Overview

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Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP (VLMG) is the new standard of law firm focused on serving the specialized needs of clients in the construction and engineering industry. VLMG’s practice is international in scope, with offices in Metropolitan Washington, D.C. and the San Francisco Bay area.

VLMG’s lawyers represent clients on an impressive array of civil, industrial, commercial, and government projects across the United States and around the world. The firm’s attorneys offer a particularly in-depth understanding of heavy civil and infrastructure projects (including highways and bridges, tunnels, mass transit systems, water/wastewater, airports, ports, and professional sports stadiums) and the power sector (including fossil-fuel, hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear plants). Handling matters across this spectrum of project types has enabled the attorneys at VLMG to develop substantial expertise regarding federal, state, and local government contracts and procurement.

VLMG also maintains a significant and expanding international practice, with experience handling matters across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. VLMG’s clients represent a diverse cross-section of the major players in the worldwide construction industry, and include many of the largest contractors in the world.

The majority of the firm’s practice focuses on risk management, as well as litigation and dispute resolution before federal and state courts and boards of contract appeals, domestic and international arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings. The firm’s attorneys also regularly provide pre-construction advice through the drafting and review of contract documents and provide counsel to clients during ongoing projects, domestically and abroad.

VLMG’s attorneys provide the highest quality legal service to our clients with agility, value, and responsiveness. Clients in the construction industry value close working relationships with lawyers who understand their business. We continue to nurture those relationships in a marketplace that has evolved to place increasing emphasis on a law firm’s sophistication and creativity.

Rankings

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP is nationally ranked in 2 practice areas and metro ranked in 3 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

National Rankings

Tier 1
Tier 1 for Construction Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction

Metro Rankings

San Francisco
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction
Tier 2 for Construction Law
Tier 2 for Copyright Law
Washington, D.C.
Tier 1 for Construction Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction

About Our Clients

Construction

At its core, VLMG is a construction services law firm. Disproving the concept that legal service should only be consulted upon litigation, clients realize value from VLMG’s precisely tailored contract administration support, among other proactive services. As many of our clients understand, project-level decision-making, such as scheduling and change order management, can either create or avoid a lawsuit. VLMG’s professionals work as a team with executive, legal, accounting, and engineering personnel as a foundational risk management asset.

Furthermore, VLMG espouses the philosophy that legal information should be freely given, as it is our custom-tailored advice that sets us apart. Accordingly, through in-house seminars and publications, VLMG provides its clients the resources to educate its employees to directly implement a more sophisticated brand of contract administration.

To the extent disputes are unavoidable, VLMG is prepared to successfully shepherd its clients to resolution, maximizing alternative dispute resolution techniques across a broad swath of project types in international, federal, and state forums. VLMG’s team has substantial experience handling major litigations and arbitrations on mega-projects. However, it also possesses the judgment necessary to cost-effectively resolve disputes in the low six-figures. As it concerns the construction industry, VLMG is in a unique position to advise on nearly every issue that comes to pass.

International Arbitration

VLMG routinely serves foreign and domestic clients throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. VLMG’s lawyers have assisted clients throughout the world in drafting, negotiating, and administering billions of dollars of construction contracts. VLMG’s lawyers possess the experience and expertise to seamlessly operate with local customers and partners and successfully assist our clients in navigating all aspects of international projects so as to avoid unnecessary disputes. Where disputes are unavoidable, however, VLMG has handled dispute boards and arbitrated cases internationally, including before the ICC, DIAC, DIFC, and ad hoc arbitrations. We advise clients in setting up businesses overseas, and have provided in-house training on how to run a construction company in the Middle East.

Government Contracts

Well-positioned with its Beltway office and cadre of experienced practitioners, VLMG’s founding partners are leading authorities in government contracts. Their expertise encompasses compliance, bid protests, suspension and debarment, claim preparation, pricing, and dispute resolution. VLMG’s professionals have appeared before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA), Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA), the United States Court of Federal Claims, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on a host of procurements as diverse as the federal government’s purchasing needs.

Compliance Education

If there is a constant in government contracts, it is change. VLMG stands ready to educate our clients about the next wave of compliance regulations. Labor compliance and small business regulations are just a few of the areas where compliance obligations arise. However, it would be a mistake to characterize government contracts compliance as anything less than complete compliance with the FAR, FCPA, FCA, SBA Programs, Davis-Bacon, DCAA/IG audits, and beyond. Our professionals quickly spot potential issues and offer custom solutions.

