George E. Spofford, IV

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Practice Area

Commercial Litigation | Construction

Practice Profile

George has focused his practice in the construction industry for over 25 years. He routinely represents clients in matters such as litigation of delay, extra work claims, breach of contract actions, mining disputes, claims preparation, bid protests, OSHA matters, contract negotiation and drafting, and claims avoidance. George was previously an owner, officer and counsel to one of the largest heavy civil construction companies in Florida. In that capacity, he was responsible for contract negotiations, bid protests, owner and subcontractor relations, management of project managers and field superintendents, claims documentation and negotiation, loss control, and human resources. He is intimately familiar with the construction of roads, bridges, water and drainage systems, limerock mines, and landfills, and is personally acquainted with the management of many of the major parties involved in construction in the Southeastern United States, such as the Florida Department of Transportation, sureties, contractors, and suppliers. George is a member of the NUCA Construction Attorney's Forum and Meritas Construction Law Group. He has also argued before the Florida Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Education

  • Emory University, J.D., 1985
  • Auburn University, B.A. cum laude (Philosophy), 1982

Certification

  • Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law
  • Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator

Professional Recognition

  • AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation - Construction
  • Chambers USA, Litigation: General Commercial
  • Corporate INTL Magazine's 2010 Construction Law Firm of the Year
  • Florida Super Lawyers, Construction Litigation
  • Florida Trend Magazine's Legal Elite, Construction
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
  • Tampa Bay Magazine's Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers
  • U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms, Construction Law

Bar Admissions

  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Selected Professional and Civic Activities

  • Florida Department of Transportation Dispute Review Board
  • Florida Transportation Builders' Association
  • Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association
  • Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. (Past President, Past Director)
  • National Utility Contractors Association
  • Suncoast Utility Contractors Association
  • Underground Utility Contractors of Florida (General Counsel)
  • West Coast Roofing Contractors' Association

Past Employment Positions

  • S&E Contractors, Inc. (Executive V.P./Owner) 1992-1995
  • Misener Marine Construction, Inc. (Corporate Counsel) 1985-1987

Publications

George has published more than 60 articles on construction law issues in various trade magazines. Issues addressed include: latent defects, over-zealous inspections, OSHA inspections, documentation of claims, venue, construction liens, surety bad faith, immunity, and bid protests.