The Sanctity of Construction Contracts versus the Realities of Construction

Arizona courts generally show respect for “the sanctity of contract” by enforcing negotiated contract terms.  However, because of the unusual risks inherent in the construction process and the chaotic nature of construction projects, the Arizona judiciary and the legislature have limited the enforcement of certain construction contract provisions in ways that run contrary to the sanctity of contract.      

This year’s State Bar Construction Law Section’s All-Day Program will focus on numerous legislative and judicial exceptions to the rote enforcement of written construction contracts.  The faculty of experienced construction lawyers will discuss how—and more importantly why—the realities of construction contracting sometimes outweigh the parties’ freedom to contract.  The seminar will include one hour of CLE ethics credit.

 The program will cover a wide range of topics, including:

• New Pueblo and enforcement of claim notice provisions
• Mandated contract terms under Arizona’s Prompt Pay Laws
• Implied warranties and obligations in construction contracts
• Legislative limitations on indemnity
• The Purchaser Dwelling Act and the judicial prohibition of warranty disclaimers
• Waiver of written change order requirements.

Program Co-Chairs:

Michael J. Holden, Holden Willits PLC
Barry A. Willits, Holden Willits PLC

Faculty:

Hon. Danielle Viola, Maricopa County Superior Court
Hon. Randall H. Warner, Maricopa County Superior Court
Hon. Barry C. Schneider (Ret.)
Chris R. Baniszewski, Warner, Angle, Hallam, Jackson, & Formanek, PLC
Todd Baxter, Dickinson Wright PLLC
David J. Cantelme, Cantelme & Brown, P.L.C.
Kevin M. Estevez, Holden Willits PLC
Richard A. Friedlander, Lang & Klain, PC
Michael J. Holden, Holden Willits PLC
Stephen E. Jackson, Warner, Angle, Hallam, Jackson, & Formanek, PLC
Dominica Minore, Minore Law
Steven E. Richman, Dickinson Wright PLLC  
James J. Sienicki, Snell & Wilmer LLP
Julianne C. Wheeler, Wheeler Law Group
Barry A. Willits, Holden Willits PLC

*Cancellations must be made prior to 12:00pm on April 10, 2023