Jerry Negrete
Jerry’s practice focuses on advising clients in all phases of the construction process, drafting and negotiating contracts, and litigating construction disputes.
Jerry Negrete serves her clients in all phases of a construction project. Before construction commences Jerry reviews and negotiates contracts for projects of all sizes and delivery methods. She also helps her clients navigate the procurement process required for public works projects. During the course of a project, Jerry works with owners and contractors to resolve payment and performance disputes so the client can focus on completing the work and avoid the inevitable distraction caused by litigation. In the event litigation is necessary, Jerry also litigates construction matters of all sizes.
On a Personal Note
Jerry is a Teach For America alumna. She taught elementary school in Chicago for two years and remains active in the Austin education community through advocacy and philanthropy. Jerry and her husband enjoy travel, live music, and introducing their two children to all the wonderful experiences Austin has to offer.
Representative Experience
- Represented a general contractor against the owner in a payment dispute. The court awarded full damages, including costs, to the general contractor.
- Represented a private owner in a contractor performance and payment dispute. Jerry negotiated a settlement that enabled the owner to complete the project and cure the performance concerns and subcontractor payment issues.
- Represented a public owner in a contractor default and performance bond dispute related to the construction of a jail. The case was ultimately resolved prior to trial through a favorable settlement for the owner.
- Obtained final summary judgment for a developer accused of tortious interference and aiding and abetting related to the purchase of land in Pflugerville, Texas.
- Represented a Rio Grande Valley municipality in a multi-million dollar suit against its design engineer for negligence, fraud, and breach of contract in the design of a water treatment plant. The case was ultimately resolved prior to trial through a favorable settlement for the City.
- Advised governmental entities and charter schools on procurement compliance and available alternative delivery methods.
- Represented a drilling subcontractor in a week-long arbitration proceeding related to a payment claim involving the construction of a toll road.
Seminars & Published Works
- “Public Procurement in Texas,” The Basics Course in Texas Construction Law, December 2021
- “On Time and Under Budget: Successful Construction and Renovation Project
Strategies,” Texas Charter Schools Conference, October 2018 - “Protecting Your Right to Payment,” Texas Contractor, October 2018
- “Procurement Law for Charter Schools – Facilities and Construction,” Texas
Charter Schools Conference, October 2017 - “Charter School Procurement Basics,” The Network Summer Summit, June 2017
- “Texas Trust Fund Act,” Texas Contractor, February 2017
- “Procurement Law for Charter Schools,” Texas Charter Schools Conference,
October 2016 - “Alternative Delivery Methods: Design-Build:Vertical,” Texas Contractor, August
2016 - “Engineering Ethics,” HalfMoon Seminar, May 2016
Education
J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 2012 (Articles Editor, Texas Journal on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights)
B.A., Government, cum laude, University of Texas at Austin, 2006
Awards
Jerry was named a Texas Super Lawyer “Rising Star” in the area of Construction Litigation for 2021 as reported in Super Lawyers magazine; Thomson Reuters.
Jerry was named an Austin Monthly Top Attorney in 2020 and 2021 in the area of Construction Law.
Jerry is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Professional Associations and Memberships
Austin Bar Association, Construction Law Section
Travis County Women Lawyers Association
ACE Mentor Program of Austin, Board of Directors (2016 – 2019)
BookSpring, Board of Directors (2015 – 2018)
Teach For America Austin Alumni, Board Member (2011 – 2016)
Recent Works by Jerry Negrete
Jerry Negrete will be Presenting at the Texas Charter Schools Association’s Annual Conference
Jerry Negrete will speak to the membership and guests at the Texas Charter Schools Association's Annual Conference. This year's conference takes place between Oct. 11-13 at the Gaylord in Grapevine. Jerry will discuss procurement for charter [...]
Legislative Update: Bills Affecting the Construction Industry
The 85th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature ended on May 29th. Many commentators state this legislative session was less productive than usual, as only 17 percent of filed bills passed both chambers and await [...]
The Texas Trust Fund Act
The Texas Trust Fund Act governs how contractors, subcontractors, and, sometimes owners, can use funds they receive on construction projects in Texas. Download the full article.