Steven Lesser | Construction Law Authority

“Contractors Prepare to Face COVID-19 Challenges for the Long Haul,” Construction Dive

September 8, 2020

“Contractors Prepare to Face COVID-19 Challenges for the Long Haul,” Construction Dive

September 8, 2020

Construction Dive takes a look at how construction companies are adapting and coming to terms with the longtime implications of COVID-19. Construction Law & Litigation Shareholder Steve Lesser discusses how the pandemic has led contractors to read thoroughly through force majeure clauses in their contracts. “The cost of construction is now changing because of all these different precautions. Contractors are making COVID-19 claims as to owners saying ‘Hey, because of this pandemic it’s a force majeure event and I had to incur additional costs and expense.’”...

Becker Attorneys Honored as Florida Trend 2020 Legal Elite

July 14, 2020

Steven Lesser

Insight

Becker is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been recognized in the 2020 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. Florida Legal Elite publishes an annual roster of attorneys held in the highest regard by their peers and includes fewer than 1.4% of active Florida Bar Members practicing in Florida....

“A New Coronavirus Threat: Sidelined Subcontractors,” ConstructionDive

March 27, 2020

Steven Lesser

Insight

According to panelists in the Associated General Contractors of New York State webinar last week, it’s not just the coronavirus that poses a threat to the construction industry. Another factor impacting general contractors is a lack of available specialty contractors, which could be devastating to the industry....

“Construction Companies Lobby to Keep Working as Coronavirus Spreads, “ Wall Street Journal

March 27, 2020

Steven Lesser

Insight

As state and local governments shut down or grind to a halt with the spread of the coronavirus, the construction industry is pushing to keep projects up and running. The industry employs 7.6 million Americans, or 5% of the workforce....

Force Majeure and Coronavirus

March 18, 2020

Steven Lesser

Insight

Force majeure law in the context of pandemics has never been fully explored in the context of construction contracts and disputes. In the wake of coronavirus and its impact on our economy, it is difficult to predict how a finder of fact would resolve claims for construction delays and disruption arising from manpower shortages, material delivery delays and escalating price increases caused by or resulting from the virus. In many instances, the resulting impact may be considered to be beyond the contractor's reasonable control. Certainly the Owner of a construction project may elect to suspend operations to protect its residents and occupants of existing facilities....

“6 Ways the Coronavirus Outbreak Will Affect Construction,” Construction Dive

March 13, 2020

Steven Lesser

Insight

When it comes to how U.S. contractors should react to the negative effects of the global coronavirus pandemic, Steve Lesser, chair of Becker’s construction law practice recommends a “wait and see” approach. Instead of rushing, Lesser suggests slowing down since the fallout from the effects of COVID-19 may be unpredictable....

National Network Launched to Link Non-Profits and Charities with Volunteer Construction Lawyers

October 15, 2019

Steven Lesser

Insight

LAUDERDALE, FL, October 15, 2019 — As charitable organizations work to improve inadequate facilities or build new ones, legal bills may hold them back from their mission. Building for Good, Inc. (B4G), a national, web-based platform linking nonprofits and charities with skilled, volunteer construction lawyers, launched this month in Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, and Minnesota. B4G will help organizations in need of construction law assistance find qualified, local attorneys to provide pro bono construction law services....

Steven Lesser Appointed Chair of the Board of Legal Specialization & Education

April 30, 2019

Steven Lesser

News

Congratulations to Shareholder Steven Lesser on his appointment as Chair of the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education (BLSE). His term will run July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020. The BLSE administers the Bar’s certification plan and is charged with identifying attorneys who have substantial experience and special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in certified areas of practice as well as professionalism and ethics in the practice of law. Steve previously served as Vice Chair of the Board. Steve is Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law and remains an active member of the Bar. He is Past Chair of the Construction Law Certification Committee and Grievance Committees 15(f) and 17(b). Additionally, Steve has written extensively for the Florida Bar Journal and is Past Chair of the publication’s Editorial Board. In 2016, Steve was awarded the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his...

On Demand Webinar: Hurricane Preparedness During a Restoration Project: How to Protect Your Structure in The Wake of a Hurricane

August 31, 2010

Steven Lesser

Disaster Preparation and Recovery

Hurricane Preparedness During a Restoration Project: How to Protect your Structure in The Wake of a Hurricane, Webinar recorded August 25, 2010. Running time: 59:43....