Zach is a seasoned attorney dedicated to serving the needs of clients in the real estate development, design, and construction industry as well as companies doing business with government entities. He is admitted to practice law in Tennessee, Kentucky, and before the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Zach helps clients avoid disputes by advising them on contracts and risk management. He has experience in traditional design-bid-build projects, as well as more specialized contract structures like design-build, P3, and IPD. Zach has worked on projects ranging from roads and pipelines to retail, office, industrial, and residential developments. He has represented architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, and vendors in these projects, giving his clients an advantage by understanding the interests, risks, and incentives of all project participants.
Despite his efforts to prevent disputes, conflicts can still arise on construction projects. Zach has successfully litigated cases involving multi-million dollar consequences and has helped clients navigate various legal proceedings including claims for money damages, permitting issues, bid protests, and injunctive relief.
Before becoming a lawyer, Zach worked as a construction professional on water and wastewater projects. He is also a combat veteran, having served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. These days, Zach has gone from the battlefield to the boardroom--with the biggest benefit being much better food.
Education
Trevecca Nazarene University, B.A.
University of Memphis, JD, magna cum laude
Law Review; Moot Court, Exec. Bd.; Memphis Assoc. of Law & Business, Pres.
Admissions
Tennessee
Kentucky
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. District Court:
Eastern District of Tennessee
Middle District of Tennessee
Western District of Tennessee
Eastern District of Kentucky
Western District of Kentucky
Selected Publications
Discovery Deskbook for Construction Disputes, 2d Ed., Ch. 7 Discovery by Deposition (ABA 2015)
More Sticks & Bricks, A Lawyers Guide to Advanced Construction Systems and Techniques, Ch. 9 Modular Construction (ABA 2018)
The Allocation of Differing Site Conditions Risk, Tunneling & Underground Constr., Vol. 9 No. 1, Mar. 2015
Differing Site Conditions: Recent Decision Affirms Contractor Reliance on Owner-Provided Geotech Info, Tennessee Road Builder Magazine, Mar. 2014
Subcontracting is a risky business: Ensuring payment on public-private partnerships, Insurance, Surety & Liens, ABA Forum on Construction Law (Dec 2013)
Professional Accolades
AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for his work in Construction Law
Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, Top Rated Construction Litigation Attorney (TN, AL, and MS)