Steven D. Gonzalez

Steven Gonzalez' practice focus is on real estate, commercial litigation and construction administration and litigation. He has assisted clients with bid protests, contract negotiations, project administration (including claims management and preservation) and post construction litigation. 

Steven has tried and arbitrated complex construction and design defects, claim disputes and non-payment cases. He has also negotiated numerous construction contracts, including construction management, architectural services, design-build and general contractor-owner contracts.

In addition to Steven's trial experience, he has successfully mediated complex cases to favorable resolution. Additionally, he has represented one of the country’s largest student housing developers, assisting with project procurement, drafting and negotiating all of the relevant contracts and assisting with coordinating the project documents with financing requirements. Steven has also represented clients in corporate buy-outs and employment disputes. 

University of Miami, B.A., 2000

New England School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2003
Editor-in-Chief, New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement

• The Florida Bar
• Massachusetts Bar
• The New York State Bar
• U.S. District Court, Southern and Middle Districts of Florida, Massachusetts

Represented a national architectural firm in a suit initiated by a South Florida school board alleging breach of contract and professional liability negligence. Successfully defeated the school board’s contention that a strict liability standard should be applied to errors and omissions claims. Obtained a defense verdict on the only contested liability issue.

Obtained verdict on behalf of a sub-contractor on claim for construction fees after a five-day jury trial in Jacksonville, Florida. Jury awarded full amount of claimed damages, resulting in complete recovery, including attorneys fees and costs. Also prevailed on counterclaim by the defense for alleged project abandonment.

Successfully arbitrated a case on behalf of a site contractor involving liquidated damages and governmental authority approval issues.

Represented a general contractor in construction defect litigation against a local School Board which was successfully mediated while negotiating with the School Board and numerous third party defendants (subcontractors and insurance carriers) to reach a favorable resolution on behalf of the client.

Currently represents a nationwide student housing developer, providing counsel regarding Public Private Partnership financing, development and construction agreements, project development, administration and associated dispute resolution and litigation.

Currently represents civil contractors in relation to contracting, project administration and dispute resolution on multi-million dollar projects for the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation - Construction (2018-2024)

The Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law (2024)

Daily Business Review 2017 "On the Rise" Class

Super Lawyers Magazine, Florida Rising Stars List, Construction Litigation (2013-2017)

Associated Builders and Contractors, South Florida Chapter

Association of General Contractors of America, South Florida Chapter

Dade County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division

Dade County Construction Law Committee

International Bar Association

Jr. Orange Bowl Committee

Jr. Orange Bowl Junior Amateur Golf Tournament, Board Member