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Michael A. Schollaert

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Michael Schollaert is an experienced construction lawyer providing strategic and practical advice to his clients at every stage of the construction process, from contract drafting, review, and negotiation through the preparation and defense of claims and dispute resolution. He works closely with his clients to achieve the best outcome in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Featured Experience


Represented the construction manager in resolving various claims and disputes arising out of the construction of one of the largest hotel and convention center complexes on the eastern seaboard with a total project cost in excess of $800 million.

Represented the general contractor in delay and inefficiency claims arising out of the construction of a 1.6 MW wind farm. After more than four weeks of arbitration and post-arbitration proceedings, the general contractor was awarded nearly the entirety of its claim along with interest and attorneys' fees.

Negotiated a favorable settlement agreement with a state agency on behalf of a landowner to ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of a lake and its tributaries that were contaminated by adjacent construction activities.

Professional Biography


Mr. Schollaert is an experienced construction lawyer who offers strategic and practical counsel to his clients about all facets of a project, from contract drafting, review, and negotiation through the preparation and defense of claims.

As a trusted advisor to his clients, Mr. Schollaert seeks to prevent disputes by protecting his client's interests through effective contract language and risk mitigation strategies. When claims arise, Mr. Schollaert effectively and efficiently analyzes complex claims and works with the client to best position the claim for resolution. When claims cannot be resolved informally, Mr. Schollaert advocates aggressively in the courtroom or through mediation and arbitration proceedings.

Mr. Schollaert has extensive experience in the prosecution and defense of mechanic's liens in state courts throughout the State of Maryland. He represents general contractors, owners, state and local agencies, subcontractors, and suppliers on private and public construction projects. His practice focuses on the preparation and defense of claims involving bid protests, payment disputes, project delays and disruptions, wrongful termination, construction, engineering and design defects, and related matters. Mr. Schollaert has also represented owners, public agencies, contractors, and subcontractors in bond default matters providing advice and assistance to ensure the completion of the projects and the resolution of claims. He has represented both developers and contractors on numerous power and energy projects, including utility-scale solar, wind, and coal power projects.

Mr. Schollaert is listed as a leading construction lawyer in Maryland by Chambers USA. Mr. Schollaert has also been named in Maryland Super Lawyers since 2009 and listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law category from 2014 – 2025. He also lectures on various topics of interest to professionals in the construction industry. Mr. Schollaert is the editor of the Maryland Construction Law Deskbook, published by the Maryland State Bar Association, and he also co-authored the chapter on Mechanic's Liens and Statutory Remedies.

Active in the community, Mr. Schollaert serves on the board of Business Volunteers Maryland (BVM). He is also a current Section Council member and former chair of the Construction Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.

Education

  • University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 2004
    • Order of the Coif
    • Executive Board – The Business Lawyer
  • Connecticut College, B.A., 2000

Admissions

  • Maryland
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

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