Jeffrey S. Chapman

While Jeff is proud to call Austin home, he is known across the state and represents clients throughout Texas. He represents owners and contractors in both transactional matters and the litigation of disputes in court and arbitration. Jeff enjoys a broad practice many types of construction projects, but the vast majority of his practice involves civil, industrial, commercial, and municipal construction.

Jeff has significant experience with government procurement, drafting contracts for development, design, and construction utilizing all available delivery methods including Construction Manager at-Risk (CMAR) and Design-Build. In his transactional practice, Jeff assists clients with drafting and negotiating the full range of contract documents for design and construction, including procurement packages, contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and bonds. Jeff also serves as general counsel or special counsel to his clients and continues to assist them with project management and project administration following the initial contract phase of projects.

Jeff’s trial and dispute advocacy work and experience includes performance and payment disputes, delay claims, design and construction defect litigation, surety law, and contract award controversies. While aggressive, and stubborn at times, Jeff appreciates the need to balance all factors involved in litigation and takes pride in counseling clients on the pros and cons/strength and weakness of every case. In both capacities, but especially in litigation, Jeff embraces the role of both attorney and counselor.

Jeff also serves as a mediator. As an advocate and litigator, Jeff believes in the balance of zealous and aggressive advocacy with the appreciation and realization of risk for both sides of a dispute. He brings that same evaluative skill and advocacy as a mediator to challenge the parties while encouraging and facilitating settlement. Never a fan of shuttle diplomacy, Jeff does not subscribe to the concept of a mediator as merely delivering messages and offers. As with client representation, Jeff strives to bring value to the process and ensure every case has a real opportunity for settlement.

On a Personal Note

Jeff is a retired endurance sports enthusiast that has competed in triathlons, cycling, and running competitions of all distances. He has completed 3 ironman triathlons, with a personal best of 11:13:26 and run several marathons. Jeff is a music enthusiast even though he can’t play an instrument. Jeff and his wife Robin enjoy skiing, mountain biking, travel, and live music. They make a point to attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival each year. They have three sons who like to ski, ride bikes, and see live music like their parents.