This week marks the 15th anniversary of Bachara Construction Law Group, which opened its doors on September 4, 2007 to provide legal representation to public and private owners, developers, contractors, construction trades and material suppliers throughout
the Southeast.
To celebrate the occasion, managing partner Chip Bachara initiated a re-brand, gaining a new visual identity and new website that may be viewed at https://bacharagroup.com. A Board-Certified Construction Lawyer with a degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida and a General Contractor’s license, Bachara said the firm has experienced success against a somewhat unusual backdrop of challenges.
“I founded the firm with three main objectives: to concentrate exclusively on construction law, offer clients exceptional attention and individualized service, and utilize technology to expand our capabilities while remaining a boutique practice,” said Bachara. “That business model was almost immediately put to the test by the Great Recession, which began just a few months later! Fortunately, it stood us in good stead.”
BCLG survived the economic and industry challenges of its early years, went on to become a highly respected practice not just locally but also regionally, and continued to thrive even through the uncertainty of the pandemic. The firm has been recognized multiple times by U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” as a Tier One practice for construction law and construction litigation, most recently in 2022. Chip and his colleagues – including Todd MacLeod, Avery Sander, Chris Bracken and of-counsel attorneys Geremy Gregory, John Russell Campbell, Patrick W. Krechowski and M. Lee Johnsey of Balch & Bingham – have been selected for Best Lawyers, Florida Super Lawyers, Florida’s Legal Elite and other peer-reviewed honors. Numerous clients have provided the ongoing
business and referrals that keep any law firm strong.
Although the Bachara Group is relatively small, larger firms regularly refer their most complicated construction matters to the practice’s experienced and knowledgeable lawyers. In addition, BCLG partners with other firms and public entities, such as the City of Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel, on large cases. As a result, the practice has been involved in many of the major construction disputes in Northeast Florida (along with others in South Florida and Georgia) since its founding.
BCLG’s work includes:
BERKMAN PLAZA II LITIGATION & IMPLOSION – BCLG was heavily involved in the litigation resulting from the collapse of the parking garage for Berkman Plaza II for several years after the incident. More than 14 years after the collapse, the firm was retained by the implosion subcontractor to move the stalled implosion process forward and navigate related legal and political hurdles. The successful conclusion of that negotiation resulted in the demolition of the building on Sunday March 6, 2022 – 5,203 days after the initial
collapse of the parking garage.
JAXPORT – The Bachara Group settled a high-profile dispute on behalf of the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) over defective pavement design at the Dames Point Marine Terminal. After nearly three years of hard-fought litigation, BCLG lawyers negotiated a
$10.25M settlement from a contractor and two engineering firms.
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS – The Bachara team’s extensive construction litigation experience has also led to the firm’s involvement in negotiating contracts for many of Northeast Florida’s highest-profile construction projects, including, among others: Vicar’s Landing, The Bolles School’s Center for Innovation and a variety of Baptist Health projects.
As Bachara Construction Law Group prepares for its next chapter, Bachara is proud of his team and looks forward to continuing the firm’s tradition of service. “As someone who literally grew up in and around the construction industry,” he said, “I understand the dynamics our clients are facing. That makes it exceptionally satisfying to help them address their legal challenges and get back to growing their businesses, providing employment, and building the landscape and economy of Northeast Florida.”
“Everyone at the firm is grateful for the opportunity to do the work we enjoy on behalf of clients we respect and admire,” Bachara concluded, “and we deeply appreciate the many referrals we continue to receive.”
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Contact: Susan Pelter
904.608.0798