Biography

Matthew Hicks has extensive experience in a wide range of construction and business matters. He has handled numerous trials, arbitrations, mediations, and pre-litigation dispute resolution negotiations on behalf of private companies, individuals and public entities. Mr. Hicks has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors and sureties on both public and private works projects involving contracts, disputes and projects ranging from tens of millions of dollars down to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In his construction law practice, Mr. Hicks has prosecuted and defended a myriad of claims including but not limited to time-related claims (e.g., delay/impact), extra work and change order claims, differing site condition claims, inadequate design and construction defect claims, indemnity claims, statutory penalty claims and attorney’s fee litigation. Mr. Hicks also provides legal advice and counsel regarding the contracting process (e.g., bid and contract disputes/performance bond claims), payment enforcement/defense (e.g. payment bonds/mechanic’s liens/stop notices/insurance claims), administrative issues, and general advice and counsel relative to contract preparation and negotiation. Mr. Hicks also advises clients on related construction and business issues, including preventative risk analysis, wage issues, the False Claims Act, and construction defects.

Memberships & Honors

Mr. Hicks is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and American Bar Association. He is also an active member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Inc. In 2007 and 2008, he was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers-Rising Stars Edition.

Presentations

Mr. Hicks has spoken on a variety of legal topics ranging from construction law, employment related issues and California’s Conflicts of Interest and Self-Dealing Laws. His more recent presentations and publications include:

• Co-Author, “Termination for Convenience, It's All About 'Good Faith,’” Modern Contractor Solutions, August 2012
• Author, “Contractors, Be Sure to Maintain Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance,” The Daily Journal, June 2, 2011
• Author, “Termination for Convenience: It’s All About ‘Good Faith,’” Construction Executive, September 2010
• Author,“'No Damages For Delay' Clauses In California In the Public and Private Works Settings” Construction Management Association of America Southern California Chapter News, Winter 2010
• Author, “California Supreme Court: Breach Claims Against Public Entities Subject to Statutory Claim Requirements,” Sedgwick Construction Practices Newsletter, Summer 2008
• Author, “Cardinal Change and Abandonment: Applications for Contractors, Owners, Sureties”, ENR 2008 Surety Market Report, June 16, 2008
• Author, “Contract, Project Abandonment: Separate Legal Concepts,” Sedgwick Construction Practices Newsletter, Spring 2008
• Guest speaker, UCLA Extension Public Policy Program’s Planning Commissioners Training Seminar, 2008
• Presenter and guest speaker, California CEQA Conference, Legal Ethics and California’s Conflicts of Interest and Self-Dealing Laws, 2007