Mario Nicholas

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Mario Nicholas is a partner in Stoel Rives’ Construction and Design group with experience litigating a range of construction disputes and drafting a variety of construction agreements. Mario has trial and arbitration experience and has assisted clients before federal and state courts, domestic and international arbitration panels, and administrative bodies. Mario is licensed in Oregon, Washington, and California.

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Inflation: The Elephant in a Construction Dispute or Contract Negotiation

By Mario Nicholas on Posted in Construction Industry, Risk Management
Inflation has spared no part of the U.S. economy, but the construction market in particular is feeling its effects, and it is crucial that owners , contractors, and design professionals be cognizant of the risks presented by inflation and aware of and understand the options to mitigate them. In my latest column for the Daily … Continue Reading

Don’t Be Late! (But Assume That Your Construction Project May Be)

By Mario Nicholas on Posted in Construction Contracts, Construction Industry
Today, the construction industry faces a myriad of challenges – as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly increasing construction material costs, labor and material shortages, and a hot housing market are potential obstacles for project owners and contractors that, despite their best efforts and intentions, could prevent them from completing their construction projects on time. … Continue Reading

When to Prepare for Project Disputes? Always.

By Mario Nicholas on Posted in Commercial Construction Contracts, Construction Contracts, Construction Industry
Originally published as an Op-Ed in the Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce on June 19, 2020. Whether you are an owner, contractor, or design professional, construction disputes are, unfortunately, inevitable.  Below are some tips to avoid potential pitfalls and help resolve disputes as efficiently as possible, whether before or after formal litigation (or arbitration) commences. … Continue Reading

Construction-Related Activity Restrictions in Select States

By Tamara Boeck, David Quinby, Zachary Davis, Loni Hinton and Mario Nicholas on Posted in Alaska, California, Construction Industry, COVID-19, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
State and local officials across the country have responded to COVID-19 with various executive orders and restrictions on businesses to help flatten the curve of the pandemic. Each state’s response opens the door for potential impacts on projects commencing or under construction, and on the parties involved with those projects. To assist clients and friends, … Continue Reading

Guidance for Owners and Contractors with Construction Projects in Oregon in Light of the Statewide “Stay Home” Order

By Eric Grasberger, Zachary Davis and Mario Nicholas on Posted in Acts of God, COVID-19, Oregon
On March 23, 2020, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-12 directing Oregonians to “Stay Home, Save Lives.” Unlike “stay home” orders in some other states—which prohibit the operation of all business unless specifically exempted—the Oregon Order prohibits the operation of specific categories of businesses identified in the Order (e.g., amusement parks, aquariums, … Continue Reading

Tips for Owners and Contractors with Projects in the “Grey Area” of California’s COVID-19 Orders

By Tamara Boeck, Andrew Gibson and Mario Nicholas on Posted in Acts of God, California, COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, construction projects in California are currently subject to a statewide Executive Order and potentially other similar (or dissimilar) “stay home” or “shelter in place” orders or directives issued by counties and cities. Under the California statewide order, only businesses needed to maintain continuity of operations of identified federal critical infrastructure sectors … Continue Reading

Recession Warnings Pile Up: Harbinger of Liens?

By Mario Nicholas on Posted in Construction Contracts, Construction Liens, Contractor Licensing, Liens
Some economic indicators point to a recession in the not-too-distant future, and parties involved in construction projects should take steps to avoid (or perfect) liens and protect their rights if there is a downturn. The complexities of Oregon’s lien laws are best negotiated with the assistance of experienced counsel. In my inaugural article for the … Continue Reading
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