Civil Engineering Offerings

Civil engineering firms in Louisiana face higher-than-average legal risk due to flooding, coastal issues, heavy regulation and a unique civil law system — so legal services are essential not just for disputes, but for preventing costly mistakes upfront.

Contracts & Project-Specific Legal Services

Construction & Design Contracts
- Public works contracts (DOTD, municipal projects)
- Private development agreements (commercial/residential)
- Sub-consultant and subcontractor agreements
Louisiana-Specific Contract Issues
- Indemnity limits under Louisiana law
- Pay-if-paid / pay-when-paid clauses
- Retainage and prompt payment requirements

Regulatory & Licensing Compliance

Professional Licensing
- Compliance with the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board
- Firm registration and responsible charge requirements
Environmental & Coastal Regulations
- Permitting through the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
- Coastal zone and wetlands permitting (critical in south Louisiana)
- Stormwater and floodplain compliance
Federal & Infrastructure Compliance
- Federal Emergency Management Agency flood regulations
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting (Section 404 wetlands)
- Transportation project complianceFederal & Infrastructure Compliance

Litigation & Risk Exposure (High in Louisiana)

Construction & Design Defect Claims
- Drainage and flooding disputes
- Roadway, bridge, and infrastructure defects
- Foundation and soil issues
Professional Liability Defense
- Errors & omissions (E&O) claims
- Standard of care disputes
- Expert witness involvement

Business, Employment & Industry-Specific Issues

Business Operations
- Structuring engineering firms (LLC, corporation)
- Joint ventures for large infrastructure projects
- Mergers or acquisitions of local firms
Employment Law
- Non-compete agreements (enforceable but strict in Louisiana)
- Employee classification (engineers vs. field staff)
- Workplace safety compliance

Property, Land Use & Infrastructure Development

Land Development Issues
- Zoning and land use approvals
- Servitudes
- Right-of-way acquisition
Public Infrastructure Projects
- Roads, drainage, levees, and utilities
- Coordination with parishes and municipalities
- Compliance with state funding requirements

Insurance & Risk Management (Critical in Louisiana)

Insurance Coverage
- Professional liability (E&O) policies
- General liability and builder’s risk
- Flood and catastrophe-related coverage
Claims & Disaster Response
- Hurricane-related claims
- Coordination with insurers and legal counsel
- Post-disaster contract disputes

Related Attorneys

Karlin Fitzmorris

Associate

David B. Parnell

Partner

Brett Sandifer