Craig H. Parker is a Member of the Sills Cummis Construction and Energy Law Practice, where he provides strategic legal and business counsel to local and national construction contractors, developers, surety companies, and commercial clients. He is involved in all facets of the construction process from pre-bid to project close-out to the prosecution and defense of claims in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals.
In addition to construction claims, Mr. Parker drafts, reviews, and negotiates construction contracts and financing, indemnity, and security agreements. He also works with architects, engineers, and design professionals to ensure compliance with state and local regulations and manage potential claims.
Contractors, subcontractors, and design-build professionals often face problems, including construction defects, payment resolution, the propriety of back charges, public bid protests, insurance coverage, surety bond claims, and lien rights. Should legal issues arise, Mr. Parker devises cost-effective and creative litigation strategies using the alternative dispute resolution process, when applicable, as a way to avoid prolonged proceedings.
Surety and insurance companies can play key roles in the construction process and similarly face potential liabilities. Mr. Parker advises surety companies on project takeover and close-out, various claims, reinsurance, bankruptcy, and government contracting matters. He also works with local counsel in jurisdictions throughout the United States in bond claims handling and litigation.
Mr. Parker’s considerable understanding of construction law equipped him to serve as counsel to a member of the New Jersey Law Revision Commission, which updated the State’s Construction Lien Law in 2009, and as a liaison to the American Institute of Architects Documents Committee that reviewed AIA Design/Construction documents.