Erinn M. Contreras

Erinn Contreras is a partner in the Business Trial Practice Group in the firm's San Francisco office and leader of the firm's Multifamily Housing and Chambers -ranked Construction Teams.

Areas of Practice

Erinn is a seasoned construction and real estate attorney who represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and construction lenders in all stages of construction projects. She negotiates and drafts a variety of construction contracts, including design-build contracts, EPC contracts, professional/consultant agreements and modified AIA contracts. Erinn counsels clients on issues that arise during the course of construction, including cost overruns, delays, breach of contract and other issues.

Erinn has extensive experience litigating construction-related claims, including construction defect, delay, cost overruns, mechanic’s liens, quiet title and products liability. She works collaboratively with clients, consultants, expert witnesses and opposing parties to resolve disputes economically and efficiently. When early resolution is not possible, she vigorously litigates on behalf of her clients before judges and arbitrators.

In addition to her construction and real estate practice, Erinn also has ample employment-related experience, consisting of both employer counseling and employment litigation. She regularly advises employers on a wide array of employment issues, including employee terminations, wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence and requests for accommodation. Erinn has significant experience defending employers against claims for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She recently obtained a fully-favorable ruling on behalf of a Fortune 500 company accused of discrimination following a one-week arbitration.

Honors

Northern California Rising Stars 2013-2019

Insights

Articles

Construction & Infrastructure Law Blog Posts

• It’s All a Matter of [Statutory] Construction: Supreme Court Narrowly Interprets the Good Faith Dispute Exception to Prompt Payment Requirements in United Riggers & Erectors, Inc. v. Coast Iron & Steel Co. May 16, 2018
• 'Good Faith' May Not Be Good Enough: California Supreme Court to Decide When General Contractors Can Withhold Retention, March 7, 2018

Media Mentions

•Ballot Measures Construction Attys Should Know About
Law360, 11.08.2018