Construction projects in Castroville, California often involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and property owners. When disagreements about scope, payment, change orders, or defective work arise, those disputes can halt a project and put significant financial pressure on all parties. At Law Republic APC we help clients understand their rights under California construction law and develop a strategy designed to protect their interests. Whether you are a homeowner, general contractor, or subcontractor in Monterey County, getting timely legal guidance can preserve claims, avoid costly errors, and position you for better negotiation or litigation outcomes when disputes escalate.
This page focuses on construction contract disputes specific to Castroville and nearby areas in Monterey County. We explain common causes of conflict such as unpaid invoices, alleged defective workmanship, delays, and disagreements over contract terms. Our goal is to provide clear, practical information about options for dispute resolution ranging from negotiation and mediation to formal litigation or arbitration. California statutes and local building rules influence these matters, so local context matters. If you are facing a construction dispute, understanding timelines, notice requirements, and possible remedies under state law will help you make informed decisions and protect your financial interests.
Timely legal guidance can prevent small disagreements from becoming protracted disputes that derails budgets and timelines. For property owners and contractors in Castroville, a knowledgeable approach helps protect payment rights, preserves important claims such as mechanic’s liens or stop notices, and clarifies obligations under construction contracts. Legal counsel can also identify procedural requirements like written notice or licensing statutes that affect recovery. Engaging representation early often leads to more favorable settlements, reduces exposure to counterclaims, and streamlines dispute resolution through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution tailored to the parties’ goals and the specifics of California law.
Law Republic APC represents clients in Monterey County and throughout California on construction contract disputes, offering practical legal services in real estate matters. Our attorneys focus on clear communication, aggressive preparation, and careful case assessment so clients understand the potential risks and remedies. Serving Castroville means we are familiar with local contracting practices and regional courts that hear construction matters. We emphasize preserving client choices through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary, and we work to achieve resolutions that protect project values, reputations, and future business prospects for contractors and property owners alike.
Construction contract dispute services address disagreements that arise from the performance, payment, interpretation, or termination of construction agreements. In Castroville projects, disputes commonly involve change orders, delayed performance, alleged defective work, and payment conflicts between owners, general contractors, and subcontractors. Attorneys handle contract review, statutory claims, lien rights, and coordination with insurers or bonding companies when bonds are involved. Effective representation includes preserving evidence, complying with notice requirements under California law, and assessing whether alternative dispute resolution or litigation will best protect a client’s financial and contractual interests.
When you retain a construction dispute lawyer, the initial steps often include a thorough document review of contracts, invoices, correspondence, and site records to identify legal theories and damages. Local knowledge of Castroville and Monterey County courts, building codes, and contractor licensing issues can influence strategy. Counsel will advise on statutory remedies such as mechanic’s liens or stop notices, potential indemnity obligations, and defenses to claims. The goal is to find a resolution that reduces project disruption while maximizing recovery or minimizing liability, always tailored to the client’s objectives and the realities of the job site.
Construction contract disputes encompass a range of disagreements that may be legal, factual, or procedural. Examples include breach of contract for failure to perform work, claims for defective construction, disagreements about scope or change orders, and disputes over payment or delays. In Castroville these issues are governed by contract law, California statutes, and local regulations. Defining the dispute early—whether it is a contract interpretation issue or a claim for damages—helps identify the proper remedies, applicable deadlines, and required notices. Accurate framing is essential to preserve claims and respond effectively to opposing positions.
Resolving a construction dispute typically involves document preservation, notice compliance, negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, and possibly litigation. Key elements include clear contract interpretation, proof of performance or breach, calculation of damages, and adherence to California statutes that affect construction claims. Processes may begin with demand letters and mediation attempts before moving to arbitration or court actions. For Castroville projects, gathering contemporaneous jobsite records, change order documentation, and payment logs is important. Early case assessment helps determine whether settlement, bond claims, or formal court remedies are most likely to achieve a favorable outcome.
Understanding common terms used in construction disputes reduces confusion and helps parties make informed decisions. This glossary covers terms like change order, mechanic’s lien, stop notice, breach of contract, delay damages, and indemnity. Knowing the differences between contract provisions and statutory remedies under California law helps Castroville owners and contractors evaluate their options. Clear definitions support better negotiation and more efficient dispute resolution, and they ensure that parties know which steps preserve rights such as lien filings and prompt payment actions within required timeframes.
