Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants

The construction industry in Florida is a dynamic and complex landscape, brimming with opportunities but also fraught with unique legal challenges. From navigating intricate contract negotiations to addressing unforeseen disputes, construction professionals require specialized legal guidance to protect their interests and ensure project success. For businesses and individuals involved in construction across the Sunshine State, particularly in the thriving metropolis of Jacksonville, having access to a law firm deeply rooted in construction law is invaluable. This is precisely where Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants excels, standing as a premier resource for comprehensive legal and consulting services tailored specifically for the construction and infrastructure industries.

Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants has built a formidable reputation as a full-service legal and consulting firm dedicated to the unique needs of the construction sector. What sets them apart is their team's real-world understanding of construction – not just from legal texts, but from actual experience as estimators, roofers, and industry professionals. This practical knowledge allows them to provide not only strong legal advice but also commercially sensible solutions that truly resonate with their clients' businesses. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail, proactive approach to dispute resolution, and their commitment to client education, empowering businesses to minimize risks and maximize their potential in a highly regulated industry. Their dedication has earned them national recognition, making them a go-to firm for construction and infrastructure clients across the United States, Canada, and internationally.

For Florida businesses seeking specialized legal counsel in the construction industry, the accessibility of their chosen law firm is a practical consideration. Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants is strategically located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, ensuring convenient access for clients across the city and surrounding Northeast Florida region.

Their office is located at:
Bank of America Tower, 50 N Laura St Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA

Situated within the prominent Bank of America Tower, their downtown Jacksonville address provides excellent accessibility for clients. This central location in a major business hub means ease of access whether clients are driving from different parts of Jacksonville or utilizing public transportation. The firm's presence in a high-profile building within the financial district also offers a professional and reassuring environment for clients attending consultations or meetings. This strategic placement underscores their commitment to being readily available and easily reachable for the local construction community they serve.

Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants provides a wide array of specialized legal and consulting services, exclusively focused on the needs of the construction and infrastructure industries. Their comprehensive offerings ensure that businesses and professionals in this sector have access to expert guidance for virtually any legal challenge they might face.

Services Offered:

• Construction Litigation and Arbitration: They handle all aspects of construction disputes, including complex litigation and arbitration, ensuring clients' interests are strongly represented in disagreements over contracts, project delays, or other conflicts.
• OSHA Defense: A critical service for the industry, they provide robust defense against Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations and related compliance issues, helping contractors navigate regulatory challenges.
• Lien Law and Bond Law: Expertise in state-specific lien and bond laws allows them to assist clients with securing payment, defending against claims, and understanding their rights and obligations related to construction liens and bonds.
• Contract Review and Negotiation: They offer comprehensive services for drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction contracts, including customer contracts, subcontracts, and sales agreements, aiming to prevent future disputes and protect clients' interests.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: The firm assists construction businesses with the legal intricacies of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, guiding them through complex deal structures.
• Bankruptcy: They provide legal counsel for construction companies facing financial distress, including bankruptcy proceedings, to help navigate challenging economic situations.
• Licensing Defense: Representing contractors and other construction professionals in licensing defense matters, ensuring their ability to operate lawfully.
• Bid Protests: Assisting clients with challenging or defending against bid protests in public and private construction projects.
• Immigration Issues: Providing legal guidance on immigration matters relevant to the construction workforce, such as reducing the risk of ICE stops for crews.
• Employment Issues: Offering support for various employment-related legal concerns within the construction industry, including wage and hour disputes, workplace safety, and restrictive covenants.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): They advise on and facilitate methods like mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes efficiently and amicably, often preferred alternatives to litigation.
• Consulting Services: Beyond legal representation, they offer business consulting services, including business checkups, estimating training, and guidance on operational efficiency tailored for construction companies.

Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants is recognized for several distinguishing features and highlights that underscore their prominence and effectiveness within the construction legal landscape.

