Christopher G. Hill is a construction lawyer in Virginia. He will teach about effective risk management, collection and contract drafting techniques for construction professionals, along with some practice-building advice, at Solo Practice University™.
Chris is a construction lawyer at Durrette Bradshaw, PLC, author of Construction Law Musings, a LEED AP, and a member of Virginia’s Legal Elite in Construction Law (PDF). He has more than ten years of extensive counseling and litigation experience, both inside and outside of the courtroom, during time spent at Meyer, Goergen & Marrs, P.C. and the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. He has successfully resolved cases at all levels of both the state and federal courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Since 2002, Chris’s practice has been devoted largely to representing contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers in all aspects of construction, including litigation. He has rendered assistance in all aspects of the industry including commercial/industrial, governmental and residential settings.
In particular, Chris has assisted his clients in,
- the filing and enforcement of mechanics liens,
- pursuing bond claims under the state and federal Miller Acts,
- pursuing and defending against breach of contract lawsuits—both in judicial and administrative realms
- compliance with administrative, safety and licensing regulations.
He also works extensively with contractors, engineers and architects in negotiating and drafting construction contracts and related documents.
As an active member of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Chris regularly presents to the AGC-VA membership on a variety of topics, ranging from occupational safety issues to changes in the law that affect the construction industry.
Chris also serves on the Associated General Contractors of America’s Contract Documents Committee where he has input into the content and structure of standard construction contracts that are widely used throughout the United States.
Chris’ experience in representing both private companies and one of the largest agencies of the Commonwealth of Virginia has given him knowledge of both the private and public aspects of legal representation. He has used this insight to give clients both practical and legally sound advice during their interactions with both private companies and state agencies.
In addition to his membership in the Virginia bar, Chris is admitted to practice before the U. S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U. S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia.
Syllabus – Construction Practice
Thank you for your interest in Construction Practice 101. Unfortunately, law schools do not regularly provide the practical basics for a successful construction law practice. While much of it builds on the relatively arcane legal principals taught in first year property courses, the nuts and bolts of how to draft a contract and how to keep a construction client out of trouble are rarely, if ever, covered. I hope that you will sign up for this course and find its content practical and germane to your construction practice (present or future).
In this course I hope to provide you with practical advice and knowledge in the following areas:
- Practical Risk Management Advising for Construction Professionals
- Construction Collections, including, Miller Act Claims and Mechanic’s Lien Practice (the latter with a bit of a Virginia spin)
- Contract advising to avoid or simplify the use of the construction collection techniques provided in part 2.
- A bit about the growing “green” construction trends and the legal implications of them.
The course “materials” will be what you bring to the table as well as what I will distribute and post to the forums here at Solo Practice University.
All of this discussion will take place against the backdrop of the following question: How do I get a client and grow my construction practice?
Without the basic answers to this question, all of the rest is fairly irrelevant. Without clients or a way to bring them in the door, knowledge of the law and the best practical guidance will not help you to make money and succeed. I will share my successes (and failures) in marketing my practice and also be seeking your insights into how you have marketed your practice.
I hope that this course will become a fun and interactive give and take on the legal aspects of construction law and the practical aspects of bringing in and assisting clients to further your practice and your client’s business needs.