Joe Darr is a Board Certified construction attorney and the author of the Government Construction Law Update. He is associate general counsel for Brasfield & Gorrie, L.L.C., an ENR Top 25 contractor.
While in private practice, Joe was a partner at a construction law firm and his practice focused on construction and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. His experience includes representing ENR Top 400 contractors and many of the largest sureties in construction and commercial disputes on large public infrastructure projects. His background also extends to other construction-related matters, including False Claims Act actions, bid protests, and employment law matters, such as wage/overtime actions and retaliation claims. Also, he has had involvement in the contract drafting and negotiation process for several public-private partnership projects.
Specific examples of Joe’s previous involvement with construction-related disputes and legal issues include, among others, the following:
- Represented large construction manager and several sureties in a $3+ million dispute with a subcontractor involving delay and acceleration damages in connection with the construction of a hospital project.
- Defended a subcontractor in a dispute involving approximately $1.1 million in alleged damages arising out of the construction of a road project, which was advantageously resolved through mediation.
- Represented a large engineering firm in a dispute involving approximately $1.3 million in unpaid engineering services, which resulted in a favorable settlement for the client.
- Advised the concessionaire for a multibillion-dollar public-private partnership project involving the construction of a highway.
- Represented the co-sureties of a joint venture between two large construction contractors in a payment dispute arising from a $425 million road construction project, which resulted in the dismissal of the co-sureties from the lawsuit.
- Successfully defended a contractor and its surety in an approximately $1 million payment dispute arising out of a project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Represented contractors in U.S. Government Accountability Office and local bid protests involving infrastructure projects for public owners, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Orlando, and Orange County.
- Generally advised contractor clients regarding the public-private partnership procurement process in Florida, including the use of unsolicited proposals.
During his downtime, Joe enjoys saltwater fly fishing. He also is an instrument-rated pilot and aviation enthusiast that loves to travel to places only a small plane can reach.
Any opinions Joe expresses on this blog are his personal opinions only and do not necessarily reflect the views of Brasfield & Gorrie, L.L.C.