A change order is a written amendment to the original construction contract that modifies scope, price, or schedule. Change orders should be documented, approved by the parties, and supported by cost and time impact analyses. In Castroville projects, disputes often arise when work is performed without an agreed change order or when there is disagreement about whether the change falls within the original scope. Properly documenting change orders helps avoid later disputes by clarifying responsibilities and payment adjustments for additional materials, labor, or delays.
A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim recorded against real property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has not been paid for work or materials. California law imposes specific notice and filing deadlines to perfect a lien. For Castroville property owners and contractors, mechanic’s liens can affect financing and property transfers, so timely action is important. Enforcing a lien can lead to foreclosure of the property interest or negotiation of payment, while invalid or untimely liens can be contested and removed through legal process.
Delay claims seek compensation for time-related losses caused by project interruptions, late deliveries, or changes in sequencing. Such claims require documentation showing the cause of the delay, its effect on the project schedule, and resulting costs. In Castroville construction matters, delay claims may involve disputes over who bears responsibility for extended overhead, labor inefficiencies, or liquidated damages under a contract. Resolving delay claims often requires analysis of contemporaneous schedules, notices of delay, and expert scheduling testimony when disputes advance to litigation or arbitration.
Defective work refers to construction that fails to meet contract specifications, building codes, or reasonable standards of workmanship. Claims for defective work may seek repair costs, diminution in value, or replacement. In Castroville projects, resolving defective work disputes typically involves inspection reports, warranty provisions, and negotiations about remediation timelines and responsibilities. Documentation such as punch lists, photographs, and inspection certificates can be pivotal in proving defective work and supporting a claim for damages or contract enforcement.
Parties facing construction disputes can pursue negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Negotiation and mediation often provide faster, less costly resolutions that preserve business relationships. Arbitration can offer a private forum with procedural efficiency, though outcomes are typically binding. Litigation provides formal discovery and the ability to obtain court-enforced remedies but tends to be longer and more expensive. Selecting the right path depends on the dispute’s complexity, contract provisions, cost considerations, and desired outcomes. Castroville clients should weigh the tradeoffs between speed, confidentiality, and the need for a court-enforced judgment.
A limited approach focused on negotiation or a short mediation session can be appropriate for disputes involving relatively small sums or isolated scope changes. When the underlying facts are straightforward and the parties want to preserve working relationships, a targeted resolution can avoid the time and cost of arbitration or litigation. For Castroville projects, this approach often resolves unpaid invoices, disputed change order pricing, or minor workmanship concerns through direct dialogue, documented settlement agreements, and prompt payment arrangements that allow construction to continue with minimal disruption.
If the contract language clearly allocates responsibility and the parties are willing to cooperate, a limited approach emphasizing contractual interpretation and negotiation may suffice. This path can include using a neutral mediator to bridge gaps and finalize a written amendment or release. In Castroville, when schedules are tight and all involved parties prioritize project completion, resolving disputes efficiently through targeted methods can protect budgets and avoid prejudicing future claims, while preserving the option to pursue formal remedies if settlement attempts fail.
A comprehensive legal strategy is often necessary for disputes that involve multiple parties, overlapping claims, or significant damages. These cases may require coordinating claims among owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, as well as addressing potential indemnity and insurance issues. In Castroville projects where delays, defective work, and payment disputes intersect, comprehensive planning includes evidence preservation, expert engagement for technical issues, and the pursuit of appropriate remedies such as lien enforcement, petitioning bonds, or court litigation to fully protect client interests.
When a dispute threatens substantial financial loss or prolonged project delay, a full-service legal approach is advisable. This includes in-depth contract analysis, strategic pre-litigation positioning, and readiness for court or arbitration processes. For Castroville property owners and contractors, protecting cash flow and project timelines may require filing or defending mechanic’s liens, pursuing bond claims, or seeking injunctive relief to prevent further damage. A broad strategy helps manage risk, coordinate remedies, and seek full compensation for consequential and direct damages arising from the dispute.
