Dickinson Wright PLLC

183 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation Construction Law Litigation - Construction

Biography

Stephen E. Richman practices in all phases of Construction Law, commercial and residential. He is a past chair of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar and is a member of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry. He is also active in the Arizona Builders Alliance, where he is a member of the Legislative Review Committee and the Legal Advisory Council. Mr. Richman is also a member of the Construction Law Attorney Forum of the National Association of Home Builders and a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyer's Society of America. He has written several articles and given seminars on such topics as managing construction defect risks, handling construction claims, design build construction, the AIA construction contract documents, risk-shifting contract clauses, lien laws, legislative amendments affecting the construction industry, alternative dispute resolution, and insurance/indemnification issues. In addition to handling claims involving all aspects of real estate development, Mr. Richman’s practice includes the drafting and negotiation of construction agreements, both for developers and contractors.
Dickinson Wright PLLC

183 Best Lawyers awards

Dickinson Wright PLLC logo

Overview

  • University of California Hastings College of the Law, J.D., graduated 1982
  • University of California Hastings College of the Law, J.D., graduated 1982

Client Testimonials

Steve is one of the best construction attorneys in the state. He understands our business and quickly grasps the details of construction-related issues. He has helped us sort through and resolve some extremely complex issues quickly and efficiently.

Raymond Nitti (Nitti Brothers Construction, LLC)

Tempe, AZ

I have worked with Steve for over 10 years. He is a respected professional and expert in the construction industry. I consider Steve a partner with Johnson Carlier. The one word that comes to mind is "service." I can count on Steve's quick response, whether a matter is very small or significant. He understands our culture and how we conduct business. I trust Steve to provide direction that is in our best interest.

Carol Warner (Johnson Carlier, Inc)

Tempe, AZ

To be effective, legal counsel must know your business, know your company, and know how to be a partner with ownership to make solid business decisions. Steve provides our company with all of these elements; offering the ability to connect with our field and management personnel to not only handle issues needing a legal focus, but offer preventative procedures to stay out of the courthouse! His long-term experience within the construction industry, coupled with his business awareness, provides our company a resource critical to our success. Steve is active within industry associations, providing a "return" to Arizona construction and keeping a close pulse on our dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

David James (FNF Construction, Inc.)

Tempe, AZ

It is without hesitation that I comment on Stephen Richman who, I believe, is definitely one of the best lawyers in America. My high regard for Stephen is due to my level of respect for his experience, his commitment to representing our firm to the best of his abilities, and his communication skills. As a person who has been in the construction field for over 30 years - day in and day out - I am amazed at the level of understanding Stephen can have as a person who has not lived the construction game like I have. He has obviously committed himself to being as knowledgeable as possible to construction means and methods, thereby allowing him to intelligently represent his construction clients. Stephen has always been at our "beck and call" - I have never wondered about his commitment to us. I have talked to him nights and weekends while he has been at the office or on vacation. He always makes himself available to us - no matter what. Stephen's commitment to CORE Construction is as strong a commitment as any employee we have working directly for us. I believe that communication is the most important skill in life. Although we have never discussed this, Stephen must also believe this. Stephen understands that he must first listen - and he does - always. Stephen has a unique talent for analyzing and then informing us of options, risks, etc. that has always helped us in making the best decision possible. Stephen Richman, in my opinion, is definitely one of the best lawyers in America. We are lucky to have him.

Jim Jacobs (CORE Construction Services of Arizona)

Phoenix, AZ

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2012 - Construction Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Construction Law, Phoenix (2012)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Construction Law
  • Litigation - Construction
Special Focus:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Labor

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