Commercial Litigation

VLMG’s experience ranges beyond construction law to include a robust commercial litigation practice. VLMG’s lawyers have assisted clients in drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts as well as handling a variety of matters across business, real estate, corporate disputes, intellectual property, and other aspects of commercial litigation. VLMG’s lawyers possess extensive experience representing clients in commercial matters in both domestic and international arbitrations as well as all levels of litigation, including both state and federal appeals. VLMG works collaboratively with its clients to develop goal-oriented strategies that are also mindful of costs and risks. When the target objectives cannot be achieved short of litigation, VLMG’s lawyers possess the experience necessary to provide clients with aggressive, innovative and ultimately successful strategies and tactics to achieve the desired results.

Highlighted Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino understands construction claims and litigation at the highest level, was good at both the process of settling matters before trial/arbitration as well as trying matters in court/arbitration, was very good at assisting clients to understand strengths and weaknesses of case, and applies proper team size to keep legal costs reasonable.
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is one of the best law firms, of any specialty, I've ever dealt with. On construction matters, they are first-rate.
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino's trial attorneys as second to none. They have a team of experienced litigation attorneys that can go toe-to-toe with any firm. They are also mindful to provide great value for their services. I highly recommend Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino.
Michael Kolloway – Parsons Corporation
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino lawyers have excellent subject matter knowledge and are very cost effective. Experienced litigators who know their way around the courtroom; very knowledgeable of others in the field which enhances negotiations where needed.
Stuart Young – Amentum (AECOM)
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a top flight construction specialty firm. They are experienced, knowledgeable, cost effective and very communicative. Highly recommended.
Construction Law
The lawyers at Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino have more construction industry litigation knowledge and experience than any other firm in the country. They are very cost effective while delivering a thorough and complete analysis. They can handle matters in any jurisdiction effectively and are our first choice for major construction industry litigation.
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented MHPS in respect of an international commercial arbitration conducted under ICC rule regarding a high value construction project. Mr. Paul A. Varela was the leading legal counsel for this case. Simply put, Mr. Varela is exquisite and outstanding in terms of both personality and competence/capability as a legal expert. Mr. Varela's attitude toward us is sincere and respectful and well takes account of cultural difference. He is very easy to get along with and has lovable personality. Mr. Varela is intelligent, knowledgeable and diplomatic. Arbitration tactics that he planned were quite strategical and on-target and often turned out to be outcomes highly favorable to us. I appreciate his performance in this arbitration and hold him in the highest regard. Working with Mr. Varela was wonderful experience for MHPS and I definitely hope to work with him and his team again. The performance of Mr. Varela's team was outstanding and exceptional, as well. His team mainly consisted of Mr. Todd R. Metz, Mr. Christopher M. Burke, Mr. David B. Wonderlick and Ms. Rae D. Mueller. His team was efficient, punctual (including very quick documents/messages/opinions turn around - I appreciate that Mr. Varela's team highly dedicated itself to this arbitration), affable mood, flexible, and acted in a cost-efficient manner. I strongly feel his team always tried to act in the best interest of MHPS, rather than maximizing VLMG's own interest. I definitely chose this team as one of the best lawyer-teams with which I have ever worked. While each team member had high level of expertise and distinct responsibility (which let this team significantly efficient), they closely cooperated with each other in order to avoid critical mistakes and not to delay any process in case of a member's absence. Moreover, it seemed that the team members frankly exchanged views, which would have arbitration strategies more sophisticated and strategical. The size of team was not so big given the size of dispute - the success in this arbitration proves the team's high efficiency and high degree of expertise.
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino have distinguished themselves as a leader in the construction legal world. They possess an incredible depth of construction industry knowledge which combined with exceptional legal skills make them a valued business partner. Further, we routinely choose Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino to assist with highly technical and bet-the-company type cases primarily because of their extensive experience in the construction industry and our trust in them to provide effective assistance on such high stakes type cases. Paul Varela is a top-notch lawyer with expertise in all facets of construction litigation. He is aggressive but mindful of the desired outcome and budget. He is our first stop for all construction litigation both nationally and internationally. No matter the size of the dispute, he is always responsive, efficient, well prepared, and extremely effective at handling a multitude of complex issues, specifically related to delay and disruption claims. I highly recommend Paul and Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino when it comes to construction law, litigation or international arbitration. In addition to Paul, we routinely use Bennett Lee, Joe Guarino, Chris Burke and Nick Merrill on complex construction litigation matters. They are all outstanding litigators and among the first people I call with a dispute or question. They are a go-to law firm for construction disputes and litigation.
Logan Hollobaugh – Gilbane Building Company
Construction Law
Our company has a long relationship with Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino. They have successfully handled numerous large, complex, high-exposure matters for us, and have done so with with great skill and professionalism. I highly recommend their excellent lawyers for construction/design professional liability cases.
