Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP

Construction and infrastructure businesses spend significant time and money negotiating contract terms and conditions on every aspect of their projects. This exercise not only includes the contracting parties but a range of key stakeholders, from funders to insurers, yet conflicts occur on approximately 90% of major infrastructure projects. Why?

Sometimes it is as simple as the people who drafted and negotiated the contract not being involved in its construction phase. In many cases, a careful and considered handover process to those responsible for delivering the project has also not been followed.

Eversheds Sutherland’s project support team is here to help you avoid such problems by providing a vital sense of continuity for your project.

Experienced project support lawyers

Our services include:

• providing mark-up annotated versions of contract terms and conditions with flags and alerts to identify the steps to be taken on the occurrence of events and the production and preparation of standard-form notices and correspondence
• establishing document management systems to track and assist in the resolution of issues
• operating helplines and providing virtual secondees to offer support to on-site project delivery teams
• conducting audits and project reviews
• drafting correspondence and preparing submissions for the commercial management and the early resolution of claims
• providing training sessions for those involved in the presentation of claims in peer reviews and/or in formal dispute resolution processes
• developing tailored dispute procedures most appropriate for the needs and requirements of a project and/or the end user
• providing advice on the merits and prospects of issues and offering accurate and transparent cost estimates
• Our experience includes:
• advising a large metropolitan school district in relation to its $500 million construction budget, including the renovation of existing schools and the construction of new schools. We offered guidance in all aspects of the program from contract drafting to negotiating contracts and assisting in the resolution of disputes over extra work and delay claims through mediation and litigation
• regularly supporting developers in the resolution of disputes during the construction of multi-family, retail and industrial projects. We advise organizations on negotiations with contractors and design professionals relating to extra work claims and help to resolve issues of quality and delayed completion. If negotiations do not work, we assist through mediation and arbitration and, where necessary, via litigation
• assisting design professionals during the construction of large commercial projects with the delegation of design of building components to contractors, responsibility for design errors and contractor delay claims

§  “Diversity at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP” to “Diversity at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP”

§  “Diversity” section:

o   The firm’s emphasis on diversity is reflected in numerous ways throughout the firm, such as the manner in which we recruit lawyers and other employees, our work-life policies and our professional service efforts. We have been recognized for our achievements in diversity.  More importantly, we understand the significant role a diverse community plays in the firm's growth and development.

§  “Our Awards and Recognitions” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP continues to be recognized for its efforts to promote diversity in the workplace and in the legal profession. In 2016 we were named a “Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality,” having earned a perfect 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, and we also were ranked a Top 100 Firm for Minority Attorneys by Law360. In addition, the firm was awarded the Gold Standard Certification for the fifth consecutive year by the Women in Law Empowerment Forum.

§  “Our Commitment” section:

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity within the firm and in the legal profession.  We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger, more productive law firm.  We hire and promote qualified lawyers and other professionals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.  We understand that diversity enhances our value to clients by allowing us to staff our client teams with professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives.

o   Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP has a cross-office Diversity Committee with responsibility for supporting and enhancing our firm culture.  Our committee has helped coordinate and lead a number of efforts to advance diversity within our firm and the community. Affinity groups at the firm serve as support networks for attorneys of color; women lawyers; and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender attorneys.

o   We are committed to working with our clients as they pursue the common goal of a professional workplace where opportunity is available to all.