What we do for our Construction clients

Our Construction group includes solicitors, litigators and insurance specialists with broad expertise in all areas of the construction industry. On the solicitor side, we have provided advice in relation to virtually every type of contracting method used in construction projects in Alberta. Working together, our group has successfully resolved some of the largest litigation disputes in Alberta history. We also have deep expertise on matters related to construction insurance and defending large loss construction claims on behalf of insurers.

Our clients know they can trust us to develop effective legal strategies that will help them achieve the best possible resolution. We are particularly experienced in the areas of:

Procurement and Contracting

We have drafted, negotiated and provided advice in relation to RFPs, tenders, bid documents, design build, P3 and EPC, as well as more conventional contracts such as lump sum and construction management agreements. We have been involved in some of the largest construction projects in Alberta, including multi-billion dollar government infrastructure projects, such as hospitals and airports, multi-storey office projects and oil sands development.

Construction Litigation

Our litigation group has litigated several of the largest construction disputes in Alberta, including numerous claims in the hundreds of millions of dollars. We have extensive experience and resources in advancing or defending large, multi-party disputes. As well, we provide cost effective support related to document production and sophisticated document management systems. We take an integrated team approach to ensure litigation services are provided effectively and efficiently.

Construction Insurance

We regularly provide coverage advice to numerous North American and international insurers and have considerable depth in defending large loss insurance claims in the construction industry. We also have extensive experience in dealing with builders’ risk, wrap-up liability and other construction-specific liability policies, including surety bonds.

Representative Work

  • A claim of approximately $30,000,000 relating to engineering negligence and a shoring wall failure.
  • A claim involving faulty design and product defects related to the design and manufacture of gas compressors for use in a large diameter pipeline. The claim was in excess of $10,000,000.
  • A claim involving allegations of professional negligence and breach of contract in relation to a design build contract for the construction of substations and a hydroelectric transmission line in the Yukon. The claim involved claims for delay and economic loss. The claim is approximately $15,000,000.
  • A claim on behalf of an owner related to the performance of heavy industrial work in the oil sands. The dispute includes a claim for economic loss and delay. The claim is just under $40,000,000.
  • A claim related to the failure of a storm and sanitary line and other design issues related to the construction of a condominium project. There are numerous claims of negligence against a variety of engineering disciplines. The claim is for $9,000,000.
  • Acting on behalf of a general contractor in relation to a dispute concerning the faulty design and installation of tiling and flooring at the Calgary Airport. The claim is in excess of $7,000,000.
  • Representing a general contractor in respect of a claim involving an individual who was rendered a quadriplegic allegedly as a result of construction and design deficiencies in the construction of a skateboard park. It is a multi-party litigation, with extensive expert evidence required.

How we work with our clients

We take pride in building long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness and results. We are respectful of our clients’ time and resources, and offer excellent paralegal support and junior partners and associates at every level, which allows us to solve problems efficiently and cost-effectively.