WHAT A CONSTRUCTION LAWYER IS FOR
Before the job. During it.
After it’s done.
Most contractors call a lawyer after something goes wrong. The earlier call is usually the easier one. Here is where I help.
01BEFORE THE JOB
Know what you’re signing.
The contract decides who carries the risk, when you get paid, and what happens when something changes.
- Subcontracts and prime contracts
- Payment, retainage, and change terms
- Your own contract forms
02DURING THE JOB
Keep a dispute from stopping the work.
Changes, delays, and withheld payments are easier to resolve before positions harden.
- Scope and change order disagreements
- Delays and notice requirements
- Withheld or reduced payments
03AFTER THE WORK
Get paid. Answer a claim.
When the job is finished but the money or the blame is not settled, timing matters.
- Unpaid invoices and lien options
- Construction defect notices
- Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation
CONTRACT REVIEW
Read it with me
before you sign.
A subcontract can shift risk to your business, slow your payment, and set deadlines that cut off your rights. An early review usually costs far less than a dispute later.
- Scope of work and exclusions
- Payment terms, pay-if-paid language, and retainage
- Change orders and notice deadlines
- Indemnity and insurance requirements
- Termination and dispute terms
WHO I WORK WITH
People who build
for a living.
My practice focuses on construction law for the businesses that do the work.
Subcontractors and trades
You sign the subcontract someone else wrote, and you are often the last in line to get paid.
General contractors
You carry the owner’s contract and manage every subcontract beneath it.
Owners of contracting businesses
No in-house counsel, bigger customers, and longer paperwork with every new job.
They sign contracts someone else wrote.
A dispute costs them time on the job, not just money.
They want a straight answer and a plan.
COUNSEL THAT UNDERSTANDS THE JOB
Less legal uncertainty.
More business as usual.
Gunning LLC is a boutique Colorado law practice focused on the disputes and decisions that affect construction businesses. Work directly with Jane Michalakes to understand your position and make informed choices.
Meet your attorney
HOW THIS WORKS
Clear steps.
No surprises.
Tell me what’s happening
Call or send a short request. Leave out confidential details and documents for now.
Fit and conflict check
I review your inquiry and check for conflicts before we discuss your matter.
Scope and fee, up front
If it’s a fit, you’ll know what’s included and how fees work before any work starts.
Work the plan
Documents are shared securely once we’re engaged, and you get clear findings and next steps.
QUESTIONS CONTRACTORS ASK
Straight answers
before we speak.
Filter by topic, or read every question on the questions page.
Showing 26 questions
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION