Christopher I. McCabe
Pennsylvania
Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark
1628 JFK Boulevard
Suite 1803
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: 215.330.5702
Email:
chris@charlsonlaw.com
Web:
www.charlsonlaw.com
Christopher I. McCabe is a Member of Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark, P.C., in Philadelphia and a highly experienced construction lawyer with more than 30 years of experience handling public and private construction disputes. His practice encompasses litigation, arbitration, mediation, and public contracting matters, with work before state and federal courts, the Pennsylvania Board of Claims, and the American Arbitration Association.
For 2027, Chris has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the Construction Law “Lawyer of the Year” award winner in Philadelphia. Only one lawyer in each practice area and community is honored by Best Lawyers® as a “Lawyer of the Year.”
Chris represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across a broad range of commercial and residential construction matters. His experience includes delay and interference claims, payment disputes under the Pennsylvania Contractor & Subcontractor Payment Act, surety bond claims, mechanic’s lien claims, and other contractual disputes arising during construction projects. He also advises clients on practical strategies for managing construction claims and disputes before they escalate into more costly arbitration and litigation proceedings.
He also maintains a substantial public contracts practice, advising clients on public bidding and contracting issues throughout Pennsylvania. His work includes bid protests, contract awards, prompt payment claims, release of retainage, surety matters, project delays, and other construction claims involving the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, public authorities, municipalities, and school districts. Chris also advises on compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation rules and regulations concerning disadvantaged business enterprises.
In addition to his construction practice, Chris regularly advises clients on real estate and contract disputes. Since 2009, he has served on the American Arbitration Association’s National Roster of Commercial Neutrals and has regularly been appointed as an arbitrator in commercial and construction-related matters.
Before helping launch Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark in 2017, Chris spent 12 years as Senior Counsel with boutique construction law firm, Jacoby Donner, P.C. Earlier in his career, from 1992 to 2005, he served with the City of Philadelphia Law Department, advising City departments and agencies on public bidding and procurement disputes, commercial contract claims, and public works construction claims.
For every year since 2020, Chris has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Construction Law. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Education
- BA., 1983, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- JD., 1986, Magna Cum Laude, Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark’s Construction practice represents owners, associations, contractors, subcontractors, developers, property managers, sureties, and design professionals throughout the construction process. The team has particular experience negotiating and drafting design and construction agreements and advising clients on project-related risk.
The firm works with clients before and during projects to manage changes, delays, and other potential impacts, helping protect their position and strengthen their leverage should disputes arise. Its attorneys also handle mechanic’s and construction liens in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
When disputes cannot be avoided, Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark represents clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation. The firm’s experienced litigators regularly appear before courts throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, providing strong advocacy in complex construction disputes.
Charlson Braber McCabe & Denmark (CBMD) is a Philadelphia-based full-service law firm serving businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Founded in 2016 by veteran litigator and construction attorney Noah H. Charlson, the firm’s attorneys collectively bring nearly 100 years of legal experience, combining sophisticated legal capabilities with the accessibility and direct attorney involvement of a focused practice.
Construction law is a significant part of the firm’s practice, with CBMD advising owners, associations, contractors, subcontractors, developers, property managers, sureties, and design professionals throughout the construction process. Its attorneys negotiate and draft design and construction agreements, advise on project risks, changes and delays, prepare mechanics and construction liens, and represent clients in mediation, arbitration, and litigation. The firm’s broader capabilities include public contracts and government contracting, corporate and real estate transactions, employment, labor and ERISA matters, commercial contracts and litigation, and estate planning.
CBMD emphasizes practical, efficient solutions tailored to both everyday legal needs and significant disputes. Clients work directly with the attorneys handling their matters, allowing the firm to develop a detailed understanding of their businesses and objectives. With lawyers admitted in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey and relationships with local counsel elsewhere, the firm is also able to assist clients with matters extending beyond its core Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions.
“With sustained Best Lawyers recognition and decades of focused practice, Chris is a highly respected figure in Pennsylvania construction law. His combination of public-sector experience, private advocacy, and dispute-resolution work makes him a trusted adviser on sophisticated construction and contracting matters.”