Orlando, Florida – James C. Washburn, a partner at the law firm of ShuffieldLowman, recently received the “AV Preeminent” rating, the highest rating available to attorneys by the nationally recognized Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.  The AV Preeminent rating is a result of extensive and confidential reviews conducted among legal professionals in Central Florida.  According to Martindale-Hubbell, the rating signifies the highest standard of legal ability and is a confirmation of an individual’s status as a highly respected, ethical member of the Bar.

Washburn is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in Construction Law.  His practice includes assisting those in the construction industry with contract drafting and negotiation, bid protests, scheduling and construction defect claims, default terminations, licensing issues and lien and bond disputes.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida for both his undergraduate and law school degrees.  Washburn is a frequent lecturer and author on topics concerning the construction industry and he has received numerous legal awards, including being named as both a Legal Elite and Super Lawyer.  He is also an active member and past president of the Rotary Club of Altamonte Springs where he has received the “Service Above Self” award multiple times.

ShuffieldLowman’s five offices are located in Orlando, Tavares, DeLand and Port Orange. The firm is a 45 attorney, full service, business law firm, practicing in the areas of corporate law, estate planning, real estate and litigation. Specific areas include tax law, securities, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, estate planning and probate, planning for families with closely held businesses, guardianship and elder law, tax controversy – Federal and State, non-profit organization law, banking and finance, land use and government law, commercial and civil litigation, fiduciary litigation, construction law, association law, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, labor and employment, and mediation.

With the increase in construction activity through the State of Florida, it is strongly advised that your construction contract comply with Florida law, address project-specific issues, and provide an equitable allocation of risk. Whether you are the owner, contractor or sub-contractor, ShuffieldLowman can assist in reviewing or preparing your construction contract. We believe the goal of a well-crafted construction contract is not just to win a fight if one arises on a project but, rather, to avoid the fight altogether because the parties have already discussed the issues and agreed on how to allocate the risk of these various contingencies. Watch as ShuffieldLowman construction law attorney, Jim Washburn, explains the importance of revisiting standard construction contracts.