Stephen E. Richman

Stephen E. Richman is a member in Dickinson Wright’s Phoenix office who works with developers, contractors, and owners on construction matters from project planning through dispute resolution. His practice spans both commercial and residential construction, including contract drafting, negotiation, and the resolution of complex claims.

Steve is often called on when projects encounter challenges—whether involving construction defects, delays, or risk allocation issues. He has extensive experience in both litigation and arbitration and has served as an arbitrator and mediator in construction disputes.

Beyond his client work, Steve has played an active role in shaping construction law in Arizona through appellate matters and industry involvement. He is a past chair of the State Bar of Arizona’s Construction Law Section and remains closely engaged with industry groups, bringing a practical, well-rounded perspective to his work.

• Defended homebuilders in large-scale construction defect claims involving dozens of homeowners, achieving favorable outcomes in both litigation and arbitration
• Represented a municipality in a complex claim involving a water treatment system, leading to a favorable resolution that secured a replacement system at no cost
• Defeated class certification in a putative class action involving disclosure issues in a residential development
• Drafts and negotiates construction agreements for projects, including residential developments, commercial properties, and energy facilities
• Handles disputes involving design issues, delays, change orders, and construction performance

Recent Seminar Presentations:

• State Bar of Arizona
  • June 2019: Confronting Problems on the Critical Path in Residential Construction
  • April 2019: Emerging Issues in Construction Litigation
  • March 2018: Read the Contract: A Lawyer’s First Step in Every Construction Dispute – Use of Standard Form Contracts and Emerging Alternative Procurement Methods; the Spearin Doctrine and Its Applicability to CMAR and Design-Build Contracts
  • October 2017: Sirrah v. Wunderlich Decision
  • March 2017: Deciding What Causes of Action to Plead in a Construction Case
  • March 2017: Arizona Construction Law 2017: Annual Update of Recent Developments
  • October 2016: Enforcing Liquidated Damages: Did Dobson Bay Change the Rules?
  • February 2011: Mastering Construction Law
  • February 2010: Examining Emerging Construction Trends Over the Past 10 Years
  • June 2009: Working With Experts in Construction Disputes
  • February 2009: A Close Inspection of Recent Arizona Construction Law Cases
  • February 2009: Warranty Law Update
  • February 2008: Significant Changes in New AIA Documents
  • February 2008: Reinforcing the Foundation: Emerging Issues for Construction Lawyers
  • November 2007: Arizona’s Prompt Pay Act
  • September 2007: Procedural Motions to Dismiss
  • April 2007: Private Arbitration Updates
  • February 2006: Litigating the Multi-Party Construction Case
  • December 2005: Payment Claims Through the Registrar of Contractors
  • January 2004: Building a Construction Case From the Ground Up
• Arizona Builders Alliance
  • December 2019: Overview of Mechanics’ Liens
  • March 2019: Negotiating Key Contract Clauses
  • April 2018: Negotiating Dangerous Contract Provisions
  • April 2017: Negotiating Tough Subcontract Provisions
  • September 2011: Payment Seminar for Contractors
  • November 2009: Steps to Improve Collections
  • December 2008: Payment and Collections for Contractors
  • April 2008: Insurance and Indemnity Issues for Contractors
  • April 2007: Change Orders: Best Practices
  • April 2007: Arizona Lien and Stop Notice Law
  • December 2005: A Primer on Oral Change Orders
• Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • October 2004: Hidden Ownership Exposure
• Construction Financial Management
  • June 2009: Contractor Strategic Boot Camp: Ins and Outs of Bankruptcy
• Lorman Education Services
  • May 2008: Construction Litigation in Arizona: Application of the Economic Loss Rule to Claims Against Design Professionals
• National Business Institute
  • January 2007: Resolving Disputes on Construction Projects