Mr. Menjou represents and advises design and construction professionals in project development and adversarial disputes, including mediation, arbitration and litigation. He is also experienced in all phases of business and commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He has represented owners in several multi-million dollar commercial and residential construction disputes.
Professional Memberships and Activities
· Los Angeles County Bar Association
Distinctions
· Order of the Coif
Speeches and Publications
· "Changes to Mechanic's Lien Law in 2011," AIA California Council Relevance e-newsletter, September 2010
· "Know and Exercise Your Lien Rights," AIA/LA annual MOBIUS LA Conference
· Cases:
- Edwards v. Edwards, 61 Cal.App.4th 599, 71 Cal.Rptr.2d 653 (Cal.App. 2 Dist.,1998)
- Valentine v. Baxter Healthcare Corp., 68 Cal.App.4th 1467, 81 Cal.Rptr.2d 252 (Cal.App. 1 Dist.,1999)
Articles
9/13/2010, Changes to Mechanic's Lien Law in 2011
Published in the September 2010 issue of Relevance, AIA California Council e-newsletter.
8/24/2010, Practical Update - Changes to Mechanic's Lien Law in 2011
The California Legislature has recently amended the mechanic's lien law. These new provisions modify the procedure to maintain a valid mechanic's lien. The failure to comply with these new provisions will result in the lien being declared invalid.
Commencing on January 1, 2011, a claimant will be required to serve a "Notice of Mechanic's Lien" on the owner of the property prior to filing a mechanic's lien. The mechanic's lien itself must contain a proof of service attesting that the "Notice of Mechanic's Lien" was served by registered mail prior to the recording of the lien. Finally, the claimant must record a "Notice of Lis Pendens" within twenty (20) days of the filing of a complaint seeking to enforce the mechanic's lien.
Events
6/25/2010, Know and Exercise Your Lien Rights
MPP attorneys Mehrdad Farivar, Creighton Sebra and Christopher Menjou discussed this topic at the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter's annual MOBIUS LA Conference.
Description: In the current economic climate, collection is a key challenge. Liens are a form of securitizing payment of your fees. You have lien rights both for projects that go into construction and for those that do not. Learn about Mechanics' Liens and Design Professionals' Liens, including entitlement to such liens, required notices, timelines and other formalities. Knowing these basics can make the difference between collecting your fees versus becoming a victim of bad debt. It can also help you negotiate better contracts by securing lien rights early, and maintaining the ability to enforce them.