Construction Attorney
Inland Empire
If you are a general contractor or subcontractor in Southern California with a payment dispute, a denied change order, a scope of work claim, or a contract problem, you need a seasoned lawyer on your side who understands the construction business — not just the law.
What Makes This Different
Ducharme Law Firm brings a unique combination of construction engineering, CPA financial knowledge, hands-on contractor experience, and thirty years of specialized legal expertise to contractors in the Inland Empire and Southern California.BACKGROUND
Mr. Ducharme worked for fifteen years as a construction engineer before practicing law, working in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical design at engineering consulting firms. He has worked inside construction companies in legal and management roles. He holds a CPA certificate from Illinois and understands how an unresolved payment dispute actually impacts your company — your bonding capacity, your credit line, your cash flow, and your ability to bid the next job.He practiced at a surety law firm and understands payment and performance bond claims from both sides. Most contractors don't know their bond rights until it's too late.He does not dabble in construction law. It is all he has done for over thirty years in California and Arizona.HOW IT WORKS TO RESOLVE THE DISPUTE
Every matter starts with an honest assessment of your claim and your realistic recovery. From there the process moves step by step — demand letters backed by contract language and California construction law, mechanics lien rights, escalating pressure on the other side — giving the other party every reasonable opportunity to settle before considering litigation.You are informed and involved at every step. Nothing goes out without your knowledge.The goal is to get you paid or resolve the dispute at the lowest possible cost to your business.If you are defending a claim, a thorough review of the contract, plans, specifications, and applicable law is made. Whether liens were properly filed and legal deadlines met gets examined carefully. Defenses, counterclaims, and setoffs are identified and aggressively pursued.Mr. Ducharme earned a certificate in Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution through the Los Angeles County Bar Association and has served as an arbitrator. He is experienced in all phases of dispute resolution from negotiation through mediation, arbitration, and litigation when necessary.Mr. Ducharme's fee structure is straightforward and his rates are reasonable. He does not run up hours on dead end legal theories. Every dollar you spend moves your matter forward. He understands that legal fees come straight out of your bottom line.
Practice Areas
All manner of construction matters ranging from:
Nonpayment disputes — contractor to owner, GC to subcontractor
Denied change orders and scope of work claims
Claims analysis and consulting
Mechanics liens and stop notices
Payment and performance bond claims
Delay and impact claims
Contract review and negotiation before you sign
Defective construction claims
Contractor licensing matters before the California State License Board
Contractor-related business matters
The First Consultation Is Free
If you have a payment dispute or a legal question, and you are not sure where you stand, contact me by phone, text or email. I will promptly respond. No charge for the first consultation. You will get a straight answer.Ducharme Law Firm
Wayne B. Ducharme, Esq. / CPA (IL.)
714-356-0417 (Tel. and text)
[email protected]Serving Inland Empire and Southern California