Construction Mediation by Active Trial Attorneys Who Understand Construction Litigation

Construction projects involve significant investments, multiple parties, strict deadlines, and complex contractual obligations. When disputes arise, delays and litigation can quickly increase costs, strain business relationships, and jeopardize the successful completion of a project.

At St. Johns Law Group, our construction mediators are active trial attorneys who regularly represent developers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, suppliers, lenders, and commercial property owners in complex construction disputes throughout Florida.

Meet Mediator James G. Whitehouse – Board Certified Attorney and Mediator

Unlike mediators who no longer actively litigate, our attorneys continue to prepare construction cases for trial, conduct depositions, examine expert witnesses, argue dispositive motions, and handle appeals. That real-world litigation experience allows us to help parties realistically evaluate construction claims, litigation risk, and settlement opportunities.

Whether your dispute involves a commercial development, residential construction, public infrastructure project, condominium, homeowners’ association, or mixed-use development, we work to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting your business interests.

Why Construction Mediation?

Construction litigation is among the most expensive forms of commercial litigation.

A single dispute may involve:

• Owners
• Developers
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Architects
• Engineers
• Surveyors
• Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• Sureties
• Insurance carriers
• Lenders

Each party may have separate contracts, insurance policies, and legal obligations.

Mediation allows parties to resolve disputes before litigation expenses continue to escalate while preserving valuable business relationships whenever possible.

Why Choose Active Trial Attorneys as Your Mediators?

Every mediation ultimately asks one question:

What happens if the case proceeds to trial?

Because St. Johns Law Group actively litigates construction disputes, we understand:

• Jury trial risks
• Chapter 558 procedures
• Construction lien litigation
• Expert witness testimony
• Engineering evidence
• Scheduling delays
• Damage calculations
• Insurance coverage disputes
• Contract interpretation
• Project documentation
• Delay analysis
• Appellate issues

That practical courtroom experience helps parties evaluate risk and negotiate realistic settlements.

Construction Disputes We Mediate

Construction Defect Claims

Construction defect disputes frequently involve multiple parties and technical issues.

We mediate claims involving:

• Structural defects
• Water intrusion
• Roofing failures
• Foundation issues
• Building envelope claims
• Concrete defects
• Mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC defects
• Window and door failures
• Stucco claims

Chapter 558 Construction Claims

Florida’s Chapter 558 process encourages parties to resolve construction defect claims before litigation.

We assist owners, contractors, insurers, and design professionals with mediation involving:

• Notices of claim
• Inspections
• Repair proposals
• Cost allocation
• Expert evaluations
• Settlement negotiations

Construction Contract Disputes

We mediate disputes involving:

• Breach of contract
• Payment disputes
• Scope of work
• Change orders
• Project delays
• Liquidated damages
• Force majeure
• Retainage
• Warranty obligations
• Performance issues
• Contract termination

Mechanic’s Liens & Payment Disputes

Payment disagreements can disrupt an entire construction project.

Our mediation services include:

• Construction liens
• Bond claims
• Notice to Owner issues
• Payment applications
• Retainage disputes
• Final payment
• Contractor collections
• Supplier claims
• Subcontractor disputes

Delay & Scheduling Claims

Construction schedules frequently become contested.

We mediate:

• Delay damages
• Critical path disputes
• Acceleration claims
• Productivity losses
• Weather delays
• Owner-caused delays
• Contractor-caused delays
• Concurrent delays
• Project sequencing

Design Professional Disputes

Projects often involve disagreements concerning design responsibilities.

We mediate disputes involving:

• Architects
• Engineers
• Landscape architects
• Surveyors
• Geotechnical consultants
• Design errors
• Omissions
• Coordination issues
• Professional negligence claims

Commercial Construction

Our mediators regularly assist with disputes involving:

• Office buildings
• Retail developments
• Industrial facilities
• Medical offices
• Mixed-use developments
• Hotels
• Apartment communities
• Warehouses
• Shopping centers
• Commercial renovations

Residential Construction

Residential disputes often require balancing legal rights with practical construction solutions.

We mediate matters involving:

• Custom homes
• Residential developments
• Luxury homes
• Remodeling projects
• Condominiums
• HOA developments
• Multi-family housing

Industries We Serve

Our construction mediation practice serves:

• Developers
• Property owners
• General contractors
• Subcontractors
• Home builders
• Commercial builders
• Architects
• Engineers
• Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• Lenders
• Investors
• Condominium associations
• Homeowners’ associations
• Insurance carriers

Why Construction Mediation Works

Construction litigation often requires:

• Thousands of project documents
• Engineering reports
• Expert witnesses
• Multiple depositions
• Project scheduling experts
• Cost estimators
• Forensic accountants
• Building consultants

These expenses can quickly exceed the value of the dispute.

Mediation provides an opportunity to:

• Control litigation costs
• Preserve project schedules
• Maintain business relationships
• Develop creative repair solutions
• Allocate responsibility efficiently
• Avoid prolonged litigation
• Protect future business opportunities

Our Construction Mediation Process

Pre-Mediation Review

We review contracts, project records, schedules, change orders, expert reports, photographs, correspondence, payment histories, and other key documents before mediation.

Mediation Conference

The mediator facilitates structured negotiations between all interested parties while helping evaluate legal exposure, engineering issues, and practical business considerations.

Litigation Risk Assessment

Our mediators assist parties in evaluating:

• Contractual obligations
• Construction standards
• Expert testimony
• Insurance issues
• Damages
• Repair costs
• Trial risk
• Settlement alternatives

Settlement Documentation

When an agreement is reached, counsel prepare detailed settlement agreements addressing payment, repairs, releases, warranties, confidentiality, and future obligations.

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

Construction professionals throughout Florida choose St. Johns Law Group because we offer:

• Active trial attorneys
• Extensive construction litigation experience
• Commercial real estate knowledge
• Development experience
• Land use and zoning background
• Complex commercial litigation practice
• Practical business solutions
• Professional mediation facilities
• Virtual and in-person mediation
• Statewide representation

Our attorneys understand that construction disputes involve far more than legal claims—they involve ongoing projects, financing, business relationships, reputations, and future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should construction disputes be mediated before litigation?

In many cases, yes. Early mediation may significantly reduce litigation costs, preserve project schedules, and improve the likelihood of a practical resolution.

Can mediation occur during a Chapter 558 claim?

Absolutely. Chapter 558 disputes are particularly well-suited for mediation because the process is designed to encourage early resolution.

Who should attend construction mediation?

Depending on the dispute, attendees may include owners, contractors, subcontractors, insurance representatives, design professionals, experts, and individuals with settlement authority.

Is mediation confidential?

Generally, mediation proceedings in Florida are confidential, subject to limited statutory exceptions.

What if mediation is unsuccessful?

If settlement cannot be reached, the parties retain their legal rights to continue litigation or arbitration. Even then, mediation often narrows the disputed issues and creates a foundation for future settlement discussions.

📞 Schedule a Construction Mediation

Whether your dispute involves a construction defect, payment disagreement, Chapter 558 claim, construction lien, commercial development, delay claim, or design professional issue, the experienced mediators at St. Johns Law Group are prepared to help.

We proudly serve developers, contractors, property owners, engineers, architects, insurers, lenders, and construction professionals throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, St. Johns County, Flagler County, Northeast Florida, and across the State of Florida.

If you are looking for a Construction Mediator led by active trial attorneys who understand construction litigation, contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule your mediation.

Call: 📞 (904) 495-0400
Email: ✉️ info@sjlawgroup.com
Visit: 🌐 www.sjlawgroup.com