VLMG Recognized by Chambers USA for 2025
» Posted June 6, 2025 • News, Publications
For 2025, VLMG has once again been top ranked by Chambers and Partners in Construction, Nationwide, as well as in Virginia and California. Chambers and Partners identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers in over 180 jurisdictions throughout the world, through a rigorous, independent, and in-depth research process. Congratulations on another year of individual achievement Paul Varela, Bennett Lee, Todd Metz, Joseph Guarino, Christopher Burke, Brian Dugdale, David Wonderlick, and Nicholas Merrell, and to Michael Suga for being newly recognized this year.
As described by Chambers:
USA NATIONWIDE - Construction
What the team is known for: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a 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 multi-jurisdictional matters.
Work highlights: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented Barnard Construction Company in preparing and prosecuting claims and additional compensation, in regards to the C-44 Reservoir Project.
Strengths: Impressed clients say: "A very good construction boutique" and "They have excellent construction lawyers"
Notable practitioners: Paul Varela is a key contact in Virginia.
VIRGINIA - Construction
What the team is known for: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a boutique construction firm with an impressive international client base. It boasts a deep bench of highly experienced construction law specialists handling a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious mandates. It regularly advises clients on high-value dispute resolution proceedings domestically and internationally. The team is 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: Clients say: "Varela Lee provides clients with deep insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a matter in a way that is accessible to non-attorneys and helps the business leaders make important decisions," "Varela Lee has top-notch trial attorneys," "Varela Lee has in-depth knowledge of both owner and contractor interests," and "The team is knowledgeable, practical and realistic."
Work highlights: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino was retained by C-43 Water Management Builders JV, a joint venture between The Lane Construction Corporation and its Italian parent Salini Impregilo, to assist in prosecuting a claim against the South Florida Water Management District for wrongful default termination on a above-ground water storage public infrastructure project in Florida with a contract value of $525 million.
Notable practitioners:
Ranked in Band 1, Paul Varela maintains an excellent reputation as a leading construction practitioner with broad experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters relating to large commercial development and infrastructure projects. "Paul Varela is one of the top lawyers in the industry. Not only does he provide excellent client service, he engages actively in keeping up with best and new practices, " "Paul Varela is an exceptional lawyer. He has tons of experience in arbitrations and construction."
Ranked in Band 1, Todd Metz focuses his practice on disputes, with experience in arbitration proceedings as well as litigation relating to major domestic and international construction projects. "Todd Metz is practical and knowledgeable,""Todd Metz is a very skilled construction disputes attorney. I love working with him because his advice is always practical."
Ranked in Band 2, Joseph Guarino primarily handles dispute resolution in the construction sector, including major claims relating to the development of energy facilities, hotel complexes and commercial buildings. "Joseph is one of the most accessible attorneys I have worked with. He is always willing and able to make time for his clients and provide thoughtful feedback on the fly," "Joseph knows the US arbitration field very well," "Joseph Guarino is a very skilled construction disputes attorney. He gives practical advice."
Ranked in Band 2, 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. "Christopher Burke has acute attention to detail and he truly cares about servicing his clients," "Christopher Burke is a very skilled construction disputes attorney," "Christopher is an exceptional, hard-driving attorney who is able to creatively confront difficult legal and factual issues on behalf of his clients."
Ranked in Band 4, Brian Dugdale advises on a wide array of construction matters, including contract negotiation, joint venture formation and dispute resolution. "Brian always comes well prepared. He is detail-oriented. He also has deep understanding of the nuts and bolts of construction," "Brian Dugdale is thorough, hard-working and provides excellent client-facing interactions."
Ranked in Band 4, David Wonderlick is an expert construction practitioner who concentrates his practice on the representation of clients in construction and engineering disputes. "David is very experienced." "He is a great lawyer and very well prepared."
Ranked in Band 4, Michael Suga is a go-to for high-stakes construction disputes. He routinely advises on major public and private construction projects on behalf of a range of clients including, subcontractors, developers and design professionals. "He is innovative, smart and always prepared."
CALIFORNIA - Construction
What the team is known for: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is home to an experienced team with a large presence in Northern California. The group handles the full gamut of construction law matters, from contract drafting to project management and dispute resolution. It has a particular focus on public work projects, often acting for state, federal and local governments. The firm also acts for major energy, transportation and engineering corporations.
Strengths: Impressed clients say: "The firm has a strong bench with a lot of very good associates and a great number of attorneys at all levels," "Varela Lee are specialists in construction law, especially for construction litigation," "The firm is always receptive to our comments and questions."
Work highlights: Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented DPR Construction in a dispute related to the construction of Phase II of the California State Teachers Retirement Systems’ headquarters building located in Sacramento.
Notable practitioners:
Ranked in Band 1, Bennett Lee advises his clients on the full gamut of matters relating to construction contracts. He is also regularly called upon to act as an arbitrator in complex construction disputes. "He provides a big-picture perspective, which is helpful," "Bennett is super intelligent and a fantastic lawyer."
Ranked in Band 5, Nicholas Merrell focuses his practice on construction disputes and federal government contracts. He represents general contractors, owners, designers and sureties on a variety of disputes. "Nick is a great communicator and litigator with a strong sense of strategy," "Nicholas has a strong knowledge base."