Michael A. Paul
Colorado
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
1775 Sherman Street
Suite 2600
Denver, CO 80203
Tel: (303) 296-3996
Email:
Michael.Paul@DINSMORE.COM
Web:
www.dinsmore.com
Michael is a highly experienced construction litigator who has spent more than two decades helping construction clients prepare for and respond to the wide range of disputes and liabilities that can arise on active projects. As Chair of the firm’s Tort Practice Group and Managing Partner of its Denver office, he primarily represents general contractors and developers in construction-related litigation, drawing on extensive experience across multiple levels of the industry.
Michael began his construction practice representing framers, roofers, plumbers, and other subcontractors before expanding his work to include design professionals. That background provides him with valuable perspective on the strategies employed by the different parties involved in construction disputes. Today, he applies that experience when defending general contractors and developers, focusing on practical and cost-effective approaches to resolving complex claims.
His construction litigation experience encompasses product liability, asbestos, professional liability, personal injury, wrongful death, and other claims arising from construction projects and job sites. Michael has handled matters throughout the country and understands that the circumstances, parties, and risks involved can vary substantially from one project to another.
Michael also counsels clients before disputes arise, advising on contract drafting and helping identify potential problems that could lead to future litigation. His combination of front-end risk counseling and litigation experience allows him to assist construction clients in both managing project risks and responding effectively when claims develop.
Michael is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and the Colorado Bar Foundation and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been selected to Colorado Super Lawyers for Construction since 2020 and recognized by Best Lawyers for Construction Law since 2023.
His professional affiliations also include the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance, Defense Research Institute, and Colorado Defense Lawyers Association.
Education
- University of Iowa College of Law (J.D., 2003)
- University of Iowa (B.A., 2000)
Bar Admissions
The firm’s Construction practice represents public and private owners, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, specialty contractors, sureties, design professionals, suppliers, and insurers throughout every phase of construction projects. The team advises from initial planning and procurement through project delivery and completion, with a focus on protecting clients’ interests while keeping projects moving efficiently.
The practice has extensive experience drafting and negotiating pre-construction and construction agreements, including design, consulting, and program management contracts. Its attorneys also assist with Requests for Proposals, bidding processes, project monitoring, and ongoing advice to developers and contractors, serving clients ranging from major national companies to smaller local construction businesses.
When disputes arise, the team works to minimize disruption and achieve practical, cost-effective resolutions. Its attorneys handle contract disputes, delay claims, design errors, product defects, and other construction claims through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, combining technical industry knowledge with strategies tailored to each project and client.
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP is a full-service national law firm with more than 750 attorneys and a coast-to-coast network of offices across the United States. Founded in Cincinnati in 1908, the firm has grown from its Midwestern roots into a substantial national platform, representing clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions to emerging businesses, nonprofit organizations, public entities, and individuals.
The firm provides comprehensive counsel across corporate transactions and business services, litigation and investigations, intellectual property, labor and employment, finance, real estate, public finance, private client matters, and numerous other areas. Dinsmore has particular industry experience in construction, financial services, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, transportation, public utilities, education, gaming, sports, and franchise and distribution matters.
Dinsmore emphasizes practical, business-minded legal strategies and collaboration across its offices and practice groups. Its attorneys work closely with clients to understand their industries and objectives, developing tailored solutions to complex transactions, disputes, regulatory challenges, and other legal matters while combining the resources of a large national firm with a strong focus on responsive client service.