New Jersey Construction Attorney — Operator, Not Just a Lawyer
The Construction Attorney Who Has Run Crews, Managed Contracts, and Knows the Trades From the Inside.
Most construction attorneys have never held a shovel. Sean Branigan has run landscaping and general contracting operations in New Jersey — managing crews, negotiating contracts, dealing with licensing boards, and navigating the full range of disputes that arise in the trades. That experience is not a footnote. It is the foundation of how he represents contractors, developers, and property owners.
Construction disputes in New Jersey are complex, fast-moving, and expensive. Mechanic's liens, contract disputes, licensing board complaints, OSHA investigations, and construction defect claims can threaten a contractor's business, reputation, and license. Sean moves fast — because in construction disputes, delay is always the enemy.
He has fought for the forgotten in this industry — including a licensed landscaper and general contractor from Montclair who was wrongly targeted by the system. He knows what it feels like to be a small operator up against a large adversary. And he knows how to win.
Whether you are a general contractor, a subcontractor, a developer, a landscaper, or a property owner dealing with defective work — Sean is the attorney who speaks your language and fights your fight.
Reach Sean Directly
Direct Cell
973.519.3332
Office
973.744.2223
Free diagnosis & strategy session available.
Strategic consultation: $1,000.
True victims & the wrongfully accused are never turned away.
Bilingual — English & Spanish.
Scope of Representation
What Sean Handles in Construction & Contractor Defense
Contractor Licensing Defense
New Jersey contractor licensing board complaints can result in license suspension or revocation. Sean defends contractors before the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) program.
Mechanic's Lien Claims & Defense
New Jersey's mechanic's lien law is powerful — and complex. Sean files and enforces mechanic's liens for unpaid contractors and subcontractors, and defends property owners against improper lien claims.
Construction Contract Disputes
Scope disputes, change order conflicts, payment disputes, and contract terminations — Sean litigates construction contract disputes with the precision of a trial lawyer and the knowledge of an operator.
Construction Defect Claims
When a contractor delivers defective work, the property owner has rights. When a property owner makes inflated or fraudulent defect claims, the contractor needs a fighter. Sean handles both sides.
Subcontractor Disputes
Disputes between general contractors and subcontractors — over payment, scope, quality, and liability — require an attorney who understands the construction industry's unique dynamics.
OSHA Defense
OSHA investigations and citations can be devastating for construction businesses. Sean defends contractors against OSHA enforcement actions — challenging citations, negotiating penalties, and protecting the business.
Surety Bond Claims
Performance bond and payment bond claims require specialized knowledge of surety law and construction contracts. Sean handles these claims for both claimants and sureties.
Public Contract Disputes
New Jersey public contracts — with municipalities, counties, and state agencies — involve unique legal requirements. Sean represents contractors in public contract disputes, bid protests, and prevailing wage matters.
Who Calls Sean
This Practice Area Is Built for You If…
Representing contractors, developers, and property owners throughout New Jersey — with particular depth in Essex County (Montclair, Newark, Bloomfield), Morris County, Warren County, Sussex County, and Ocean County.
- You are a licensed contractor facing a licensing board complaint or investigation.
- You are owed money for work you completed and need to file or enforce a mechanic's lien.
- You are a property owner dealing with defective construction work and need to hold the contractor accountable.
- You are a general contractor in a dispute with a subcontractor over payment, scope, or quality.
- You are facing an OSHA investigation or citation.
- You are a landscaper, general contractor, or specialty contractor who needs legal representation from someone who understands the trades.
- You are a developer facing a construction dispute that is threatening your project timeline and budget.
- You were wrongly accused of contractor fraud or consumer fraud and need an aggressive defense.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mechanic's lien and how does it work in New Jersey?
A mechanic's lien is a security interest in real property that protects contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have provided labor or materials but have not been paid. In New Jersey, a lien claim must be filed within 90 days of the last date of work. Sean files and enforces mechanic's liens aggressively — and defends property owners against improper claims.
What is the New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration and why does it matter?
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Failure to register, or violations of the HIC regulations, can result in license revocation, fines, and civil liability. Sean defends contractors before the Division of Consumer Affairs and advises on compliance.
Can a property owner withhold payment if they are unhappy with the work?
Property owners have the right to withhold payment for defective or incomplete work — but they must follow specific procedures to avoid liability for wrongful withholding. Sean advises both contractors and property owners on their rights and obligations in payment disputes.
What should a contractor do when they receive an OSHA citation?
Contest it. OSHA citations have strict deadlines for contest — typically 15 working days from receipt. Failure to contest results in a final order. Sean defends contractors against OSHA citations — challenging the legal basis, the facts, and the penalty amount.
How does Sean's experience as a contractor help his clients?
Sean has run landscaping and general contracting operations in New Jersey. He understands the economics of construction projects, the dynamics of contractor-subcontractor relationships, the challenges of licensing compliance, and the reality of construction disputes. That experience makes him a more effective advocate — he understands what his clients are actually dealing with.