Archive for the ‘Special Features’ Category

New Orleans Business Market Receives National Acclaim

On March 21, 2012 Author By Seth Smiley

Over the weekend a good friend living in New York City, sent me a link to a Wall Street Journal article which outlines what all of us here in New Orleans have been seeing over the past few years, new exciting business growth. The article by Douglas McCollam, talks about the success of the non-profit Idea Village which was started in NOLA a decade ago.

The most telling aspect of McCollam’s piece is how he sees, and how it is apparent to New Orleans residents, that the attitude and culture of business has changed. Hurricane Katrina helped to rid the city of the negative attitude and filled it with a group of forward thinking resilient entrepreneurs who want to make a difference, while at the same time making a dollar.

One of the more colorful excerpts from McCollam’s article addresses the problem with the former attitude of the city,

“We had found the root of the problem.” It’s a problem that New Orleans seems to have overcome in the years since Hurricane Katrina—so much so that Mr. Williamson can now afford a little levity.

Other positive organizations that are helping to aid in business growth and entrepreneurial spirit include the New Orleans Startup Fund. This all ties into constructionlawmonitor.com because, NOLA startup fund recently picked Zlien.com as one of its featured start up companies to help grow and become a successful New Orleans and nation-wide company. Zlien.com was founded by Wolfe Law Group founder, Scott G. Wolfe, Jr. Scott is the embodiment of the Wall Street Journal article and the national focus on our great city.

The winds of change are among us here in New Orleans and its a great time to live in this city. McCollum points out that Forbes and Inc.com have recently coined New Orleans as a harbor for business growth and young talent. Only time will tell how this will change this city, but it will be a fun ride nonetheless.

Posted in:     Around The Web, Construction News, Louisiana, Uncategorized  /  Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,   /   Leave a comment

Construction Contracts – Pay Now to Save Later

On March 9, 2012 Author By Seth Smiley

All to often in my job I am faced with clients who end up in a dispute on a construction project. Whether it be a public or private, commercial or residential, and no matter how large or small the project or contractor, the first question I ask any potential client is – where’s the contract? The contract is the cornerstone of any construction project and eventual dispute. It contains the scope of work and all provisions which govern when disputes arise.

Construction contract defined:

Construction Contract:A legal document which specifies the details of a construction project. A good construction contract will include: 1.The contractors registration number. 2.A statement of work quality such as ‘Standard Practices of the Trades’ or ‘according to Manufacturers Specifications.’ 3.A set of blue prints or plans. 4.A set of specifications. 5.Any allowances. 6.A construction timetable including starting and completion dates. 7.A fixed price for the work, or a time and materials formula. 8.A payment schedule. 9.A written warrantee. 10.A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved.

Any savvy contractor will have a custom tailored contract for each job that will help put that company in a good position when the dispute arises and its time to call the lawyer. A thousand dollar contract upfront can save a contractor thousands upon thousands later on in the project. Properly written ADR clauses and indemnity clauses can save a contractor thousands in legal fees and court/administrative costs.

All to often, I will have contractors operating on oral agreements, (just a handshake and a man’s word!) or I have contractors who download a form off the internet, not knowing what provisions lie within. In these current times, form documents and oral agreements are unacceptable. Parties who operate like this will lose money over the long haul, especially those who want to operate on a large scale and actually make money. Otherwise, the big boy contractors will make you use their contracts which are so lopsided that the other contracting party will never prevail in any dispute.

If you as a contractor are considering using  or signing a contract given to you by a contractor you are subbing to, then you should have that agreement reviewed by a professional so as to make sure the sub’s rights are protected. For more information see Wolfe Law Group’s website regarding contract drafting and contract review.

Posted in:     About Our Services, Construction Contracts  /  Tags: , , , ,   /   3 Comments

Contractor Websites

On February 8, 2012 Author By Seth Smiley

In the course of staying on the pulse of the construction industry I read numerous articles online, using things like twitter, Google Reader and other forms of social media. Recently, I discovered a website from Darren Slaughter, he designs websites just for contractors! Many contractors have lackluster sites that all but drive away potential clients, and there are still some who do not even have a site. Its rare to come across an individual who designs sites specifically for contractors.

I found Slaughter because he wrote an informative piece on Google+ for contractors and it has good content. Check it out here.

The discovery of Slaughter’s site got me wondering if there were other sites out there specifically tailored for contractors. From a brief google search, I was able to find the following:

The ones named above seem to be very credible and worth looking into if you are a contractor in need of a site. In this day and age, the contractor operating “out the back of his truck” is a thing of the past. Any good contractor and client will need to be fluent and well versed on using computers, the internet and more. There are no more yellow pages, its all your internet presence.

As always, when looking for contractors a website is important but that should not be where the research ends for a consumer. It is always very important to make sure the contractor is licensed. Any body can put up a site. I would advise contractors to put the licensing information in some form on the site so that it can be double checked against the states website. Here in Louisiana contractors and consumers can find licensing information at the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

Posted in:     Around The Web, Business Matters, Construction News, Licensing  /  Tags: , , ,   /   3 Comments

Flat Fees – Pre-Packaged Legal

On January 29, 2012 Author By Seth Smiley

Here at Wolfe Law Group we love flat fees. This is an area of our practice that has been blossoming for good reason. Business owners and contractors like to know what they are getting when they buy products. Legal products are no different. Many potential clients avoid using lawyers because of the often complex and expensive fee structure. There are a number of occasions where attorney fees are an issue in a case, and the company who has paid upfront is in a much better position at the negotiation table and/or the court room.

Here are a few of the more popular or most common purchases on our flat fee menu:

Although we have a fixed list on our website, there are a number of other services we can offer. By scheduling an initial consultation you can speak with one of our attorneys and they can quote you flat fees on just about any service we can perform.

Posted in:     About Our Services  /    /   1 Comment

Happy Holidays – Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

On December 29, 2011 Author By Seth Smiley

The week between Christmas and New Years is typically a slow one for the legal and construction industries. Although, many projects rarely see breaks, this is a time when many companies take a look at the year that was, and reflect on all of the good, bad and ugly. Then look to the year that will be so that it can be made better than the last.

For most of us 2011 was a rebounding year or even a rebuilding year. The economy has leveled out (somewhat) and the public sector is pushing the construction industry forward. There is money starting to move in the private markets which will make way for projects into 2012.

I am optimistic for the year to come and feel like things are moving in the right direction for the construction industry. For those companies who have weathered the storm, hopefully good days lie ahead. For those who did not make it, there will be other opportunities where wise decisions will manifest from woeful past experience.

So from all of us here at the Wolfe Law Group we like to wish all of our clients, readers, followers, friends and family the happiest of holidays. Best of luck into the new year, may exciting times lie ahead.

Posted in:     Construction News, From The Experts, Louisiana  /  Tags: , ,   /   Leave a comment
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