Melissa A. Beutler, a partner in the Las Vegas and Salt Lake City offices of Holland & Hart LLP, has co-authored and co-edited a new book that guides construction lawyers through the ever-changing laws and regulations that govern green and sustainable development. Also contributing as a co-author is Sean Hanlon, a partner in the firm’s Denver office.
“Green Building and the Construction Lawyer: A Practical Guide to Transactional and Litigation Issues,” was published and released in November by the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law.
Sustainable development is presenting new issues to the design and construction community. In turn, the growing demand for these green/sustainable building projects, advances in design and construction in this area, and legislation directed to green and sustainable development are all impacting the practice of construction law.
“This book provides the industry a guide on both the history behind current green and sustainable initiatives as well as tips and advice on cutting edge issues. The project was initially conceived in 2007, but because of the rapid changes and developments going on in the industry, we held off until now so the book would be as thorough and relevant as possible,” Beutler said.
Co-author Hanlon, said that the book “serves as an excellent resource to construction lawyers navigating the ever evolving topics and issues affecting green building projects.”
Evolving past a trend, green building and sustainable development practices are now integral issues in design and construction. “Green Building and the Construction Lawyer” provides explanations and insights into issues that all construction lawyers should understand in order to meet their client’s needs and expectations.
Green building presents unique issues associated with legislation, design and construction practices, contract drafting, insurance, and even litigation and dispute resolution, among others. The book offers a primer focused on the special needs of the construction practitioner, and includes advanced tips and commentary on key issues.
Written by preeminent authorities in the area of green building, the book opens with a basic description of green building practices and definitions and the sources of laws that have evolved to regulate it. This part also discusses the LEED program and concludes with a green building case law surveys. Subsequent parts of the book cover:
- Contractual issues in the green building context: between owners/developers and design professionals; between owners/developers and general contractors; and between general contractors and subcontractors and suppliers
- Insurance and bonding considerations
- Energy and water performance
- Litigation issues for the project owner, the design professional, the prime contractor, and third-party claims
Beutler is a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) who frequently writes and speaks on green construction topics. She drafts and negotiates complex construction contracts that involve green building, LEED, and energy savings performance guarantees.
Beutler represents owners and contractors on commercial and industrial building projects, including large projects on the Las Vegas Strip. She is an active member of the ABA Forum on Construction Law and the ABA Construction Litigation Sections.
Hanlon represents construction firms, real estate companies, and financial institutions to resolve complex litigation. Whether through jury or bench trials, summary adjudication (or other dispositive relief), alternative dispute resolution, or favorable settlement, Hanlon consistently achieves positive outcomes for clients.
In addition to counseling prime contractors, lenders, and loan servicers, Hanlon handles a variety of general commercial litigation matters. He also has represented clients in appellate matters in Colorado at the state and federal levels.
For more information and to order the book, click here.