The majority of my practice is construction and government contract litigation, although I also represent franchisees and businesses in a variety of other matters. Primarily, my objectives are to solve my client's problem quickly, efficiently and economically. To this end, in addition to handling complex litigation from start to finish, whether through settlement or final court disposition, I strive to be my client's general counsel - always available to consult, advise and strategize with them on matters ranging from employer/employee issues, government and regulatory compliance, insurance matters as well as corporate formation, structure, resolution and related needs.
As part of my practice, I also regularly draft, review and negotiate contracts and change orders, with an eye to avoiding litigation through clear contract language. I have found that it is often the small nuances in contract negotiations before the project begins that can save thousands in litigation costs once the project is complete.
I am also experienced in the unique practice of bid protests, whereby a contractor seeks to change a procurement decision awarding a government contract to another bidder. Recently, I achieved both a directive that my client be awarded the contract it was originally passed over for, as well as an order that the United States Government reimburse my client for the attorney's fees it paid me to do so.
Specialties: Review and negotiation of construction contracts and subcontracts; Bid Protests; Mechanic's Liens.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MD | Active | 2005 | 12/30/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star, Construction Litigation | Baltimore Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Star, Construction Litigation | Baltimore Magazine | 2018 |
Lifetime Achievement Award | Marquis Who's Who in American Law | 2018 |
Rising Star, Construction Litigation | Baltimore Magazine | 2017 |
Rising Star, Construction Litigation | Baltimore Magazine | 2016 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Huddles, Jones, Sorteberg & Dachille, PC | 2007 - Present |
Attorney | Quagliano & Seeger | 2007 - 2007 |
Attorney | Kauffman & Forman, PC | 2005 - 2007 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Western Dredging Association, Eastern Chapter | N/A | 2017 - Present |
Construction Law Section, MSBA | Member | 2012 - Present |
Associated Builders & Contractors, Baltimore Chapter | Member, Young Leaders Committee | 2010 - Present |
Montgomery County Bar Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
Maryland State Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
American Subcontractors Association, Greater Washington Chapter, Professional Council | Member | 2013 - 2014 |
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Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Contractors Compass | The Three Stages of Construction Documentation | 2018 |
Contractors Compass | Change Orders 201: Practical Tips and Tricks | 2018 |
Maryland Construction Network | Legal Mythbusters | 2018 |
Maryland Construction Network | The Art of Negotiation | 2017 |
Contractor's Compass | The Change Order Dance | 2017 |
Contractor's Compass | Right to Stop Work - The Contractor's Nuclear Option | 2017 |
---|---|---|
Contractor's Compass | The Art of the Subcontract | 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Maryland School of Law | JD, with honors | 2005 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Construction Specifications Institute | Construction Specifications and the Role of Litigation | 2019 |
ASA of Metro Washington Annual Business Meeting | Maryland's New Change Order Law and Beyond | 2018 |
ASA National Webinar Series | Change Order Best Practices | 2018 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Fast Food Arbitration | Favorable Award |
Mechanic's Lien | Successful settlement |
GAO Protest/Reimbursement of Protest Costs | Protest Succesful; Attorney's Fees Reimbursed |
Posted by Mike
Tue Nov 26 2019
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Sat Mar 16 2019
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Wed Jul 25 2018
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Wed Jun 10 2015
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Fri Oct 18 2013
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Wed Oct 16 2013
Matthew Dyer, Construction and development Attorney on Mar 1, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Eric Steiner, Construction and development Attorney on Feb 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Joe is an excellent, detail-oriented, results driven attorney
Andrew Vance, Construction and development Attorney on Feb 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a very bright, thorough and energetic attorney. He knows the construction field well.
Yoseph Orshan, Litigation Attorney on Feb 22, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Joseph is a skilled legal practitioner whose courtroom acumen and legal knowledge help him represent his clients at a high level. I highly recommend you use him for any legal area on which he focuses.
Peter Byrnes, Construction and development Attorney on Feb 22, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Joe is one of the most collegial and frankly, wise lawyers I have ever encountered. We met when coordinating an effort against a common contractor where I was pursuing a Mechanic's lien. He goes the extra mile for his clients, and he even did it on vacation in my case. Joe is a true gentleman.
Joshua Rubin, Construction and development Attorney on Jun 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I heartily endorse Joseph. His tenacity, creativity, and strong work ethic are the traits successful lawyers arevmade of.
Marc Sushner, Construction and development Attorney on Jun 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.