Overview

Ben is a construction attorney in the Firm’s Real Estate and Construction Group, advising developers, owners, contractors, suppliers, and design professionals on legal issues arising from public and private commercial, mixed‑use, and residential construction projects. His practice focuses on construction law, risk management, and dispute resolution, helping clients navigate complex challenges at every stage of a project.

Ben regularly represents clients in construction disputes and litigation, including construction defect claims, design professional liability matters, project delays and disruption claims, payment disputes, mechanics’ liens, stop notices, bond claims, and construction‑related insurance coverage disputes. He also handles disputes involving change orders, scope of work disagreements, differing site conditions, defective workmanship, and delay damages, and has extensive experience guiding clients through California’s SB 800 / Right to Repair Act, from pre‑litigation procedures and defect investigations to statutory compliance and claim resolution.

In addition to litigation, Ben provides transactional and strategic construction law guidance throughout the project life cycle. He assists clients with licensing issues and CSLB claims, construction contract drafting and negotiation of all types and forms, including design-build, prime contracts, subcontracts, professional and consultant agreements, and advises on insurance and bonding requirements. Ben is also experienced in sales and lease agreements and options, lien, title, and easement issues, disclosure obligations, and unlawful detainer actions. His goal is to help clients reduce risk, avoid disputes, and protect their interests before issues arise.

Drawing on substantial experience in construction law and litigation, Ben understands the practical, operational, and financial realities affecting commercial construction, residential and multifamily developments, hospitality projects, apartment complexes, and major renovations. He provides clear, actionable advice from early negotiations and risk assessment through the resolution of defect, delay, payment, and contract claims. Whether assisting on a large commercial development or navigating a complex renovation or dispute, Ben is committed to protecting client interests and helping construction projects move forward successfully.

Education

University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2015, with distinction; Associate Editor, The University of the Pacific Law Review; Traynor Honor Society; Dean’s List; Honors Merit Scholarship

San Diego State University, B.S., Business Administration (Finance), 2011, with honors

Admissions

California

United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, and Central Districts of California

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California

Experience

  • Obtained $500,000 settlement on behalf of a general contractor in its defect and delay claims against a subcontractor supplier.
  • Member of litigation team preparing for large groundwater adjudication scheduled for trial in May 2023.
  • Defense of public entities against high-profile civil rights and breach of contract claims.
  • Representation of contractor in competing defect and delay claims of a national contractor and Native American casino.
  • Successful prosecution of contractor’s breach of contract and related construction-related claims against a large, local public entity, which settled at mediation.
  • Successful defense of public entity against an $8 million wrongful death case, which ultimately settled favorably.
  • Representation of Chapter 7 Trustee in a high-stakes corporate adversary proceeding against numerous shareholders.
  • Successful defense of partnership’s $1.4 million real estate option agreement through appeal.
  • Various pro bono representations in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California.

Insights

Insights & Presentations

Recognition

  • Included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law), 2026-present
  • Listed in Sactown Magazine’s Top Lawyers, 2023-present

Affiliations

Professional

  • American Bar Association Construction Law Forum
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, Pro Bono Panel
  • Sacramento County Bar Association (Executive Committee; Construction Law Section)
  • Sacramento County Bar Foundation
  • San Joaquin County Bar Association

Civic

  • North State Building Industry Association
  • Association of Commercial Real Estate
  • Commercial Real Estate Development Association
  • Associated General Contractors of America
  • Prader-Willi California Foundation
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