A comprehensive approach addresses both legal and practical aspects of a dispute, aiming to secure financial recovery while minimizing future risk. By coordinating document preservation, claims, and negotiation tactics, clients in Castroville can achieve outcomes that consider lien rights, insurance coverage, and potential counterclaims. Comprehensive representation also allows for parallel handling of bond claims, indemnity issues, and contractor licensing concerns, which can be critical to protecting a client’s investment and preserving the ability to finish or reopen a project without repeated disputes or ongoing exposure to unpaid obligations.
Comprehensive handling also improves leverage in settlement talks by presenting a complete case narrative supported by documentation, expert analysis, and legal claims. This thoroughness reduces surprises, shortens the timeline to resolution in many instances, and can increase the likelihood of recovering full value for damages, repair costs, or lost profits. For Castroville clients, this approach creates a clear roadmap for dispute resolution, helps limit additional delays, and supports more predictable outcomes when multiple issues intersect on a single construction project.
A comprehensive strategy helps ensure that all legal remedies are preserved and evaluated, including lien rights, bond claims, contractual indemnities, and statutory damages. For Castroville builders and property owners, preserving these options often requires timely notices, accurate filings, and adherence to California procedural rules. Addressing potential remedies at the outset prevents inadvertent waivers and supports stronger negotiation positions. Comprehensive planning also identifies defenses and counterclaims, creating a balanced case assessment that informs whether settlement or litigation will best meet client objectives.
By addressing underlying causes and coordinating resolution tactics, a comprehensive approach aims to reduce long-term disruption to the construction schedule and related costs. For projects in Castroville, resolving disputes promptly and thoroughly helps restore cash flow, enables completion of work, and protects reputational interests that affect future contracting opportunities. Effective representation can also prevent repeated litigation over the same issues by securing final settlements or court judgments that bring closure to the dispute, allowing parties to move forward with confidence.
Keeping contemporaneous records of communications, change orders, invoices, and site conditions is essential in any construction dispute. For Castroville projects, photographs, daily logs, scheduling notes, and written approvals can make the difference in proving entitlement to payment or establishing the cause of delays. Promptly documenting when issues arise and how parties respond helps preserve claims and supports negotiation or litigation positions. Accurate records also streamline the dispute resolution process and reduce the risk of conflicting recollections later on when facts are disputed.
Early use of mediation or facilitated negotiation can resolve many disputes before they require arbitration or litigation. Mediation can preserve relationships, reduce costs, and produce creative solutions tailored to the parties’ interests. In Castroville, where project continuity often matters, pursuing alternative dispute resolution early allows parties to focus on project completion while addressing financial and quality issues. Even if mediation does not produce a full resolution, it can narrow issues, clarify positions, and establish a foundation for later proceedings with more predictable outcomes.
Construction disputes can threaten project timelines, budgets, and professional relationships. Parties should consider legal assistance when payment is withheld, significant defects are alleged, or delays result in financial losses. Counsel can evaluate contractual rights and obligations, preserve statutory remedies, and advise on the best path to resolution. In Castroville projects, where local building practices and county courts may influence outcomes, having informed legal guidance helps clients avoid procedural missteps, protects against counterclaims, and supports effective negotiation or litigation strategies as necessary.
Seeking legal help early helps preserve evidence and statutory rights like mechanic’s liens and bond claims, which have strict timing requirements. Counsel can also coordinate with technical consultants to assess workmanship or scheduling impacts. For property owners and contractors in Castroville, professional legal support assists in quantifying damages, preparing persuasive documentation, and pursuing remedies that reflect both direct costs and consequential losses. Early action frequently results in better settlements and reduces the risk of protracted litigation that burdens project completion and cash flow.
Typical circumstances leading to disputes include unpaid invoices, disagreements over change orders, defective work claims, project delays, and conflicts over scope or contract interpretation. Issues may also arise from subcontractor nonpayment, material shortages, or differing site conditions discovered during construction. In Castroville, these disputes often require swift legal attention to preserve lien rights, provide timely notices, and coordinate remediation plans. Understanding the common triggers helps parties take preventive measures and respond effectively when disagreements arise.
Payment disputes can quickly escalate, affecting subcontractors, suppliers, and general contractors. When invoices are unpaid, parties must evaluate contract terms, change order approvals, and statutory remedies available under California law. For those working on Castroville projects, taking early steps to document work performed, delivery of materials, and communications about payment can strengthen claims and support recovery efforts. Addressing payment disputes promptly helps maintain cash flow, reduces the risk of mechanic’s liens, and protects ongoing project operations.
