Michael W. Lord

Partner

Atlanta, GA
D 770.818.1416
mlord@fmglaw.com

Education

  • University of Georgia, Juris Doctor, cum laude
  • University of North Carolina, with honors
Overview

Mike Lord is a Partner with the firm and is Chair of the Construction and Design Law practice group. He has over 30 years' experience in construction, professional liability, commercial and real estate litigation.

Mr. Lord’s construction law practice includes representation of architects, engineers, surveyors and other design professionals, general and sub-contractors, owners and developers in all manner of construction disputes.  He has significant experience both in the contracting and drafting stage to help clients mitigate the risk of litigation and in representing clients in post-project mediation, arbitration, and lawsuits when litigation becomes unavoidable.  His experience further includes professional negligence, breach of contract, extra work, non-payment, defective work, mechanic’s liens, and delay claims.

Read More

Bar Admissions

Georgia

Louisiana 

Publications & Engagements
  • “Even a Blind Monkey Can See an Alabama “Occurrence,” FMG BlogLine (2014)
Representative Cases & Clients
  • 2016 Arbitration of $1 Million claim by National Developer against designer defended by Mr. Lord for military housing mechanical issues. Arbitration issued defense verdict for designer.
  • Zeimeran v. Lyman Davison Dooley, 303 Ga. App. 447, 693 S.E.2d 447 (2010) – Property owner sued architect represented by Mr. Lord for over  $1 Million in damages for head and other injuries due to fall from platform without rail onto concrete.  Summary judgment for architect upheld on appeal
  • Grading Contractor v. Paving Contractor – Grading contractor claimed loss of $300,000 in dirt against paving contractor represented by Mr. Lord.  Jury awarded only $25,000.
  • Cancer Charity v. Mechanical Engineer – Residential cancer facility claimed inadequate cooling system.  Arbitrator awarded less than what was offered to settle the case pre-arbitration.
  • Residential Owner v. Wall Designer – Owner blamed wall designer represented by Mr. Lord for collapse of wall seeking over $1 Million in damages.  Successfully settled mid-trial for less than offer before trial.
  • General Contractor v. Civil Engineer – Contractor’s claim against outside engineer represented by Mr. Lord in South Georgia for over $1 Million in lost profits due to alleged civil design errors.  Summary judgment granted.
  • Contractor Employee v. Engineer – Plaintiff fell through a hole in the roof during construction, which engineer represented by Mr. Lord had allegedly failed to observe and report.  Plaintiff suffered over $1 Million in damages.  Case dismissed.
  • Purchaser of Business v. Prior Owner – represented by Mr. Lord.  Purchaser sought over $250,000 in damages for breach of contract.  Defense verdict.
  • Successful litigation and resolution of case involving Georgia Power Lime Handling facility – $7.5 Million lost profits claim by general contractor against National Engineering firm represented by Mr. Lord.
  • Multiple inadequate design cases regarding waste water treatment plants.
  • Multiple cases of large wall movement, settlement or collapse.
  • Structural collapses in the Georgia Dome, Phillips Arena, Atlanta Parking Deck and Other Structures.
  • Multiple cases involving adequacy of storm water system and runoff.
  • Multiple Labor and Employment cases, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, and NRLA matters
Affiliations
  • State Bar of Georgia, member
  • DRI
  • CLM

 

Awards and Recognition

  •  2023-2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, 2021 Edition in the field of Construction Law
Classes/Seminars Taught
  • “Architect Engineer Liability & Practice in Georgia,” Lorman Education Services, Atlanta, Georgia (2002)
  • “Why Architect Led Design Build,” Seminar for AIA (2006)
  • “Defense Counsel’s Perspective on Construction Defects, Lorman Education Services (2007)
  • “Legal Issues for Georgia Professional Engineers,” Half Moon, LLC (2008)
  • “Document Retention for Design Professionals,” United Consulting Group (2009)
  • “Integrated Project Delivery,” AIA (2010)
  • “Managing Engineering Risk,” Half Moon, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2014)
  • “Emerging Trends For Professionals In Commercial Real Estate,” DRI Professional Liability Seminar, New York (2014)
  • “Complying with Rules and Regulations and Handling Ethical Issues,” Engineering Law Seminar, Half Moon, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (2015)