Contractors may have more protection from non-payment than they realize. California Civil Code Sections 8830-8848, known as the Stop Work Notice law, can be an effective tool to help a general contractor respond to an owner's failure to pay for work performed and to limit the contractor's resulting exposure to subcontractor claims. read more

For so long, a hot economy and commercial leasing market meant that concerns over unpaid tenant improvement construction and related mechanic's liens were closeted like winter clothes in the heat of the summer. In the current "pandemiconomy," many commercial businesses are planning their return to the office. read more

With construction projects ramping up, the construction industry faces another new challenge: project shutdowns when workers test positive for COVID-19. The response should be automatic based upon each project's Jobsite Specific Plan or Safety Protocols required by governing Shelter In Place ("SIP") Orders. read more

Many commercial landlords are concerned with potential COVID-related claims arising from use of common areas of buildings. Common commercial lease provisions may already allocate this potential risk largely to a tenant. Lease forms should be reviewed to confirm that risk allocation provisions appropriately address this risk. read more

COVID-19 and the resulting Shelter-In-Place ("SIP") Orders have wreaked havoc on the construction industry. The vast majority of projects have been shut down for several weeks. read more