Disputes over alleged defective work can involve claims for repair, replacement, or damages for diminished value. Resolving such matters often requires technical assessment, written notices under warranty or contract provisions, and negotiations to reach remediation agreements. In Castroville projects, documenting deficiencies with photos, inspection reports, and defect lists helps define the scope of required repairs. Timely communication and a documented remediation plan can often resolve issues without formal proceedings, while persistent or extensive defects may necessitate legal action to secure proper compensation.
Project delays can produce disputes about responsibility for extended overhead, loss of productivity, or liquidated damages. Addressing delay claims requires contemporaneous scheduling records, notices of delay, and evidence linking the delay to responsible parties. For Castroville projects, assessing contractual provisions on time, change orders, and force majeure events is essential to determine entitlement to time extensions or damages. Early analysis and careful documentation of schedule impacts can reduce conflict and help negotiate equitable adjustments to timelines and compensation.
If you are involved in a construction contract dispute in Castroville or elsewhere in Monterey County, Law Republic APC can evaluate your situation and outline practical options. We provide consultations to identify applicable claims, preserve required notices, and recommend next steps tailored to your priorities. Whether the goal is negotiating a prompt settlement, enforcing a mechanic’s lien, filing a bond claim, or preparing for litigation, our approach focuses on protecting your financial interests and minimizing disruption so you can move forward with your project with confidence.
Law Republic APC brings focused legal representation for construction disputes, emphasizing clear communication and practical solutions. We help clients assess contractual rights, preserve statutory remedies, and select dispute resolution options that align with project goals. For Castroville clients, our knowledge of local court procedures and regional contracting practices supports efficient case handling and strategic decision making designed to protect finances and reputations involved in construction matters throughout Monterey County.
Our attorneys prioritize early assessment and evidence preservation to maintain the strongest possible position in negotiations or proceedings. We coordinate with technical consultants when necessary, prepare persuasive documentation, and aim to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation when appropriate. When formal proceedings are required, we prepare thoroughly for arbitration or litigation to pursue full remedies under California law, including liens, bond claims, and damages for breach, delay, or defective work identified in Castroville projects.
Clients working with Law Republic APC receive straightforward guidance about risks, timelines, and possible outcomes so they can make informed decisions. We strive to keep communication clear throughout the process, provide candid assessments of potential recovery, and pursue solutions that align with each client’s priorities, whether that means reclaiming unpaid sums, securing a remediation plan, or protecting future business opportunities in the Castroville and Monterey County construction markets.
Our process begins with a focused intake to learn the facts, review contracts, and identify immediate steps to preserve rights. We then develop a case plan that may include demand letters, documentation gathering, notice compliance, and initiation of negotiations or mediation. If necessary, we file liens, bond claims, or court actions while coordinating with consultants for technical analysis. Throughout, we keep clients informed about strategy, costs, and realistic timelines so they can make decisions that protect their projects and financial interests in Castroville and beyond.
The initial phase focuses on assessing the dispute, preserving evidence, and identifying urgent procedural steps. This includes reviewing project documents such as contracts, change orders, invoices, daily logs, and communications. For Castroville matters, quick action to send required notices and to preserve lien rights may be essential. We advise on immediate measures to document site conditions and communications so that legal and technical claims remain viable as the case progresses toward negotiation or formal proceedings.
Thorough document review establishes the factual and legal framework of a dispute. We collect contracts, change orders, payment records, schedules, and correspondence to understand performance, responsibility, and damages. For Castroville construction cases, gathering contemporaneous jobsite records and photographic evidence is crucial. This factual foundation supports calculated decisions about whether to pursue lien filings, demand letters, or settlement discussions and guides the selection of any technical consultants who can clarify workmanship or scheduling issues.
Preserving rights often requires immediate notice and filing actions under California law, such as preliminary notices for subcontractors or mechanic’s lien notices. We identify required notices and help ensure they are issued promptly to avoid forfeiture of remedies. For Castroville projects, adherence to these procedural requirements can be determinative of a client’s ability to recover under lien or bond claims. Timely preservation also creates leverage in early negotiations and protects against rapid erosion of remedies due to missed deadlines.
