Experienced litigator and strategic advisor for construction and real estate development projects
Michael Charles Brown is an experienced trial court litigator. He provides comprehensive legal advice to participants in the construction industry, where he advises his clients on timely and cost-effective completion of construction projects and handles the full spectrum of construction- and real estate-related disputes. Michael represents owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers from the inception of a project through and oftentimes long after completion.
He has represented clients on all sides and in all phases of public and private construction projects, bringing a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective to the counsel he provides. Michael frequently is engaged early in the construction timeline, often long before any dispute arises, to advise clients on anticipating or addressing issues before they become significant problems. But Michael has extensive, successful commercial litigation experience – including outside of construction and real estate – and always is ready to appear in court, arbitration and administrative proceedings when needed to achieve his clients’ goals.
Experience in Action
- Handles issues related to construction and design defects, scope issues and disputes, suspension or termination of work, changes in the work and delays.
- Counsels on construction and design contract negotiation, including risk analysis, risk allocation and indemnification.
- Advises on construction bonds and related claims, including payment bonds, performance bonds and lien discharge bonds
- Addresses payment issues and claims, including Prompt Pay Act compliance and mechanic's lien foreclosures.
- Provides project counseling to address myriad issues that arise during construction before they become large disputes, or to prepare clients’ project teams to anticipate issues on future projects.
- Addresses licensing issues, representing owners, contractors and subcontractors in proceedings before the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
- Handles real estate issues and litigation, including judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, agreements for sale, easements, deed restrictions, quiet title actions and other disputes concerning real property.
Capabilities
Professional Recognitions
- Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" (2022-2025: Construction Law, Litigation - Real Estate)
Professional & Civic Activities
- Arizona Builders Alliance, member, frequent speaker
- State Bar of Arizona, Construction Law Section, member, speaker
- CourtWorks program, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, volunteer, former associate director
News & Insights
Education
- Arizona State University (B.A. and B.S., summa cum laude)
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude)
Bar Admissions
- Arizona
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- Arizona State Court