The only construction law firm in Birmingham founded by a former job superintendent. We combine 39 years of legal experience with real-world job site knowledge to protect Contractors, Suppliers, and Owners.
Construction is a complex ecosystem where a single delay can ripple through every level of the project. We provide specialized legal strategies tailored to the specific risks faced by every major player on the job site.
You are building your future; we ensure it doesn’t crumble under legal complications. Whether you are a homeowner facing unfinished work or a developer managing a complex commercial project, we provide the aggressive oversight needed to keep your schedule and budget on track. We draft contracts that strictly define timelines and quality standards, and we intervene swiftly if a contractor abandons the job or delivers defective workmanship. When liens threaten your title or delays threaten your financing, we provide the decisive legal action necessary to clear the way and get your project across the finish line.
You build the city; you deserve to be paid for it. We act as the external muscle for your accounts receivable, leveraging Michigan’s Construction Lien Act and prompt payment laws to unlock cash flow frozen by upstream disputes. Beyond collections, we defend your hard-earned reputation against meritless defect claims and aggressive owner demands. We review your contracts before you sign, striking out dangerous “pay-if-paid” clauses and unfair indemnification terms to ensure your business is protected from the moment you step onto the job site.
You provide the materials that make construction possible, but you shouldn’t be forced to finance the project for everyone else. We help suppliers secure their payment rights from day one by structuring enforceable credit agreements and managing the complex notice deadlines required by law. When invoices go ignored, we move swiftly to enforce Materialmen’s Liens and bond claims, ensuring you remain a priority creditor rather than an unsecured vendor at the bottom of the list.
For construction companies that need daily legal guidance without the overhead of a full-time in-house attorney. We serve as your strategic partner, handling the operational legal needs that keep your business running—from business entity formation and employment disputes to equipment lease negotiations and insurance reviews. This proactive service is designed to stop legal fires before they start, allowing you to focus on bidding and building while we handle the fine print and compliance.
You shouldn’t have to pay your lawyer to learn the difference between a change order and a punch list. John W. Henke III brings a unique advantage to your defense: he has lived the industry. Before obtaining his law degree, John worked his way up from laborer to superintendent and project manager. He understands the vocabulary of construction and can analyze your project drawings and inspection reports better than opposing counsel. With 39 years of litigation experience and an AV Preeminent® rating (the highest possible peer review rating), John combines “dirt on the boots” credibility with aggressive courtroom advocacy to protect your bottom line.
We are committed to providing prompt, responsive legal services. Contact us today to schedule a confidential review of your commercial or property matter.
251 E. Merrill St., Suite 212 Birmingham, Michigan 48009