Tyson specializes in construction law as a litigation and transactional attorney. His practice focuses on all areas of public and private contracting, bidding and protest issues, claims, mechanics' liens, public and private stop notices, licensing and surety disputes.

Tyson is also experienced in drafting and negotiating complex construction-related documents and construction litigation. He has trial experience as lead counsel for one of the region's largest construction companies. In his practice, he represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and construction sureties.

Tyson is a frequent speaker on industry topics and regularly presents educational seminars to his clients.

Bar Admissions

• California
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
• U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Education
J.D., University of California, Davis School of Law (1997)
B.S., University of California, Berkeley (1994)

Significant Accomplishments

Represented general contractor in construction dispute over a multi-use project that was substantially delayed. The multi-party dispute included owner’s claims for liquidated damages, improper work and other damages that exceeded $26 million and the contractor’s claims for extended general conditions and unpaid contract funds over $13 million. After a two-month arbitration, the arbitrator awarded the contractor $19 million that included attorneys’ fees and interest while denying all of owner’s claims.

Drafted and negotiated construction contracts for commercial-residential mixed use projects valued at over a half-billion dollars.

Successful lead trial counsel for water district in $20 million trial arising out of construction disputes with public entity.

Represent various health care facilities with drafting and negotiating contracts for design and construction of new facilities and complex construction litigation matters. 

Represent owner in connection with more than $50 million in claims concerning design and construction deficiencies arising out of construction of water treatment plant.

Drafted and negotiated more than $80 million in construction contracts for the new California Prison Health Care Services Headquarters Consolidation project.

Drafted and negotiated $60 million construction contract for multi-use housing facilities.

Lead counsel representing a performance and payment bond surety in claims exceeding $10 million for delay, extended overhead, and labor inefficiency arising out of a state prison project.

Lead attorney representing a general contractor in connection with delay, extended overhead and additional work claims totaling more than $8 million arising out of public affordable housing projects.

Drafted and negotiated $13 million in construction contracts for a developer to construct a residential housing, golf course and clubhouse project.

Defend public agencies against contractors' claims for delay, disruption and extended overhead arising out of construction of a public safety center and recreational park projects.

Lead counsel representing a general contractor in connection with a contractor's claims for delay and unpaid contract balances arising out of construction of a public activity center.

Lead counsel representing a subcontractor in claims arising out of mechanical projects.

Professional Associations

• Construction Financial Management Association, Sacramento Chapter, Board of Directors
• Associated General Contractors of California, Delta-Sierra District, Board of Directors
• Associated General Contractors of California, Legal Advisory Committee
• American Bar Association, Forum Committee on the Construction Industry

"Construction Payment Remedies in California," National Business Institute (2001)
"The Fundamentals of Construction Contracts: Understanding the Issues in California," Lorman Education Services (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010)
"The New Notice of Mechanic's Lien: A New Way to Lose Your Lien Rights," Construction Law Alert (November 2010)
"The New Notice of Mechanic's Lien: A New Opportunity to Resolve Contractor Claims Before Your Property is Encumbered?" Construction Law Alert (June 2011)