Mario Nicholas

Mario Nicholas is a senior associate in Stoel Rives’ Construction and Design group. Mario has assisted clients before federal and state courts, domestic and international arbitration panels, and administrative bodies. Mario prides himself on client service, and works tirelessly to resolve (or avoid) disputes economically and efficiently. He is licensed in Oregon, Washington and California, and counsels clients across a range of industries on construction and design issues.

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When to Prepare for Project Disputes? Always.

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 April 22, 2020 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 March 27, 2020 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 March 26, 2020 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 October 17, 2019 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