On this episode of Navigating Complexity, business attorney Danielle Dudai sits down with her friend and colleague, board certified construction lawyer Jared Gilman, to unpack what really goes on behind the scenes of construction projects and lawsuits.

Jared shares how growing up with a lawyer father shaped his path, why he moved from criminal courtrooms to construction disputes, and how board certification became a turning point for his career and credibility. He explains what construction lawyers actually do, from drafting contracts for custom homes and commercial centers to fighting over projects where someone did not get paid and everyone points fingers.

You will hear Jared break down practical lessons for both lawyers and non lawyers

• Why the contract you sign controls everything, and why you are stuck with unfair terms if you agree to them
• How to do real due diligence on a contractor before you hand over a big check
• Why lawsuits take years, drain energy, and should be a last resort, not a strategy
• How to write better time entries and bills that actually tell the story of your work
• What fee hearings teach you about billing and integrity overnight

Jared also talks about marketing, referrals, and reputation, why you can never relax on business development, and why slow days should push you to pick up the phone, clean up your books, or reconnect with your network.

For owners planning large projects, he gives a clear tip that can save millions: hire an owner representative or architect to oversee construction administration so you have a knowledgeable pro watching the job and every payment request.

They close with an honest look at work life, how Jared takes client calls on road trips, joins Zoom panels from behind the dugout at his sons baseball game, and what it really looks like to find time for family while running a serious practice.

If you are a homeowner, developer, contractor, or a young lawyer trying to understand construction law and client service, this episode gives you a grounded look at how to build a practice and protect yourself on every project.