Laguna Beach Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

Laguna Beach Public Works & Government Contracts Attorney

Public works projects can be more difficult to navigate than private contracts, because government processes require specific forms and qualifications. An experienced Laguna Beach public works & government contracts lawyer can help make the process easier and answer your questions.

At Engels-Janzen, we understand the importance of getting things right the first time. We know the ins and outs of government contracts and can help you navigate any issues, whether you’re a contractor or a government agency. Being proactive is a great way to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation, and that includes hiring the experience of a quality legal team.

Competitive Bidding and Prevailing Wage Laws

Most public works projects are subject to the same requirements to ensure fairness and protect the government’s interests. Two of the most confusing of these requirements are competitive bidding and prevailing wage.

When a government office or representative wants to hire contractors for a public works project, they usually have to allow for competitive bidding. This means a call for bids must be posted publicly, with an intended date for bid opening. The poster should open the bids on that date. Sometimes bids may be opened later, but opening them early does not give all potential bidders a fair chance.

This system is intended to allow any interested contractors a fair shot at bidding for the job. Once bids are opened, no new bids may be considered. This ensures that if bids are opened late, no further late additions are considered, and it doesn’t penalize those who submitted a bid by the deadline.

Additionally, government contracts must meet prevailing wage requirements. The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) releases guidelines on how workers are classified based on the type of work they are doing. Each of these classifications has a prevailing wage, or a generally accepted rate for that type and classification of worker.

When initiating a public works project, the agency awarding the contract has a responsibility to notify bidders of prevailing wage requirements. While contractors are responsible for complying with these laws, the awarding agency may also be held liable if prevailing wages are not paid.

Ensuring compliance with these requirements can be difficult. You can always hire a public works & government contracts lawyer to help guide you through the steps. They can also advise you on what documentation you need and how to navigate filing a claim.

Registering as a Public Works Contractor

For most projects, contractors must be registered with the DIR as a public works contractor to be eligible. In Laguna Beach, this registration is handled at the public works office on Ocean Avenue. To register as a public works contractor, a worker must be licensed in one of three classes:

1. General Engineering
2. General Building
3. Specialty

Contractors must also provide workers’ comp coverage for their workers and must not have any delinquencies in unpaid wages, penalties, or prior violations of the requirements. Any subcontractors involved in a public works case are also required to be registered with the DIR.

While registration is often simple, it’s a vital step to get right, so proper documentation is a must. If you’re trying to register, make sure you have the appropriate license for the work you do. When hiring contractors, verify their registration information with the DIR or public works office.

A Laguna Beach public works & government contracts attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation for this registration. They can also help ensure that everyone involved in a project is properly registered and deal with issues that arise when someone isn’t.

Hire a Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

Government contracting accounts for a lot of work in California, with the federal government spending 62.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. CA was also the third-highest recipient of federal contracts in fiscal year 2023. Many contractors get their work through government contracts.

With all these contracts in motion, it’s important to make sure all government contract laws are understood and followed. An experienced lawyer can help with disputes that arise, but they can also provide other assistance, like:

• Drafting contracts and calls for bids
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations before any issues occur
• Making sure subcontractors are properly registered and equipped
• Determining the right type and classification of workers for a job

While these cases might be able to be handled alone, that leaves one more open to mistakes or costly errors. Instead, get help early in the process, so you have protection and guidance every step of the way.

Quality Public Entity Representation

34% of Laguna Beach City’s budget is allocated to public works, its second largest expenditure. If you work for one of the public entities contracting work as part of this budget, you want to make sure you’re taking the right steps and protecting your organization.

From the call for bids to the very end of a project, there are legal requirements that, when not followed, can create trouble. An attorney from Engels-Janzen can advise you throughout the process, easing your anxiety and protecting your safety.

If disputes arise during a project, having a lawyer who understands your case can make it easier to address them. You can have representation in negotiations or other resolutions, or have support if further legal action needs to be taken.

Get Supportive and Tough Legal Aid Today

Whatever stage your public works project is at, it’s never too soon to enlist legal aid. As a contractor, subcontractor, or public entity, you have rights and responsibilities for public works contracts. While you might not remember all of these, an experienced attorney would.

At Engels-Janzen, we’ve seen public works cases of all types. Chris Engels was named a 2022 Rising Star by Super Lawyers, and our entire team brings experience with contract law and litigation. From knowing what workers you need to defending against false claims, we can have your back.

Schedule a free consultation with us today so we can learn more about you and your needs. Together, we can find the right path forward so you can feel good about your public works project.