Michael G. Bock

Michael Bock is counsel in the Firm’s Pittsburgh office. He is a member of the Litigation Services Department, a member (and former chair) of the Construction Industry Practice Group, and a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group.

Mr. Bock’s practice concentrates in all aspects of construction industry law, including construction litigation at both trial and appellate levels; alternative dispute resolution (including representation of clients in arbitration and mediation proceedings); preparation and negotiation of construction industry contracts on behalf of project owners, contractors and design professionals; and general counseling of construction industry clients. Mr. Bock also has an active neutral practice in which he serves as an arbitrator and a mediator of construction-related disputes.

In addition to being a construction attorney, Mr. Bock is also a registered professional engineer (licensed in Pennsylvania and California). Prior to attending law school and entering the legal profession, he worked for some 20+ years in the engineering and construction industries. As such, his construction industry clients recognize and appreciate his ability to readily identify with their problems and issues in view of his own first-hand experiences. In summary, Mr. Bock’s engineering and construction management experience includes the following:

•1987-1990: He served as project manager for Oxford Development Company and general manager of its in-house construction company. [He served in these roles while attending law school in the evenings.]
•1973-1987: He worked for the American Bridge, USS Fabrication and USS Realty Development divisions of U.S. Steel Corporation in engineering, contracting and project management capacities. He filled a succession of increasingly responsible positions from designer/estimator through project manager and district contracting manager. His project involvement included high-rise buildings, bridges and industrial facilities.
•1968-1972: He served as a civil engineering officer in the United States Air Force, separating with an honorable discharge and the rank of Captain.

Mr. Bock is regularly recognized by Best Lawyers in America and by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in their construction law categories, and is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell (its highest peer review rating based on legal ability and ethical standards). In view of his professional excellence and integrity, he has been recognized as a fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America.

Mr. Bock has additionally served as president of the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania and as an adjunct professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering.

Other Distinctions

•fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA)
•Life fellow of the American Bar Foundation
•Listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Construction Law and Litigation - Construction, 2012-2020
•Selected as a “Pennsylvania Super Lawyer” in the Construction/Surety category, 2005; 2009-2018
•Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

Community & Pro Bono

•Mr. Bock has long been active in the Western Pennsylvania engineering and construction communities.
•He has served as a 22-year board member and past president (2005-2006) of the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP), a non-profit organization whose mission focuses on advancing the professions of engineering, architecture and applied sciences, as well as supporting the technical-related needs of the industry and community. Founded in 1880 by stalwarts of industry, ESWP is believed to be the oldest organization of its type in the United States. In view of the critical shortage of engineering talent that currently exists throughout the state and the country, Mr. Bock has been particularly active in ESWP’s student outreach initiatives, aimed at encouraging younger generations to appreciate the challenges and rewards of pursuing engineering as a career.
•Mr. Bock has performed a considerable amount of legal work for ESWP on a pro bono basis over the course of his 22-year involvement on its board. This includes serving as the organization’s defacto general counsel, advising and counseling the board on an ongoing basis, and addressing legal issues confronted by ESWP in the course of pursuing its mission.
•Mr. Bock has additionally been active in the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (the local AGC trade organization for building trades contractors) and the Constructors’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (the local AGC trade organization for heavy-highway contractors). He is an affiliate member of the American Institute of Architects.
•Mr. Bock served for three years as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering, teaching an undergraduate course in engineering ethics. At the request of the school’s dean, he served for ten years as chair of a committee (comprised of professional engineers, alumni and faculty members) to evaluate nominees and present a cash award and graduate school fellowship to an outstanding undergraduate engineering student.

Related Events

•Michael Bock Served as Adjunct Professor for Pitt’s School of Engineering
•Schnader’s Michael Bock Presented at the 94th Annual Convention for the Associated General Contractors of America
•Schnader’s Michael Bock Presents Seminar on Pennsylvania’s Mechanics’ Lien Law
•Lessons Learned - Up-Front Choices and Project Structure-Does It Make a Difference?
•Fundamentals of Construction Law-Learn the Basics from the Pros
•67th Annual International Water Conference
•Professional Development Seminar
•The Impact of Bilt-Rite
•Advanced Construction Law in Pennsylvania
•Big Building Boom in the ‘Burgh - Pirates, Steelers, Conventions and More
•The Design/Build Method of Project Delivery - Issues and Answers and Alternative Dispute Resolution and Avoidance Techniques

News & Publications

•Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2020
•Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2019
•Many Schnader Lawyers Named to PA Super Lawyers
•Schnader Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers 2017
•40 Schnader Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2018
•Many Schnader Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers 2016
•Thirty-Seven Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2017
•Thirty-Three Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2016
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2015
•Thirty-Two Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2015
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2014
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2013
•Thirty-One Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2014
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2012
•Thirty-Three Schnader Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America 2013
•Notice! Pending Changes to Pennsylvania’s Mechanics’ Lien Law
•Sixty-Eight Schnader Attorneys Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
•Thirty Schnader Attorneys Recognized as “The Best Lawyers in America” for 2012
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2011
•Super Lawyers Recognizes Many Schnader Attorneys in 2010
•Many Schnader Attorneys Honored as 2009 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
•Bock Chosen to Chair an Award Committee for the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh
•If You Want to Arbitrate Your Construction Dispute, Be Sure to “Opt-In”
•Pittsburgh Professional Notes Bock for Engineering, Law Leadership
•Bock Participates in Program on Future Cities Competition
•Schnader Attorneys Appointed and Honored
•Bock Invited to Become fellow of American Bar Foundation
•Schnader Attorneys Feted as Super Lawyers
•Michael G. Bock Turns the Spotlight on ‘Engineers Week 2005’
•“Advanced Construction Law in Pennsylvania”
•“Big Building Boom in the ‘Burgh: A Roundtable Discussion”
•“Alternative Project Delivery Systems”
•“ADR Is the Focus of Inaugural Construction Claims Forum”