Posts

Showing posts from April, 2020

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

Image
  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-Clauses for Your Contracts

Image
Photo by  Ben Garratt  on  Unsplash On Friday, April 17, the City published a draft COVID-19 Safety Policy for Construction.  These are new requirements designed to make job sites safer for workers and communities that are expected to be implemented by Monday, April 27.  The requirements offer guidelines for performing construction work for the “new” normal.   Essential work in Boston includes “small residential construction projects in dwellings of 3 units or less (for example, kitchen or bathroom remodeling)” which means that you may be returning to work. In addition to following the protocols, how can you, as a company, protect yourself legally as new COVID-related issues arise?   One way is by including an addendum to current contracts and adding clauses in new contracts that anticipate possible scenarios and how they should be addressed. State the following:     This is an Addendum to the existing Construction Agreement dated XX/XX/XXXX.  It is incorporated here