Features / Highlights:

• Deep Industry Specialization: Their primary and almost exclusive focus on the construction industry provides them with unparalleled expertise. This means their attorneys truly "understand construction" not just legally but also practically, offering highly relevant and actionable advice.
• National Recognition: The firm has consistently received high accolades, including being named a "Top 50 Construction Law Firm" by Construction Executive Magazine (ranked 15th in 2021) and being recognized in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" report for multiple consecutive years. Trent Cotney, the firm's founder, has personally received numerous honors and distinctions, including being recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.
• Experienced and Licensed Attorneys: Trent Cotney, a board-certified construction lawyer by the Florida Bar, is licensed in multiple states and D.C., demonstrating extensive reach and deep legal proficiency. The firm boasts multiple Florida Bar board-certified construction lawyers and certified general contractors, enhancing their practical insight.
• Comprehensive Solutions: They offer a "full-service" approach, addressing not only legal issues but also providing business and consulting solutions for the construction industry, covering everything from contracts to training programs.
• Proactive Risk Management: The firm emphasizes preventative measures and strategic planning, helping clients foresee and mitigate legal risks before they escalate, such as through comprehensive contract reviews.
• Extensive Resources and Publications: Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants provides valuable educational resources, including eBooks (e.g., "OSHA Defense for the Construction Industry," "Five Key Commercial Roofing Contract Provisions"), webinars, and articles, demonstrating their commitment to empowering clients with knowledge.
• Trade Association General Counsel: Trent Cotney serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), showcasing their deep industry ties and influence.

Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants frequently offers educational resources and structured programs that can be considered valuable promotions or special offers for the construction industry. While direct discounts on hourly legal services may vary, they consistently provide opportunities for clients to enhance their knowledge and operational efficiency.

Current/Past Offers and Resources:

• Business Checkup by Cotney Consulting Group: Previously offered for a nominal fee (e.g., $300), this service provides a comprehensive review of a business's health, offering insights and guidance.
• Free eBooks: The firm regularly offers free downloadable eBooks on critical topics such as "OSHA Defense for the Construction Industry" and "Five Key Commercial Roofing Contract Provisions."
• Training Programs and Webinars: They provide various training opportunities, including a "Roofing Estimating Training Program" (beginner to intermediate) and webinars on topics like "Adapting to Material Shortages and Rising Costs" and "OSHA Defense Tactics." Future offerings include professional certificates and advanced training programs.
• Contract Review Subscription Plans: Cotney offers structured subscription plans for contract review, such as the "Construction Contract Review Subscription Plan," which can be a cost-effective way for businesses to manage their contract needs.
• Legal Counsel on Demand: They offer a unique service where clients can get legal counsel by simply sending an email, streamlining access to expert advice.
• Templates and Forms: A wide array of construction-related forms and templates are available, including customer contracts, subcontracts, and various disclaimers, often accessible through their ShopCotney.com platform.

We encourage interested parties to visit their website or contact them directly to inquire about the latest availability of these valuable resources and consulting services, as offers may be updated periodically.

To connect with Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants and explore how their specialized legal and consulting services can benefit your construction business, please use the following contact information:

Address: Bank of America Tower, 50 N Laura St Suite 2500, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
Phone: (904) 425-5030
Mobile Phone: +1 904-425-5030

Their team is available to answer your questions, provide further details about their comprehensive services, and schedule a consultation. Reaching out directly is the most effective way to begin addressing your construction-related legal and business needs with their experienced professionals.

For construction businesses and professionals in Florida, particularly within the dynamic Jacksonville market, Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants is an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous legal and consulting partner. Their unparalleled specialization in construction law means that local clients benefit from attorneys who not only understand the legal statutes but also possess a deep, practical grasp of industry operations, challenges, and nuances. This unique blend of legal acumen and real-world experience ensures that advice is not just legally sound but also commercially viable and effective for the construction environment.

The firm’s consistent national recognition and numerous accolades, including being named a top construction law firm and having attorneys like Trent Cotney frequently honored, provide a strong testament to their expertise and the high quality of their services. For Florida contractors, developers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders, this translates into peace of mind, knowing they are represented by leaders in the field. Their broad range of services, from proactive contract management and OSHA defense to aggressive litigation and vital business consulting, offers a holistic solution for managing risks and fostering growth. Conveniently located in downtown Jacksonville, Cotney - Attorneys & Consultants is more than just a law firm; it is a strategic ally committed to the success and resilience of the local construction industry, making them an indispensable resource for anyone operating within this sector in Florida.