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Showing posts from March, 2020

Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

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  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting mutually beneficial solutions.   It res

Coronavirus and Construction-Guidance as of March 25, 2020

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Yesterday the Governor wrote a letter providing further guidance for construction projects in Massachusetts.   It provides additional information and clarity regarding the March 23, 2020 Order "Assuring Continued Operation of Essential Services in the Commonwealth, Closing Certain Workplaces, and Prohibiting Gatherings of More than 10 People." Photo by  Alex Iby  on  Unsplash I am writing this newsletter in order to (hopefully) provide more guidance for those of you in the residential construction arena. The first issue to keep in mind is that the Governors’ order supersedes any rules issued by municipalities: “This Order supersedes and makes inoperative any order or rule issued by a municipality that will or might in any way impede or interfere with the achievement of the objectives of this Order.” This is directly from the order: Exhibit A of the Order contains two entries that designate construction projects as COVID-19 Essential Services and identify

Coronavirus and Construction-Slow the Spread!

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Yesterday I received my first call from a client with a corona-virus related legal question: If their company suspended projects for two weeks, would they get sued?  Would they be facing legal liability? So, I would like to provide some reassurance and advice for those of you in the construction industry. First, the disclaimers.   I am not a medical professional.   We have not formed an attorney-client relationship (unless we have one already).   I am not advising you on your unique situation. Photo by  CDC  on  Unsplash 1.        Can I put projects on hold without facing liability? Yes.   At the end of the day, this is a national emergency.   You have the right to protect yourself, your employees, subcontractors and your customers. 2.        Are there clauses I can put in my projects that will protect me? Yes. Some of you have one already, but it can be expanded.   If you have ever wondered what “force majeure” means, it refers to natural disasters or A