Adam J. Sklar

Some of Adam’s notable representations include:

• Obtained summary judgment in favor of a large hedge fund defending against multimillion-dollar claims of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty, among other claims;
• Obtained the dismissal of claims of personal liability against a CEO of national corporation in connection with a judgment obtained against the corporation;
• Obtained highly favorable settlements and resolutions for clients, including, but not limited to;
  • Real estate developers in disputes with their lenders;
  • Numerous contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in connection with the filing and enforcement of construction liens, mechanic’s liens and payment bond claims;
  • Property owners defending against the filing of liens against their real property; and
  • Shareholders and members of closely held businesses fighting for control of those businesses and/or alleging they have been oppressed by the majority shareholder(s).
• Obtained the dismissal of tort, bond and lien claims against a New Jersey state authority in connection with a highly-publicized construction project;
• Obtained an order invalidating a public mechanic’s lien filed by a subcontractor in connection with construction work performed at the stadium of a New York City professional sports franchise.

Cole Schotz’s Construction Department provides comprehensive counsel to developers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, construction managers, engineers, design professionals, suppliers, and other industry participants on public and private projects. The team advises throughout the project lifecycle, from planning, design, financing, and contracting through construction, completion, and dispute resolution.

The practice spans contract drafting and negotiation, financing, environmental matters, liens, labor and employment, tax, surety and bond issues, corporate transactions, and government and internal investigations. Its experience encompasses major residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects, including high-rise buildings, manufacturing facilities, utilities, highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, rail and transit systems, healthcare facilities, hotels, and multifamily developments.

Cole Schotz has particular strength in complex construction disputes involving defective design and workmanship, delays, acceleration, change orders, payment claims, liens, performance bonds, procurement, and contract termination. The team emphasizes negotiation and mediation where commercially appropriate but brings substantial trial experience when disputes require litigation. Its construction capabilities are sufficiently established that other law firms regularly engage Cole Schotz as construction litigation counsel in complex matters.

Founded in 1926, Cole Schotz P.C. is a full-service law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Texas, and Florida. The firm represents businesses, entrepreneurs, institutions, developers, investors, and individuals across a broad range of transactional, litigation, regulatory, and advisory matters. Its principal practices include construction, commercial litigation, real estate, bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, corporate law, employment, environmental law, intellectual property, tax, and trusts and estates.

Construction is a significant part of the firm’s practice. Cole Schotz represents developers, owners, construction managers, general and prime contractors, subcontractors, engineers, design professionals, suppliers, vendors, and other industry participants on public and private projects. Its attorneys advise on construction agreements, contract negotiations, financing, liens, surety and bond matters, environmental and regulatory issues, government procurement, employment matters, and project-related disputes. The practice covers projects ranging from residential and commercial developments to manufacturing facilities, utilities, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, hospitals, schools, transportation systems, and other major infrastructure.

The firm also maintains a substantial litigation practice handling complex commercial, construction, real estate, bankruptcy, employment, financial services, intellectual property, professional liability, and white-collar disputes. Its litigators represent clients in state and federal courts as well as mediation and arbitration, with an emphasis on resolving disputes efficiently where possible while maintaining the trial capabilities required for significant contested matters. Cole Schotz’s multidisciplinary structure enables attorneys across construction, real estate, corporate, bankruptcy, environmental, and other practices to work together on matters involving overlapping legal and commercial issues.