Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino once again has been recognized in the 2021 Chambers USA guide in the “Construction” category.  VLMG is described as a "well-respected boutique comprised of construction law specialists on both coasts.  Handles sensitive and substantial cases for many of the country's top 100 industry players."  A client lauded the firm for "help[ing] us overcome major construction hurdles on key projects in a timely, intelligent and creative manner; they really know construction law and come up with great ideas and insights."

For 2021, VLMG is again ranked in Band 1 for Construction in Virginia, and in Band 3 both in California and Nationwide.

To identify and rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms, Chambers and Partners, a UK-based research and publishing group, employs a team of more than 200 full-time researchers to conduct an in-depth assessment of recent work and extensive interviews.

Chambers and Partners also recognized Paul Varela, Bennett Lee, Todd Metz, Joseph Guarino, Christopher Burke, and Brian Dugdale for their individual achievements.  

As described by Chambers: 

What the team is known for:

Boutique construction firm with an impressive international client base. Boasts a deep bench of highly experienced construction law specialists handling a wide variety of contentious and noncontentious mandates. Regularly advises clients on high-value dispute resolution proceedings domestically and internationally. Noted for its expertise in the power and industrial sectors and also involved in the construction of a number of high-end rail, highway and airport developments.

Strengths:

An impressed client says: "They are the best construction attorneys I know; they are extremely experienced, practical, they get into the weeds and know every detail of the case and help you use it to your advantage."

Another notes: "The performance of this firm is outstanding and exceptional. The team is efficient, punctual, affable, flexible and cost-efficient."

A source comments: "It is an excellent firm with a good construction law practice."

Work highlights:

Represented Skanska in multiple subcontractor disputes relating to the new headquarters for the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority.

Notable practitioners:

Paul Varela maintains an excellent reputation as a leading construction practitioner with broad experience in both contentious and noncontentious matters relating to large commercial development and infrastructure projects.
"He is outstanding in terms of both his personality and his capability as a legal expert." "He is absolutely at the top of the list for construction matters."

Joseph Guarino primarily handles dispute resolution in the construction sector, including major claims relating to the development of energy facilities, hotel complexes and commercial buildings.
"He is one of the best construction lawyers I have ever worked with; he is really practical and experienced."

Todd Metz focuses his practice on disputes, with experience in arbitration proceedings as well as litigation relating to major domestic and international construction projects.
"He is an outstanding arbitration strategist; he is knowledgeable and shows excellent ability to comprehend complex technical matters." "He is fantastic, impressive and gives good value."

Brian Dugdale advises on a wide array of construction matters, including contract negotiation, joint venture formation and dispute resolution.

Christopher Burke is noted for his expertise in complex construction disputes, advising on litigation as well as arbitration proceedings. He has particular experience in matters relating to the construction of power plants and public infrastructure.
"He is meticulous and has high capability to comprehend complex facts and technical matters with respect to construction and his technique of cross-examination is first class." "He is incredible - he is so smart and has a great way about him."