Comprehensive Legal Services for Architects and Engineers
Few design professionals enter the industry for the glamour of parsing indemnity provisions, understanding what is (and is not) covered by their professional liability policy, and dwelling on the risks imposed by contracts proposed by their clients. Lee/Shoemaker PLLC provides legal services to help design firms of all sizes establish effective risk management practices which serve as the foundation for the long-term success of their practices.
Litigation, Risk, and Business Solutions for Architects and Engineers
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
We handle construction industry claims involving architects, engineers, and other licensed design professionals, developing unique strategies to account for the circumstances of each project. From discovery to trial, our experienced trial lawyers simplify complex disputes, protecting your firm while pursuing your definition of success.
Business Counseling / Licensure / Registration
We support design firms with the day-to-day legal issues that come with operating and growing a practice. Whether forming a new company, updating/revising corporate documents, advising on multi-state licensure compliance, counseling on employment matters, protecting copyrights and other intellectual property, or collecting on outstanding accounts receivable, we provide practical guidance for architects and engineers informed by deep industry knowledge.
Risk Management
Our team helps design professionals establish and implement effective risk management practices, so our clients can focus on creating the built environment without legal distractions. We support architects, engineers, and other design professionals in negotiating contracts, evaluating insurance needs and options, and establishing risk management practices/policies to support their long-term goals.
Mergers & Acquisitions
We guide architecture and engineering firms through the complexities of buying or selling a business, recognizing that the priorities for the transaction vary from client-to-client. We seek to understand the objectives and priorities of each client associated with a potential transaction, develop a plan to realize those goals, and then prepare deal documents which reflect our client’s desires.
Internal Succession Planning
Planning for ownership transition is essential to a design firm’s long-term health. We structure and document internal succession plans that reflect each firm’s goals, financial realities, and licensure requirements. From “hit-by-the-bus” plans to mentoring future leaders, we create customized frameworks that support continuity and stability of architecture and engineering firms.
Firm Startup
Launching a design firm is a major milestone. We help architects and engineers starting new firms establish strong foundations through corporate structuring, entity formation, multi-state registration, insurance guidance, contracts, and risk management strategy. Our predictable, efficient startup process ensures new firms are compliant, protected, and positioned for long-term success.