Surety & Warranty

While surety providers usually fall under the umbrella of insurance companies, the construction surety bond is not your typical policy. For this reason—and for the inherent complexity of these projects, contracts, and indemnity agreements—surety providers can benefit from the knowledge and skill of experienced counsel. Eyford Partners has that experience.

Our lawyers have an established track record of helping surety providers, and their customers, to achieve the best possible outcome. We have been involved at every stage of the construction process in both the public and the private sector—actively advocating for our clients’ best interests and negotiating with project owners, creditors, and contractors. Our knowledge of related areas, such as municipal law, insurance, and professional liability, allows us to offer our clients a comprehensive suite of solutions.

Our fluency in this field allows us to advise clients on everything from business strategy to individual documents. We have considerable experience advising clients on a wide variety of contractor and commercial bonds. We have also dealt with every scale of construction project, from public works infrastructure to skyscrapers to single family homes. Our litigators bring a unique perspective to the table, including the inside perspective of a former in-house surety lawyer.

At Eyford Partners, we advise our clients on best practices regarding compliance, helping them to take precautions against risk. When a demand is made, we engage in an in-depth analysis to determine obligations and the best route forward. Our priority is always to provide our clients with pragmatic and cost-effective solutions, often negotiating for their interests in mediation. In some circumstances, surety disputes can proceed to court. Our clients can rest assured, with the confidence that they have retained the counsel of skilled litigators who have argued cases at every level of court in British Columbia. Working in conference rooms, construction trailers, and the courts, our litigators have earned a reputation for delivering solutions.

When a surety incurs a loss, it looks to the principal and indemnitors for reimbursement. Our lawyers have chased debtors and secured recoveries through agreement, enforcement, and across borders. We work hard to achieve compensation for our clients, always willing to take on urgent pursuits while giving cost-effective advice.

We don’t just practice surety law; we take an active approach to educating clients about key developments. For example, Christopher Schuld, partner, gives the legal update at the BC Surety Association quarterly meeting and delivers lunch and learns at several client offices.