Richard T. Tucker

Richard focuses his practice on construction and surety law regarding all facets of construction work on both private and public projects, the resolution of construction disputes and commercial litigation. He handles contract negotiation, contract preparation and dispute resolution among owners, general contractors, subcontractors and construction managers. He also defends surety companies against claims made by owners, subcontractors and suppliers against payment and performance bonds.

Richard’s work includes the drafting and negotiating of construction and procurement contracts, construction management agreements, design/build agreements, design professional agreements, subcontracts, nd other construction-related contracts for projects using various delivery systems such as multiple prime contracts, construction manager at risk or as advisor, design-build and public works models.

Richard provides advice during both project preparation and project performance phases, assisting clients to avoid potential claims and litigation and to preserve performance, payment and bond rights in the event litigation cannot be avoided. This also includes preparation of bid invitation and services proposal bid packages for both public and private clients.

Richard also negotiates and drafts construction and procurement contracts for municipalities, school districts, local development corporations, IDAs and hospitals. He has drafted a number of multi-million dollar construction contracts on behalf of both public entities and private commercial companies.

He handles a broad range of construction-related disputes, including bond claims, owner defaults, contractor defaults, delay claims, design and construction defects, bid challenges and mechanics’ lien claims. Richard represents clients in arbitrations and mediations, along with litigating matters for construction and bond disputes in federal courts, New York state courts and at the Appellate level.

Following graduation from college and prior to entering law school, Richard served as a Captain in the U. S. Army, including a tour of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.