Regularly involved in high-value disputes for major owners, developers, and construction companies, the team at Zetlin & De Chiara LLP advises on project development claims, including delays, design and construction deficiencies, and subcontractor termination. Managing partner and experienced litigator Michael Vardaro leads the team, specializing in commercial construction litigation, and regularly representing clients before arbitration panels and administrative boards. Co-founding partners Michael Zetlin and Michael De Chiara boast decades of experience in construction litigation, with the latter serving as co-lead counsel alongside Jaimee Nardiello on the Champlain Towers South building collapse case. The team’s expertise is further demonstrated by representation the designer of a high-profile project in a $30m deficient electrical distribution system claim. Senior partner Raymond Mellon specializes in adjacent property and construction litigation, while Loryn Riggiola’s practice includes construction litigation and high-value disputes. All lawyers are based in New York unless stated otherwise.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Zetlin & De Chiara LLP understands the construction industry well.'
'Michael De Chiara gives sage advice and has helped to settle many high-profile construction defect cases.'
Key clients
- CDM Smith
- DeSimone Consulting Engineers
Work highlights
- Represented DeSimone Consulting Engineers, the structural engineer of an adjoining property, in litigation related to the Champlain Towers South building collapse in Surfside, Florida.
- Represented clients in litigation related to 301 Mission, the sinking skyscraper (Millenium Tower) in San Francisco, California.