Michael J. Donnelly

Michael Donnelly represents both public and private parties in connection with drafting of contracts, bid issues and dispute resolution in a wide variety of construction matters.

He recently assisted a successful bidder in defending a challenge to a public bid for the purchase of municipal property, ultimately obtaining a written apology and a six-figure settlement on a vexatious litigation claim arising from the challenge. Michael has represented the owner with respect to contract negotiations for the construction of a 14.6 MW gas powered generator project. His dispute resolution experience includes jury and courtside trials, appeals, arbitration and mediation. He also successfully defended a $3,000,000+ mechanic’s lien case in Federal Court. In addition to obtaining a decision for the defense on the plaintiff’s claims, he obtained a decision in the client’s favor for more than $1,000,000 on a counterclaim.

In addition to construction work, Michael also represents both for profit and nonprofit entities in litigation over environmental issues. He has represented clients with respect to cybersecurity issues, including defense of a class action under the TCPA.  He writes on cybersecurity issues.

Michael was recognized as the “2011 Supplier/Service Provider of the Year” by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Connecticut. He is the immediate past Chair of the Lex Mundi Construction and Infrastructure Group. Michael attended the College of the Holy Cross where he earned his B.A., and graduated cum laude from the University of Connecticut School of Law.

For more than 60 years Murtha Cullina LLP has been recognized as a legal leader in the construction industry, successfully representing public and private owners, developers, lenders, general contractors, construction managers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and material suppliers in all aspects of construction law. Our lawyers are experienced in all phases of the construction process, including development of initial project concepts, land acquisition and permitting, financing, contract negotiation, preparation of bid and contract documents, bid protests, construction administration, claims preparation, negotiation, mediation and/or litigation and final project closeout. Our experience reaches virtually every type of construction project: commercial, residential, recreational (stadiums and arenas), military, educational, health care, retail, heavy construction, infrastructure, historic, manufacturing, hotel, airport, domestic, international, public and private.

Our lawyers bring to the practice years of practical knowledge and actual experience in the construction industry. We are active members of industry trade groups such as National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts and Connecticut Construction Industries Association and are frequently asked to lecture and present programs to industry professionals and other lawyers. In addition to representing clients, a number of our lawyers serve as arbitrators, mediators and masters in complex construction disputes. We know the construction process and use this knowledge to develop strategies and approaches to deliver the highest level of legal services in a cost effective manner.