Stephen E. Richman is a member in Dickinson Wright’s Phoenix office who works with developers, contractors, and owners on construction matters from project planning through dispute resolution. His practice spans both commercial and residential construction, including contract drafting, negotiation, and the resolution of complex claims.
Steve is often called on when projects encounter challenges—whether involving construction defects, delays, or risk allocation issues. He has extensive experience in both litigation and arbitration and has served as an arbitrator and mediator in construction disputes.
Beyond his client work, Steve has played an active role in shaping construction law in Arizona through appellate matters and industry involvement. He is a past chair of the State Bar of Arizona’s Construction Law Section and remains closely engaged with industry groups, bringing a practical, well-rounded perspective to his work.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of California Hastings College of the Law
J.D., 1982- cum laude
- Assisting Managing Editor, The Hastings Law Journal
- Order of the Coif
- Thurston Society
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- The Legal 500 United States
- Real Estate - Construction, 2023, 2025
- Real Estate – Construction and Construction Litigation, 2026
- "Recommended Lawyer," 2020-2022, 2026
- Southwest Super Lawyers®
- Construction Law, 2017-2021
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- "Lawyer of the Year," Construction Law, 2012
- Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, 2023-2026
- Construction Lawyer’s Society of America
- Fellow
- Martindale-Hubbell® AV Certification Rating
Prominent Assignments
- Defended homebuilders in large-scale construction defect claims involving dozens of homeowners, achieving favorable outcomes in both litigation and arbitration
- Represented a municipality in a complex claim involving a water treatment system, leading to a favorable resolution that secured a replacement system at no cost
- Defeated class certification in a putative class action involving disclosure issues in a residential development
- Drafts and negotiates construction agreements for projects, including residential developments, commercial properties, and energy facilities
- Handles disputes involving design issues, delays, change orders, and construction performance
Professional Involvement
- Charter Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
Publications/Presentations
Recent Seminar Presentations:
- Sponsor: State Bar of Arizona:
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June, 2019: Confronting Problems on the Critical Path in Residential Construction
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April, 2019: Emerging Issues in Construction Litigation
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March, 2018: Read the Contract: A Lawyer’s First Step in Every Construction Dispute – Use of Standard Form Contracts and Emerging Alternative Procurement Methods. The Spearin Doctrine and Its Applicability to CMAR and Design-Build Contracts.
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October, 2017: Sirrah v. Wunderlich Decision
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March, 2017: Deciding What Causes of Action to Plead in a Construction Case
- March, 2017: Arizona Construction Law 2017: Annual Update of Recent Developments
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October, 2016: Enforcing Liquidated Damages: Did Dobson Bay Change the Rules?
- February, 2011: Mastering Construction Law
- February, 2010: Examining Emerging Construction Trends Over the Past 10 Years
- June, 2009: Working With Experts in Construction Disputes
- February, 2009: A Close Inspection of Recent Arizona Construction Law Cases
- February, 2009: Warranty Law Update
- February, 2008: Significant Changes in New AIA Documents
- February, 2008: Reinforcing The Foundation: Emerging Issues for Construction Lawyers
- November, 2007: Arizona’s Prompt Pay Act
- September, 2007: Procedural Motions to Dismiss
- April, 2007: Private Arbitration Updates
- February, 2006: Litigating the Multi-Party Construction Case
- December, 2005: Payment Claims Through the Registrar of Contractors
- January, 2004: Building a Construction Case From the Ground up
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- Sponsor: Arizona Builders Alliance:
- December, 2019: Overview of Mechanics’ Lien
- March, 2019: Negotiating Key Contract Clauses
- April, 2018: Negotiating Dangerous Contract Provisions
- April, 2017: Negotiating Tough Subcontract Provisions
- September, 2011: Payment Seminar for Contractors
- November, 2009: Steps to Improve Collections
- December, 2008: Payment and Collections for Contractors
- April 2008: Insurance and Indemnity Issues for Contractors
- April, 2007: Change Orders: Best Practices
- April, 2007: Arizona Lien and Stop Notice Law
- December, 2005: A Primer on Oral Change Orders
- Sponsor: Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants:
- October, 2004: Hidden Ownership Exposure
- Sponsor: Construction Financial Management:
- June, 2009: Contractor Strategic Boot Camp: Ins and Outs of Bankruptcy
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Sponsor: Lorman Education Services:
- May, 2008: Construction Litigation in Arizona: Application of the Economic Loss Rule to Claims Against Design Professionals
- Sponsor: National Builders Institute:
- January, 2007: Resolving Disputes on Construction Projects