Beatty Construction, DPR, and Big-D Construction in arbitration proceedings arising from a $1.5 billion classified US Government facility project located in Utah. The firm recently advised on claims brought against the joint venture's design engineer.

Notable practitioners

Construction - USA - Nationwide - Band 1

Ranked in Band 1, Paul Varela is "outstanding in terms of both his personality and his capability as a legal expert and his arbitration tactics are both strategic and on-target," reports a client. He is eminently capable of handling the most complex contract planning, administrative and dispute resolution matters arising in the construction industry.

VIRGINIA

What the team is known for Boutique construction firm with an impressive international client base. Boasts a deep bench of highly experienced construction law specialists handling a wide variety of contentious and noncontentious mandates. Regularly advises clients on high-value dispute resolution proceedings domestically and internationally. Noted for its expertise in the power and industrial sectors and also involved in the construction of a number of high-end rail, highway and airport developments.

Strengths "The firm is among the best of the best in construction law," a client notes, adding that the team is "extremely knowledgeable and skilled, with a deep bench of talent, and always timely, thorough and reliable."

Work highlights Represented HITT Contracting in a $50 million payment dispute with Glenstone Foundation concerning the construction of a new modern art museum in Maryland.

Notable practitioners

Construction - Virginia - Band 1

Ranked in Band 1, Paul Varela is described by clients as a "skilled, polished, diplomatic and unflappable" attorney who "brings gravitas and a wealth of knowledge and experience" to a matter. He maintains an excellent reputation as a leading construction practitioner, with broad experience in both contentious and noncontentious matters relating to large commercial development and infrastructure projects.

Construction - Virginia

Ranked in Band 2, Todd Metz focuses his practice on disputes, with experience in arbitration proceedings as well as litigation relating to major domestic and international construction projects. A client says: "He is a very talented lawyer, but most importantly he places the interest of our organization above all other concerns."

Ranked in Band 3, Joseph Guarino is a "very good construction lawyer" who is "very talented," according to interviewees. He primarily handles dispute resolution in the construction sector, including major claims relating to the development of energy facilities, hotel complexes and commercial buildings.

Ranked in Band 4, Christopher Burke is noted for his expertise in complex construction disputes, advising on litigation as well as arbitration proceedings. He has particular experience in matters relating to the construction of power plants and public infrastructure. Interviewees describe him as "very smart and a legal strategist."

Also ranked in Band 4, Brian Dugdale advises on a wide array of construction matters, including contract negotiation, joint venture formation and dispute resolution. "He is well prepared and does his research," one client notes, while another describes him as "smart, tenacious, skilled and an excellent writer."

CALIFORNIA

What the team is known for Experienced team with a large presence in Northern California. Handles the full gamut of construction law matters, from contract drafting to project management and dispute resolution. Particular focus on public work projects, often acting for state, federal and local governments. Also acts for major energy, transportation and engineering corporations.

Work highlights Represented Chevron Corporation in connection with the arbitration of claims against an EPC contractor responsible for the design and construction of a water treatment plant on federally regulated land in New Mexico.

Notable practitioners

Ranked in Band 1, Bennett Lee is described as an "outstanding construction lawyer" by one impressed client, while another notes that he is "very knowledgeable, professional and an excellent speaker." He advises his clients on the full gamut of matters relating to construction contracts and is also regularly called upon to act as an arbitrator in complex construction disputes.

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