Construction Disputes & Mechanic’s Liens
The work is wrong, or the money never came. Now what?
Construction disputes are contract disputes with a deadline attached. New York gives an unpaid contractor or supplier a mechanic’s lien, but only within a fixed window after the last work, and the window closes whether or not anybody was negotiating in good faith. Homeowners on the other side of one have defences, and the same clock matters to them.
What this covers
- Mechanic’s liens — filing them, and getting an improper one discharged
- Non-payment claims by contractors and subcontractors
- Defective and incomplete work claims by owners
- Home improvement contract requirements on Long Island
- Change orders, delay, and what the contract actually says about both
When it is worth a call
- A lien has been filed against your property
- You finished the work and have not been paid
- A contractor stopped showing up, or the work is visibly wrong
- You are about to sign a construction contract of any size
What colleagues and clients say
I trust Mitch to handle all of my real estate transactions as my Of Counsel and he always comes through and often produces results I never imagined.
I found Mitch when he jumped on a conference call that my boss and I were on with the landlord and his attorney for a prospective new location. Within minutes, he cut through all the BS and uncovered a treacherous situation we almost walked into. Immediately after the call, I told my boss, "We need this guy as our General Counsel." The rest is history.
I am Outside General Counsel for the Lagos Group, which consists of one restaurant in the heart of Times Square called Lagos TSQ, one in Harlem called Native and two restaurants in Brooklyn called Native.— Mitchell S. Drucker
It was totally like out of a movie — Lincoln Lawyer — the way you schooled them… They had no idea… We will definitely do more business. It was the best money we ever spent.
Mitch is an exceptionally skilled attorney whose professionalism, strategic approach, and command of the law were evident throughout all issues presented to him. Over the course of nearly two decades, I have confidently used Mitch’s services ranging from real estate transactions, to collections, to wealth management, to other personal matters; all handled with confidence and service that has never wavered. What particularly stood out was his attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to balance a strong legal strategy with genuine consideration for his client’s concerns and objectives. He has an impressive ability to evaluate complex legal issues, anticipate potential challenges, and explain available options in a way that is both comprehensive and easy to understand. Mitch’s combination of legal knowledge, sound judgment, effective communication, and dedication to his clients makes him an attorney I would confidently recommend to anyone seeking sophisticated and reliable legal representation.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter is different and depends on its own facts.
Talk it through with Mitch
Bring the situation, not a diagnosis. A short conversation usually makes the next step obvious.