Joseph A. Cardella

Experienced counsel advising and representing owners, developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in all aspects of construction and construction related litigation. Also experienced in real estate project development and delivery with a unique background in architecture, project management and entitlement, assisting owner-builders in project development.

2008 – Present
Owner and Sol Principal
The Law Offices of Joseph A. Cardella
Full service law firm that provides litigation, transactional and general counseling services. The firm specializes in real estate development and all aspects of construction from initial contract negotiation/contract buy-out through certificate of occupancy and post construction claims and/or litigation. Litigation experience includes over 50 mediations and 100 depositions, along with jury trials and arbitrations to verdict.

2005 – 2008
Vice President, Entitlements / Senior Project Manager
TriCal Construction
Worked with an Owner-Builder on all aspects of post land acquisition, project development and entitlements to obtain subdivision, and planning and building departmental approvals for mid-rise residential complexes in Los Angeles.
Oversaw/managed entitlement process and project development, including drafting, negotiating general terms and
conditions for construction contracts, and the development and procurement of construction insurance programs.
Insurance procurement including Property, General Liability/Wrap-Up, OL&T, and Builder’s Risk policies.

2002 – 2005
Senior Litigator
The Rodarti Group
Responsible for all aspects of management and prosecution/defense of cases including initial case set up and budgeting, performing all discovery and motion practice and conducting all mediations, arbitrations, or trials.
Cases involved exclusively construction related (public and private), from those that arose during construction, including disruption, interference, cumulative impact, delay/scheduling, changed conditions, contract disputes – change of scope/change order, etc. to post construction claims, including construction defect and mechanic’s liens.

Southwestern University College of Law
Juris Doctorate 1996

California Polytechnic University
Bachelor of Architecture, 1988
College of Architectural and Environmental Design