Shutts & Bowen LLP (Jacksonville Construction)

Big-Firm Firepower for High-Stakes Construction Disputes

When a construction dispute involves tens of millions of dollars, dozens of parties, government contract regulations, and the potential for multi-year litigation, the stakes demand a law firm with substantial resources. Shutts & Bowen LLP is one of Florida's largest and most established law firms, founded in 1910, with a dedicated Construction Litigation Practice Group that includes board-certified construction law practitioners in their Jacksonville office.

C. Ryan Maloney, a partner in the Jacksonville office, is a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Law specialist who has successfully litigated numerous construction claims involving delays, disruptions, mechanics' liens, payment and performance bonds, and other complex construction disputes. Having a board-certified construction litigator in a full-service firm means you get deep construction law expertise backed by the resources of a large firm — extensive discovery capabilities, expert witness networks, and the capacity to handle complex multi-party disputes that would overwhelm a smaller practice.

For institutional clients — hospitals, government agencies, universities, large developers — Shutts & Bowen provides the kind of legal infrastructure that insurance companies and boards of directors expect. For large GCs and specialty contractors facing significant claims, the firm's reputation and resources send a clear signal to the opposing side that you are prepared for a serious legal battle.

The ConstructionPerks Take

We think Shutts & Bowen is best for: Large contractors, institutional owners, developers, and government entities involved in high-stakes construction disputes, complex multi-party litigation, or government contract matters that require the resources and credibility of a major Florida law firm.

One thing to think about is the cost structure. A full-service law firm with 300+ attorneys bills at premium rates. For a $500,000 mechanics' lien dispute, a boutique construction law firm may deliver equal expertise at a lower hourly rate. Shutts & Bowen's value proposition is strongest on the largest, most complex matters where the firm's depth of resources provides a genuine strategic advantage.

Another consideration is the statewide presence. Shutts & Bowen has offices across Florida — Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. For contractors or developers with legal needs in multiple Florida markets, having one firm that can handle matters across the state eliminates the need to engage separate local counsel in each city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shutts & Bowen have a dedicated construction law practice?

Yes, the firm has a dedicated Construction Litigation Practice Group with board-certified construction law practitioners. The Jacksonville office includes C. Ryan Maloney, who is Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law and has extensive experience litigating delay claims, lien disputes, bond claims, and construction defect cases.

What size disputes does Shutts & Bowen typically handle?

As one of Florida's largest law firms, Shutts & Bowen is best positioned for high-stakes construction disputes involving significant dollar amounts, multiple parties, complex legal issues, or government contract regulations. Their resources are most efficiently deployed on matters where the stakes justify a major firm's billing rates.

Does the firm handle government construction contract disputes?

Yes, government contract disputes and public works claims are within their construction practice capabilities. This includes bid protests, changed conditions claims, differing site conditions, and disputes arising under state and federal procurement regulations.

How many offices does Shutts & Bowen have in Florida?

Shutts & Bowen operates offices in seven Florida cities — Jacksonville, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa, and West Palm Beach — plus offices in other states. This statewide presence allows them to handle construction litigation in any Florida jurisdiction without engaging separate local counsel.

Can Shutts & Bowen handle surety and bond claims?

Yes, surety claims — including performance bond claims, payment bond claims, and surety defense — are a core component of their construction litigation practice. The complexity of multi-party surety disputes often benefits from the resources and depth of a large firm.