Biography

Mr. Blake, a Partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, has been practicing construction law since 1994. Mr. Blake holds an undergraduate degree in architecture, and he is a LEED ® Accredited Professional. As such, he offers his clients a rare background that is particularly valuable given the technically oriented nature of construction law, and the broad use of LEED ® standards across the country by federal and local agencies, as well as the private sector.

Mr. Blake represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in all phases of the construction process. His experience during the pre-construction phase includes drafting and negotiating GMP and lump sum contracts for a wide array of project delivery systems, such as design-bid-build and design-build, and counseling his clients on insurance, bonding, and licensing issues. During the course of a project, Mr. Blake assists his clients in resolving construction and design issues in an efficient and cost effective manner with the goal of preserving their rights, and maximizing their financial return. When controversies persist after a project, Mr. Blake prosecutes and defends requests for equitable adjustment and extensions of time, and claims for issues such as delay, labor inefficiency, and extra work. Mr. Blake is a strong advocate of alternative dispute resolution, and he has successfully conducted numerous mediations. Mr. Blake is also an experienced litigator. He has represented his clients before state and federal courts, the American Arbitration Association, and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.

Mr. Blake has represented his clients on a wide array of private and public construction projects, including a Major League Baseball stadium, university dormitories, waste water treatment plants, manufacturing plants, commercial office buildings, and condominiums.

Education

J.D., Catholic University of America, cum laude (1994)

B.A., Catholic University of America, cum laude (1991)

Admissions

• District of Columbia

Courts

• U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
• U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado