Premier Construction Law Attorneys | Avon, OH

WELCOME TO

TRUAX LAW GROUP

Our team at the Truax Law Group offers elite legal services, trusted advice, and strategic guidance to the construction industry and small business owner in Northern Ohio and throughout the state.

YOUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBERS

Our no-nonsense approach to law comes from our construction and business backgrounds. We’re built on a new standard—a solutions-based, communication-driven, client service firm for construction businesses and small businesses.

Our approach is strong in care and value, avoiding cookie-cutter strategies that won’t work for everyone. We’re here as an extension of your team, to be trusted advisors you can turn to for advice even beyond the legal aspects of your company.

Construction Law | Truax Law Group Avon, OH

Construction Law | Mission | Truax Law Group Avon, OH

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

TRUST – CLARITY – RELIABILITY – TENACITY – STRATEGY

We spend a lot of time upfront getting to know you and your business because we want you to truly know we’re on your side. Those conversations help all of us get on the same page and figure out the most effective approach for any issue. We’re intentional about explaining the contracts you’re given, the claims process, how court is going to go, and other situations we might run into because we want you to be ahead of the curve. We always have your goals at the top of our minds.

PRACTICE AREAS

Providing elite legal services, trusted advice and strategic guidance to the construction industry and small business throughout Northeast Ohio.

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Providing counsel and representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and owners through all project phases and claim disputes, managing and limiting risks, and taking matters to arbitration or trial when necessary.

ESTATES & TRUSTS

Whether you need help with succession planning for your business or your personal estate planning, we walk you through each step and work to understand what is important and exactly what you want. We can also assist after someone passes away without clear directives or someone tries to take advantage of a situation, including will and trust contests, fiduciary claims involving abuse of their power, undue influence, or elder financial abuse situations.

SMALL BUSINESS COUNSEL

Your small business or nonprofit organization is a fundamental part of our community, so we back you up with business and real estate transactions as well as contract preparation and negotiation. We ensure compliance and manage risk. And when it comes time to talk about succession, we have a game plan.

STRATEGIC ADVISORY SERVICES

Providing strategic counsel to align business goals with legal objectives and risk management, assisting with leadership and coaching management, and prioritizing organization, efficiency, and communication.

BUSINESS DISPUTES

Representing businesses and owners in complex disputes and claims, including contract disputes and business tort claims, in order to avoid litigation, but when necessary, in court, arbitration, or mediation.

MEDIATION SERVICES

When we’re not representing our own clients’ interests, we can help others resolve their disputes. We mediate claims and disputes to settle matters outside of court. We offer unbiased perspectives, finding compromises that take all the key facts and issues into account.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS

Ohio Super Lawyer 2019-2022
Rising Star Super Lawyer 2014-2018

Ohio Super Lawyers

Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 & Under, District 10

Ohio State Bar Association 2018

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Acting Programming Chair and former Vice Chair of the Board

Leadership Lorain County Board of Directors

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Founding member of the Bridge Board (young professionals of the Boys and Girls Club)

Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland

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NEWS & ARTICLES

Our blog articles, insight and ramblings over the latest legal issues and developments impacting the construction industry and the business community.

Settlement Traps: Accord and Satisfaction

July 24, 2023 By Phil Truax In Uncategorized No Comments

Settlement Traps: Accord and Satisfaction Imagine you’re owed $80,000 for work performed on a construction project. You’re still owed this money because your customer has raised issues with your performance. What now? Substantial completion of your w...

Ohio’s HCSSA Loses Steam; Remodelers Beware!

January 23, 2023 By Phil Truax In Uncategorized No Comments

In 2012, the Ohio General Assembly gave some relief to #homebuilders and #contractors, and carved out “home construction services” from the Consumer Sales Practices Act – the Ohio consumer protection law that can impose treble (aka, triple...

Ready for 2023? Evaluate the Tough Job

November 1, 2022 By Phil Truax In Uncategorized No Comments

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing” -Henry Ford. “When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: Admit it, Learn from it, and Don’t Repeat it.” -Bear Bryant. It’d...

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TRUAX LAW GROUP, LTD.

Phil Truax

Founder

I've been around construction my whole life. My dad was a construction engineer, I grew up playing on bulldozers. Then I worked as a laborer and foreman in Cleveland for +5 years getting through college. Then after law school, I've spent 15 years representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, owners, and developers - and I really enjoy it. I also work with other businesses and business owners to mine opportunities, manage risk, pursue & defend claims and protect their livelihood. Outside the office, I love spending time with my wife and two kids, coaching youth sports and traveling.

Robert J. Lally

Attorney

I am an attorney with more than 30 years of experience in the areas of construction and design claims, commercial litigation, and negligence liability defense, including professional liability, insurance coverage, municipal liability defense, and employment liability defense. During part of my career, I served as General Counsel of a major engineering/architecture firm in Cleveland. I live in Bay Village with my wife, Beth, and have been blessed with two great kids. I also love live music and Mets baseball (often not so great).

Patrick J. Ertle

Attorney

I am an attorney with over 25 years of legal experience. I served for eight years as the General Legal Counsel for 21 corporations of Cleveland Catholic Charities, which encompassed all legal matters, including real property, construction, employment, board governance, corporate structuring, and risk management. I have spent over 20 years in the Ohio nonprofit sector, involving healthcare, higher education, and human services. In addition, I have extensive experience in estate and business succession planning. My wife Susan and I live in Lakewood and enjoy spending time with our four children and four grandchildren, and we have a shared love of travel. I enjoy watching Cleveland sports and playing golf whenever I can.

Sami Z. Farhat

Attorney

I am a lawyer focusing on construction and business disputes and agreements. I come to Truax Law with about 6 years of experience at other firms in Northeast Ohio. I work closely with the firm’s construction and small business clients. I was born and raised in Greater Cleveland, and I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons, and can’t get enough of Cleveland sports!