Michael C. Zisa

Mike focuses his practice on construction, surety and government contracts law. He is Co-Managing Partner of the Washington, DC office, chair of the Surety and Construction Related Insurance Defense practice, and Co-Chair of the Crisis Management team.

Chambers USA commentary from industry leaders regarding Mike includes:

“Without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable, solution-driven attorneys we have ever worked with. Michael always seeks the most practical and direct solution for all of our construction issues.”

“Mike keeps the big picture and ultimate goal in mind, constantly revisiting it and ensuring things don’t get out of control.”

“He is an outstanding lawyer; detail-oriented and smart. Mike is responsive, knowledgeable and able to identify and fulfill the business objectives of his clients.”

“Mike is highly proficient in surety law and subcontractor disputes. He’s incredibly thorough and presents all the options for business folks to consider so that we can make the best decision.”

“Mike is incredibly thorough and responsive and has provided excellent representation.”

Mike has successfully represented sureties, general contractors, subcontractors and owners in litigation before federal and state courts in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia as well as various contract appeals boards and in alternative dispute resolution forums. Although well-versed in the litigation process, Mike regularly assists and counsels clients to avoid litigation when possible through planning and preemptive actions including contract review and negotiation, contract administration assistance and claim analysis and development.

Mike represents construction clients on public and private projects with regard to a variety of matters ranging from prosecution and defense of breach of contract and request for equitable adjustment claims to payment bond, performance bond and mechanic’s lien claims. His work for surety clients includes analysis and defense of payment bond and performance bond claims, negotiation and administration of takeover arrangements and prosecution of subrogation and indemnity actions. In addition to a construction, surety and government contracts practice, Mike represents business entities ranging from sole proprietorships to Fortune 500 companies with regard to commercial litigation and transactional matters.

Mike regularly speaks and writes on construction and surety issues and has been recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers in the areas of construction litigation, surety and government contracts since 2014, Chambers USA and Best Lawyers in the area of construction law and he is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America.

Before joining Peckar & Abramson, Mike was the managing partner of a Chambers USA ranked boutique construction litigation and surety firm. He lives in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and three children.