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino are great strategists. They understand the importance of thorough preparation while adhering to budgets. I would trust them with any of my construction advice or litigation needs.
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino have top notch lawyers with expertise in all facets of construction litigation. They are aggressive but attuned to client's desired outcomes and not focused purely on their own litigation win. First stop for all construction litigation nationally.
Construction Law
As a former managing attorney for large engineering and construction companies, Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino has been my "go to" firm for construction litigation and disputes. I have retained Paul Varela and his firm for litigation and disputes involving national and international projects. The amounts in dispute have often exceeded $10 million and much larger amounts. The firm has a superb understanding of the engineering and construction business and exhibits broad depth of experience and knowledge.
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the construction industry. They understand and are responsive to the client's needs and do not just apply the litigation playbook. They think outside the box.
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz, & Guarino focuses upon the engineering and construction industry and, as a result, is able to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to complex matters, as well as practical solutions to business disputes. Their attorneys are seasoned litigators who can advocate vigorously and effectively. I recommend them highly.
Litigation - Construction
Joseph (Joe) Guarino of Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a terrific litigator. He has excellent instincts, is very sharp, and is great at spotting issues. He is an extremely zealous advocate. Joe is among the very best at deposing and examining witnesses. He is a fantastic bargain for such high quality work.
Construction Law
I have worked with several members of Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino and have received excellent advice and prompt service from each of them.
Adrian Braganza – Zurich North America
Litigation - Construction
Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino treats both large and small with the same level of intensity and economy. The firm is cognizant of the business needs of the client and is always looking for ways to obtain the maximum leverage to maneuver a case into settlement whenever possible.
Construction Law
Varela, Lee, Metz, & Guarino focuses upon the engineering and construction industry and, as a result, is able to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to complex matters, as well as practical solutions to business disputes. Their attorneys are seasoned litigators who can advocate vigorously and effectively. I recommend them highly.
Michael Kolloway – Parsons Corporation
Construction Law
I have worked with Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino attorneys on several important construction law matters over the years. They are knowledgeable, responsive, and easy to work with. I recommend them highly.
Construction Law
Stellar firm. Worked through multiple government claims from inception through resolution with Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, and was never less than completely impressed.
Jeffrey Kellogg, President – Tug Hill Construction
Litigation - Construction
Joe Guarino is a terrific litigator. He is extremely bright, tenacious, and has great instincts. His services are an excellent value.
Charlie McNeish – ManTech International Corporation
Litigation - Construction
VLMG are great litigators because they understand the disputes thoroughly and communicate the critical issues in an easy-to-understand manner.
Dave Pattillo, President – DPA
Construction Law
VLMG attorneys are strategic thinkers that know contract law and the businesses in which their construction owner, engineer and contractor clients operate.
Dave Pattillo, President – DPA
Litigation - Construction
Bennett Lee of Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is very intelligent, diligent, and responsive. He obtained excellent results for our company.
Construction Law
The Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino team has a deep bench of responsive and aggressive construction law practitioners. I know that I will be in good hands with their team and that they will be responsive and aggressive as required to get the matter to the finish line.
Construction Law
The Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino law firm is exceptionally knowledgeable in all facets of construction law; successfully advising my company on several matters before they matured into disputes. The partners have so much collective experience that, as a client, you know that your issue is being handled correctly, efficiently and with the input of many experienced lawyers.
Litigation - Construction
The lawyers at Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino are all seasoned construction litigators that understand the particular nuances of construction disputes, of which there are many.

Rankings

National Rankings

Tier 1
Tier 1 for Construction Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction

Regional Rankings

San Francisco
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction
Tier 2 for Construction Law
Tier 2 for Copyright Law
Washington, D.C.
Tier 1 for Construction Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Construction

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
  • Arbitration
  • Construction Law
  • Government Contracts
  • International Arbitration - Commercial
  • International Arbitration - Governmental
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Transportation Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP has 10 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings. For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards. Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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Demographics

Partners
Male: 12
Asian: 2
White / Caucasian: 9
Multi-Racial: 1
Associates
Male: 4
Female: 3
Asian: 1
Black / African American: 1
White / Caucasian: 4
Paralegals
Female: 2
Hispanic / Latinx: 1
Multi-Racial: 1
Non-Legal Employees
Male: 1
Female: 5
Black / African American: 1
Hispanic / Latinx: 1
White / Caucasian: 5
LGBTQIA+: 1

Main Location

Office Locations

Management and Personnel

Founding Partner
Paul Varela
Founding Partner
Bennett Lee
Founding Partner
Joseph Guarino
Founding Partner
Todd Metz
Marketing Manager
Lauren Ouden
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