It’s no longer just about bricks and mortar. Today, the construction industry is faced with a complex body of ever changing laws and a heightened threat of litigation. Now, perhaps more than ever, there is a need for attorneys who truly understand the construction business and the special legal rules that apply to it. Bruce Arkema is such an attorney.
Mr. Arkema has a firm grasp of sound business practices and knowledge of the legal and administrative issues unique to the construction field. He keeps up with the latest developments through his active representation of construction industry participants and membership in the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, the Associated General Contractors of America, and the Virginia Bar Association’s Construction Law and Public Contracts Committee.
Mr. Arkema has repeatedly been recognized by his peers as a member of Virginia Business magazine's "Legal Elite" in the category of Construction Law. Since 1979, he has been a lecturer for Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development and is currently on the faculty at the Virginia Code Academy (which trains and certifies building code officials and fire marshals). Mr. Arkema has authored training manuals and other publications used by the building officials in Virginia. In addition, he has served as a panelist for seminars conducted by the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA) and has conducted seminars for local governments and for attorneys to the Construction Industry in the areas of Construction Law and Building Codes. Also, Mr. Arkema has helped in the formation of, and has served as general counsel to, several statewide and local building trade associations.
This rare combination of practical experience and legal ability allows this DurretteBradshaw attorney to represent contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers in all aspects of construction--including litigation when necessary.
Mr. Arkema provides competent legal representation at all levels, and in all areas, of the construction industry including commercial, industrial, governmental, and residential.For example, he routinely:
represents corporate sureties
handles breach of contract lawsuits
pursues bond claims under state and federal Miller Acts
counsels clients on compliance with administrative, safety, and licensing requirements
files and enforces mechanics liens
works closely with contractors, construction managers, engineers, and architects in negotiating and drafting construction contracts and related documents
represents construction clients in all kinds of dispute resolution from mediation and arbitration to litigation in state or federal courts
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