From Blueprints to Briefs: Poyner Spruill Attorneys Utilize Their Construction Backgrounds in Their Law Practices
Wouldn’t it be nice to talk to an attorney who understands what it’s like to work in construction? That’s exactly what you get with Poyner Spruill LLP attorneys Ben Buskirk, PE, and Jamie Blue, PE. They both started their careers in the construction industry before transitioning to practicing law.
Ben and Jamie are integral members of Poyner Spruill’s Construction Law Practice Area, which consists of six attorneys in the firm’s Raleigh and Charlotte offices. They both credit their background in construction to helping provide clients with practical advice.
With a father who is a licensed Professional Engineer and General Contractor, it was only natural for Ben Buskirk to get involved in the family business. He first started working in the field in high school — initially as a laborer, then a carpenter, and quickly progressing to a foreman and superintendent. By the time he graduated with a degree in Construction Engineering and Management from North Carolina State University, Ben had years of experience under his belt. Ben worked as a construction project manager for a global and a regional general contractor, during which time he became a North Carolina licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
After six years working as a construction project manager, Ben decided to transition to a new career — but he didn’t completely leave his roots behind. After obtaining his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law, Ben knew he wanted to focus his practice on construction law. Ben has practiced construction law exclusively for over nine years now and has worked at Poyner Spruill for the past five years.
Jamie Blue has a similar story. His father, a professional land surveyor, inspired him to join the construction industry. Jamie worked with his father throughout high school and college. After obtaining a Mechanical Engineering degree from Clemson University, Jamie worked as a field engineer on capital construction projects for a few years before returning to North Carolina. Jamie then spent six years in Duke Energy’s Nuclear Engineering Department, earning his North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license before deciding to return to Campbell University School of Law for his Juris Doctor.
Jamie’s first job as an attorney was with a civil litigation firm. He joined Poyner Spruill a year ago as an associate attorney.
Serving Our Construction Clients
“We speak the language,” Jamie said. “Having worked in the industry ourselves, we understand the project life cycle from start to finish. Our clients might not have to explain things to us in as much detail because we have a good understanding of the construction process. This knowledge helps us anticipate potential challenges our clients may face on a project.”
Ben put it simply: “We know construction.” He added that his years of experience working in construction have helped when speaking with clients: “When a client — whether they’re an owner, a general contractor, a design professional, or subcontractor — calls us about a project, I feel our backgrounds allow us to provide practical advice and spot potential issues. Those discussions are helpful for clients to see where things are on a project and, hopefully, avoid any formal dispute resolution or claims.” Jamie added, “We can help make the project go more smoothly.”
Their experience also helps when explaining contracts. Ben said, “One of the questions I ask clients is, ‘what is your understanding of this contract?’ You’d be surprised how often their understanding of the deal does not match what’s written in the documents. I wouldn’t have the ability to spot many of those issues without my construction background.”
Ben, Jamie, and the other members of Poyner Spruill’s Construction Practice Area work with various types of clients, including lenders, developers, architects, engineers, owners, sureties, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Poyner Spruill’s Construction Law Practice Area handles matters in all phases of construction law, from negotiating and drafting construction-related documents to litigating or arbitrating construction disputes. The firm has defended multi-million-dollar delay claims on multi-prime construction projects, represented contractors and designers before licensing boards, and defended against OSHA citations.
Matt Bouchard and Tom Davis also work out of the firm’s Raleigh office. Read more about Matt in a GroundBreak Carolinas exclusive interview. Sarah DiFranco and Tate Ogburn are based in the firm’s Charlotte office, representing clients in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Poyner Spruill’s construction clients benefit from the firm’s wide array of specialties, including employment law, creditors’ rights, trusts and estates planning, and much more.
About Poyner Spruill
Poyner Spruill LLP is a full-service North Carolina law firm with four offices conveniently located in Raleigh, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, and Southern Pines. The firm traces its history back to 1883, and since then has helped countless individuals, organizations, and industries locally and globally with their legal needs.
