Jones Day maintains a robust construction practice, handling arbitration cases, mediations, and business litigation, in addition to enjoying considerable success in procurement mandates, such as representing the Los Angeles Metro in high-stakes cases related to public transit infrastructure for the 2028 Olympics. Operating from the Los Angeles office, Daniel McMillan co-leads the team alongside Roy Powell, who divides his time between Dallas and Pittsburgh. Tarek Abdalla, who is also based in Pittsburgh, represents various owners, developers, and engineers in litigation relating to public and private projects in the energy and construction industries. Joseph Finley is another key contact in the group, whose Atlanta-based practice focuses on business litigation and arbitration mandates, while Dallas-based Joseph Van Asten specializes in fraud, compliance, and regulatory violations. With demonstrable experience in construction disputes, Houston lawyer Laurens Wilkes is also recommended. The team expanded its energy and infrastructure litigation capabilities in April 2024 with the arrival of New York-based lawyer Larry Dany, formerly of Eversheds Sutherland.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Jones Day have been supporting us through complex construction litigation, with clarity and commercially focused guidance at every turn. We have found their expertise to be exceptional and their ability to help the board weave it's way through various decision making process invaluable.’

  • ‘Laurens Wilkes has been outstanding and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. His commercially focused advice and calm approach is truly valued by us.’

  • ‘Jones Day are extremely competent in handling complex litigation. Their skills are extremely strong in the areas of analysis, creativity, understanding complex technical issues, and advocacy.'

  • 'The team has deep experience in construction law, is pragmatic and knowledgeable in their response to queries for advice.'

  • 'They are very responsive and have deep experience in the subject matter.'

  • 'Tarek Abdalla is a very intelligent and excellent construction attorney, who has great integrity and knowledge of construction law issues.'

  • 'Jones Day is unique because of the firepower and skill set they bring to matters. Their litigation practice has top attorneys, often with government experience and with great trial experience. They also have a business centric view and try to solve problems for clients in an efficient and cost-effective manner, while having the bench to fight through trial as needed.'

Key clients

  • Bechtel Group, Inc.
  • Cardinal Midstream LLC
  • City of Hope National Cancer Center
  • Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
  • Georgia Power
  • Southern Company
  • Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.
  • International Business Machines Corporation
  • Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
  • Kiewit Corporation
  • Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
  • Prologis, Inc.
  • Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc.
  • San Diego Gas & Electric
  • Sempra Energy
  • Southern California Edison
  • Southern California Gas
  • United States Steel Corporation
  • Orange County Transportation Agency

Work highlights

  • Representing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority in various procurement issues and disputes.
  • Advising City of Hope in various healthcare infrastructure projects.
  • Representing Georgia Power Company in relation to the Vogtle Units 3 & 4 nuclear power project in Waynesboro, Georgia.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Daniel McMillan, Roy Powell

Other key lawyers

Tarek Abdalla, Joseph Finley, Joseph Van Asten, Laurens Wilkes, Larry Dany