After establishing the case foundation, we pursue negotiation or alternative dispute resolution to seek timely outcomes that reduce cost and delay. This may include facilitated settlement discussions or mediation to address payment, remediation, or scheduling issues. For Castroville projects, mediation often helps preserve working relationships while providing a structured forum to resolve disagreements. If settlement is possible, we prepare comprehensive agreements that address payment, release of claims, and completion timelines to prevent future disputes.
Effective negotiation begins with clear demands and supporting documentation to demonstrate liability and damages. We prepare settlement proposals, cost estimates, and remediation plans that reflect the client’s objectives. In Castroville matters, taking a pragmatic approach that considers project timelines and reputational concerns often leads to resolutions that allow construction to continue. If parties cannot reach agreement informally, mediation can provide a neutral forum to explore options and reach a durable settlement without resorting to formal adjudication.
Preparing for mediation involves compiling the strongest possible presentation of facts, damages, and legal claims, often with technical exhibits and expert reports. For Castroville disputes, this preparation includes organizing schedules, change order records, and cost estimates to support the negotiation. Mediation provides an opportunity to resolve complex issues in a confidential setting, and thorough preparation increases the likelihood of reaching a fair settlement that addresses both financial recovery and project continuation needs.
If alternative methods do not yield satisfactory results, we proceed with litigation or arbitration to enforce rights and pursue remedies. This includes filing claims, conducting discovery, engaging technical experts, and preparing for trial or arbitration hearings. For Castroville clients, formal proceedings may be necessary to obtain court orders for payments, lien foreclosures, or damages for breach. We also pursue enforcement mechanisms such as judgment liens or collections when necessary to secure recovery for clients.
Preparing for litigation or arbitration requires detailed factual and legal preparation, including discovery, witness preparation, and expert reports on defects or schedules. We develop litigation strategies tailored to the dispute’s strengths and weaknesses and the client’s goals. In Castroville cases, thorough preparation enhances the chance of a favorable award or judgment, and helps to limit surprises during proceedings by anticipating opposing arguments and supporting claims with clear documentary and technical evidence.
After obtaining a favorable judgment or arbitration award, enforcement steps may be necessary to collect amounts owed or to foreclose on mechanic’s liens. We pursue collection actions, judgment liens, and other enforcement remedies while advising on practical recovery options. For Castroville clients, enforcement planning considers available assets, bond claims, and potential settlement alternatives to maximize recovery while balancing further litigation costs and time required to collect awarded damages.
A mechanic’s lien is a statutory claim that allows contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure payment by filing a lien against the property they improved. The lien creates a cloud on title and can affect the owner’s ability to refinance or sell the property until the debt is resolved or the lien is released. For Castroville property owners, responding quickly to a lien notice and reviewing its validity is important to protect the property and address any underlying unpaid obligations. Owners facing a mechanic’s lien should verify the claimant’s right to file, check for compliance with California notice and filing requirements, and consider negotiating payment or contesting an invalid lien through legal action. Early communication and document review often lead to resolution through payment agreements, bond claims, or lien challenges that remove the encumbrance and clear title for future transactions.
Preserving the right to payment often starts with providing or receiving the required preliminary notices under California law and maintaining accurate records of work performed and materials supplied. Subcontractors and suppliers should ensure they meet any notice deadlines and document delivery of goods and services to support claims. For Castroville projects, sending timely invoices, keeping change orders in writing, and preserving communications strengthens a claim if legal action becomes necessary. If payment is withheld, initiating a prompt demand and exploring alternatives such as mediation or filing a mechanic’s lien or stop notice can protect rights. Understanding the procedural steps and filing deadlines is critical, and obtaining legal guidance early helps ensure that remedies are preserved and pursued in a manner consistent with California statutory requirements.
Mediation is often appropriate when parties seek a faster, less costly, and confidential resolution that can preserve business relationships. It works well when the factual disputes are manageable and the parties retain flexibility to negotiate remedies tailored to their needs. For many Castroville construction matters, mediation leads to pragmatic settlements that allow projects to continue while addressing payment or remediation concerns. Consider mediation when both sides are willing to participate in good faith and there is value in avoiding prolonged litigation. If mediation fails, the preparation involved often clarifies issues and narrows disputes, which can be beneficial in any subsequent arbitration or court proceeding by streamlining the contested matters and reducing surprises.
