Josh Grabel of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP has coauthored a chapter on contracts for public works projects in a new American Bar Association publication, State and Local Construction Projects: An Attorney’s Handbook.

Grabel is a partner in the firm’s Litigation practice group, specializing in construction litigation, complex commercial litigation and state and local procurement.

He notes that contracting for construction services in the public sector differs substantially from contracting for private projects. The book highlights critical differences in the law so owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals can avoid pitfalls and surprises. 

“Public sector contracting involves a complex intersection of legal authority that constrains the manner in which construction services are procured and the flexibility of what may or may not be included in the terms and conditions of a contract,” explained Grabel. “This chapter,  Contract Clauses and Considerations on Public Projects, addresses many of the typical contract clauses that may be either required or prohibited by the law applicable to state and local public works projects.”  

Moreover, Grabel notes that the book itself is a wonderful guide for practitioners who work on public projects at a state and local level.

Grabel’s procurement experience focuses on public bid procedures, bid protests, contract administration and other issues on the state and local level in Arizona and New Mexico.

His construction litigation experience includes representing owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, insurance companies, and lenders in litigation, arbitration and mediation. He has represented companies in preparing construction contracts, claims, damages, lien and bond claims, licensing requirements, architect and engineer liability, administrative law, insurance risk and coverage matters.