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mug shotIn terms of valuable newsletter content, June was a busy month. Please excuse me, then, because this issue runs a little long. Below you will find reports on a Harvard study on green construction risk management, an Ohio Supreme Court decision on prevailing wage law, and the recommendations of the Ohio Construction Reform Panel.  I have also highlighted recent recognition given to two of our practice groups and several of my partners.  And, I direct you to an upcoming seminar and a client who, in addition to launching aircraft, has now launched a web site.     
 
As always, if you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please let me know. 
 
Jim Dixon
216-515-1642
Ohio Supreme Court Clarifies Application of Prevailing Wage Law
In a decision issued on June 17, 2009, the Ohio Supreme Court confirmed that contrators must pay prevailing wages only to on-site employees. Review this client alert for additional details.
National and International Publications Recognize Achievements of Frantz Ward's Practice Groups and Attorneys
Chambers and Partners, a respected London-based publisher of guides to the legal profession, recently published Chambers USA 2009. This survey, which is available on-line, includes a profile of Frantz Ward that reviews all of the firm's practice groups while highlighting notable groups and individuals. Through its research, Chambers ranks practice areas and lawyers in six bands, with the first band considered the best. Among Ohio firms, the guide places our Labor and Employment Group in the first band with only three other firms.  It also places our Construction Group in the second band, with only two other firms rated as high or higher.  Individuals singled out for recognition include:  Mike Frantz and Andy Natale (Band 1); Dan Ward, Merritt Bumpass, and Keith Ashmus (Band 2); Ian Frank (Band 4); and Brian Kelly ("Up and Coming"). Also, in its Corporate Counsel Edition, Super Lawyers magazine recognized John Kostelnik for his expertise in Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights.
Ohio Construction Reform Panel Recommends Use of Expanded Range of Public Project Delivery Methods
To improve the on-time and on-budget delivery of public projects in Ohio, the panel recommended that the legislature permit public entities to use single-prime, construction manager at risk, and design build project delivery methods.  Read the full report on the State Architect's web site.  
Harvard Study Explores Added Risks on Green Building Projects 
Harvard Law School's Environmental Law and Policy Clinic recently published a report outlining risk-management strategies needed to address problems unique to green construction projects. Because of issues relating to certification, tax credits, and sustainability, participants should take care to ensure that contracts are drafted appropriately and that their insurance policies adequately address green warranty issues.  Please contact me or my partner Joe Koncelik (who has recently obtained a LEED credential) if you have any questions about meeting the challenges of a green construction project.
Client Focus: CPK Aviation Consulting
With years of specialized experience providing construction and construction management services for airport fixed base operations (known as FBOs, which are basically pit stops for airplanes), Northfield-based CPK Aviation has launched a web site to assist with its marketing efforts. It is a pleasure working with with Chris and Patty Kontur as they grow their business, which handles projects throughout the United States. 
Upcoming Seminar:
A Practical Guide to Construction Liens 
On September 1, 2009, my partner Andy Natale will be discussing lien enforcement strategies at a seminar sponsored by the National Business Institute.  Follow this link for more information. If you are interested in an in-house seminar on this topic or others, please contact me.  
Disclaimer
This document is intended to provide general information about legal developments, not legal advice. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.