Homeowners who receive claims of defective work should document the alleged defects with photographs, inspection reports, and written descriptions of the issues. Reviewing the contract and any warranty provisions helps determine the responsible parties and the scope of remediation required. In Castroville, promptly communicating concerns to the contractor in writing and requesting a remediation plan is an important early step in resolving the issue informally. If the contractor does not address the defective work, homeowners should consult counsel to evaluate remedies, which may include negotiation for repair, filing a claim for damages, or seeking enforcement through legal proceedings. Early documentation and timely notice often improve the prospects for an effective remedy and reduce the time required to correct the problem.
Mechanic’s lien deadlines in California vary depending on whether the claimant is a general contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, and whether the project is private or public. Preliminary notice requirements apply to many claimants, and specific filing deadlines must be met to perfect a lien. For parties working on Castroville projects, understanding these timelines at the outset of a dispute is essential to preserve the right to file a lien if payment issues arise. Missing a statutory deadline can forfeit lien rights, so timely action is critical. Consulting counsel early to confirm applicable notice and filing dates helps ensure remedies remain available and prevents inadvertent waivers of enforcement options that could weaken a claimant’s leverage in negotiations or litigation.
Contractors may sometimes stop work for nonpayment, depending on contract terms and applicable laws, but doing so can have legal consequences if not handled properly. Owners have protections, including the right to inspect and pursue remedies for defective work or breach of contract. For Castroville projects, careful review of contract provisions governing work stoppage, cure periods, and payment obligations is necessary to understand rights and risks before either party takes action. Before stopping work or withholding payment, parties should seek legal advice to assess the potential for counterclaims, damages, or breaches of contract. Often negotiating a temporary arrangement or pursuing interim dispute resolution can protect ongoing project interests while avoiding escalation that undermines completion or recovery prospects.
Change orders clarify additions or alterations to the original scope of work and set out adjustments to price and schedule. Having a clear, documented change order process reduces misunderstandings and disputes. In Castroville projects, insisting on written approval for changes and maintaining documentation of costs, approvals, and time impacts helps prevent disagreements and supports claims for payment when changes occur. When change orders are not properly documented, disputes often arise over whether work was authorized and how much compensation is due. Implementing a disciplined process for approving and recording changes protects both owners and contractors by creating a clear paper trail that supports resolution efforts and legal claims if needed.
Delay claims are evaluated based on evidence showing the cause of the delay, its effect on the project schedule, and resulting costs. Documentation such as updated schedules, daily logs, and correspondence is essential to establish entitlement to time extensions or compensation. For Castroville projects, linking delays to responsible parties and quantifying the financial impact through contemporaneous records improves the likelihood of recovering delay-related damages. Compensation for delay may include extended overhead, loss of productivity, and other direct costs, subject to contract terms and any liquidated damages provisions. Early analysis of scheduling impacts and notice compliance helps parties preserve claims and supports fair negotiation or adjudication of delay-related losses.
Common defenses to construction defect claims include proving compliance with contract specifications, demonstrating that alleged defects result from normal wear and tear or owner modifications, and showing that the claimant failed to provide required notices or opportunities to remedy. In Castroville disputes, evidence of proper workmanship, inspection approvals, or accepted deviations can be decisive in defending against defect allegations. Other defenses may involve challenging causation or the claimant’s mitigation of damages. Demonstrating that proper procedures were followed and that the claimant unreasonably delayed asserting claims can weaken defect allegations and support a defense that limits or eliminates liability for the alleged problems.
Enforcing a judgment or arbitration award may involve collection efforts such as obtaining writs of execution, recording judgment liens, garnishing accounts, or foreclosing on mechanic’s liens if applicable. For Castroville clients, enforcement planning considers the debtor’s assets, availability of bonds, or insurance coverage that might satisfy a judgment. Proactive enforcement strategies help convert favorable decisions into actual recovery of owed amounts. If the opposing party resists payment, counsel can pursue post-judgment remedies and assess whether settlement alternatives might yield faster recovery. Understanding the practical options for enforcement early in the process helps clients make strategic decisions about pursuing awards versus negotiating post-award settlements.
