Intro
Ronald Helmuth boasts nearly 30 years of comprehensive experience in litigation and alternative dispute resolution of construction claim matters. Repeatedly recognized by both Chambers USA and Legal 500, Ron has adeptly and successfully represented a diverse range of clients including public agencies, owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors, designers, and sureties in complex construction disputes ranging up to and in excess of $100 million.
Ron's roles in these matters have been multifaceted, performing not only as counsel during the majority of these representations, but also in other capacities, such as project counsel, claims consultant, work product and testifying expert, and as part of a construction management team.
While Ron has navigated several cases through litigation, he has a track record of successfully resolving the majority through mediation, Disputes Review Board proceedings, or direct settlement negotiations, underscoring his proficiency in alternative dispute resolution strategies.
He is an active speaker, most recently presenting during the 36th annual Construction Super Conference on “Framing Your Case in Effective Dispute Resolution: What Really Works and What Doesn’t in Complex Construction Cases!”
Areas of Focus
Education
Admissions and Courts
Project Counsel to a JV during 4-year construction of $1.5 billion Midfield Satellite Concourse Project at Los Angeles International Airport, including project staff support and support/liaison with multiple counsel resolving disputes in excess of $300 million, concerning COVID-19 impacts, defective specifications, delay/disruption/interference issues, disputed work scope and design development/defect issues.
Trial counsel representing contractor in truncated 79-day bench trial of $40 million in disputes concerning a San Francisco hotel project.
Trial counsel to general contractor in resolving $30 million equipment rental contract dispute.
Counsel advising JV on $50-plus million in resolved claims on Construction Package 4 (CP-4) of California High-Speed Rail Project.
Trial/advising counsel to insurance company in connection with multiple public works contract defaults ($20 million at issue) and recovery from failed principal.
Lead claims/dispute resolution consultant for multi-discipline Project Team for transportation agency in resolution of $900-plus million dollars in claims/change orders by multiple general contractors on subway construction project, including multiple Dispute Resolution Board proceedings. Results included resolution of $50 million dispute by single contractor on multiple contracts for $12.5 million.
Lead consultant/testifying expert for multi-discipline Project Team for a city public works department in complete defense of $31 million in claims by general contractor and pass through claims of subcontractors, arising from construction of a 6-story administration building and wastewater treatment plant. Developed theories, supporting facts and evidence for bid collusion and false claims allegations, and provided expert testimony regarding same. Matter resolved for partial release of retention by agency.
Lead Consultant for laboratory Project Team, including in-house/outside counsel and various multi-discipline experts/consultants, for purposes of Dispute Resolution Board proceedings and litigation of $30 million in claims by the general contractor on $32.5 million underground tunnel project funded by the United States Department of Energy, which were settled for$5.5 million.
Represented general contractor in litigation and resolution of $50 million in defective/incomplete work, delay, disruption, acceleration and design deficiency claims, arising out of the construction of 272 unit residential complex (converted to condominiums mid-construction) and involving 40-plus parties (including owner, design consultants, general contractor, subcontractors and their respective insurance carriers).
Represented major metropolitan transportation agency in successful prosecution of False Claims Act violations by international contractor.
Represented major Southern California medical center in connection with the litigation and resolution of multi-million dollar defective design claims against design professionals arising out of the construction of a multi-story intensive care facility and connection of facility to existing hospital complex.
Represented developer, general contractor and shoring design/build subcontractor in resolution of multi-million dollar subsidence claims by adjacent property Homeowners Association.
Represented general contractor in litigation and successful resolution of claims against public entity for wrongful termination, extra work and withheld retention, including dismissal of City’s cross-claims for defective/incomplete work, delay, consequential damages and False Claims Act violations.
Represented owner/developer Indian Tribe in litigation and successful resolution of defect and delay claims arising from design/construction of casino, frontage/access roads and wastewater treatment plant.
Represented demolition and grading subcontractor in litigation and successful resolution of breach of oral contract arising from termination of best efforts contract.
Represented various public entities and contractors in contract drafting and review.
American Bar Association
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Best Lawyers (2024)
Chambers USA (2023)
The Legal 500: United States, “Leading Lawyer"
“Framing Your Case in Effective Dispute Resolution: What Really Works and What Doesn’t in Complex Construction Cases!,” 36th Annual Construction SuperConference (December 2022)
“Best Practices and Project Administration in Construction,” P&A Webinar Series- 3 Sessions (2020)
“The Rapidly Shifting Sands of Project Risk Allocation – Are We Losing our Footing as Project Delivery Methods Evolve?,” 2018 Construction SuperConference (December 2018)
“Public Owner Beware: The “Meaning” of Your Dispute Resolution Provisions May Surprise You,” Construction Advisory Report (Hill International), No. 5 (January 2011)
“False Claims & Fraud - Disturbing Trends in Construction,” 42nd Annual Workshop on Transportation Law, Transportation Resource Board (July 2003)
“False Claims or False Pretenses?," Los Angeles World Airports (April 2003)