Anaheim Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

Anaheim Public Works & Government Contracts Attorney

Anaheim is home to many stunning construction projects, including the Disneyland Resort, the Honda Center, and Angel Stadium. On top of these massive builds, the city also contracts out many public works projects to build the infrastructure Anaheim needs. Whether you’re a contractor or a public entity, you could benefit from representation by an Anaheim public works & government contracts lawyer.

Chris Engels and Sean Janzen have seen dozens of public works cases, and they know how specific government contracts can be. They understand the necessity of complying with all applicable laws to protect both government interests and workers’ rights. With Engels-Janzen, you’re getting experienced, firm legal representation.

Requirements for Public Works Contractors

Any contractors or subcontractors looking to work on a public works contract must be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), as well as licensed in one of these three classes:

1. General Engineering
2. General Building
3. Specialty

To qualify for registration, they should have workers’ comp coverage for their workers. Any unpaid wages, penalties, fines, or prior violations of the registration requirements might prohibit them from registering. If they register successfully, they can bid for public works contracts. Hiring a subcontractor who isn’t properly registered can put the project at risk, regardless of their reputation.

Each public works case is unique. From small street repairs to the $4B OCVIBE entertainment district being built in conjunction with the city, each case should be treated on its own terms and requires careful examination. While the same laws apply to most cases, how they play out depends on the people, funds, and work involved.

Any contractors fulfilling public works contracts are required to comply with prevailing wage laws. This means they must pay the generally accepted wages for the type and classification of worker they’re hiring, as determined by the DIR. These rates can be obtained from the DIR or the local public works office.

Lastly, it’s vital for any contractor to maintain proper payroll records. Most often, these records need to be submitted to the DIR to prevent accusations of false claims. Any discrepancies or missing records could be cause for concern and further legal action.

Investigation and Defense for the False Claims Act

Throughout Orange County and the rest of California, the False Claims Act protects the government against fraudulent use of its funds. It lays out the legal processes and consequences involved when someone presents a false claim to the government in order to misuse contract funds.

In fiscal year 2025, California saw more than $6.8 billion in FCA settlements and judgments. The costs can be high, so knowing how to avoid false claims is helpful.

Anyone who knowingly submits a false claim, contract, or request for payment violates the FCA. If a contractor requests payment at a rate not agreed upon, it is likely a false claim. Submitting a proposal for work you don’t intend to do is also a false claim.

Additionally, creating false materials, such as payroll records or inventory sheets, to support a false claim can be prosecuted. Conspiring to create these materials is also prohibited.

If any worker suspects that the FCA has been violated, they can go to the local DIR or public works office to report it. Workers are protected from whistleblower retaliation, meaning they cannot be unfairly fired for reporting a violation of the FCA. They may even be able to file a qui tam claim on behalf of the government, allowing them to receive some of the funds awarded in the case.

Whether you want to submit a qui tam claim or defend against allegations of an FCA violation, an attorney’s aid can be invaluable. When you hire a public works & government contracts lawyer, you help protect your interests and your rights.

Experienced Public Entity Representation

Workers aren’t the only ones who need representation. Public entities offering contracts must also be aware of the FCA and prevailing wage requirements. Often, they rely on experienced attorneys to supply the knowledge and materials they need.

Additionally, when posting a call for bids, public entities have to allow for competitive bidding. The call for bids must be publicly posted, have a stated end date, and allow for interested parties to properly submit their bid.

Failing to do this could result in further legal actions or penalties, but the process can be quite specific. Reading bids early almost always leads to trouble, but sometimes reading them late can be acceptable. A lawyer from Engels-Janzen can help your agency check all the boxes so you can post your call for bids without worry.

Hire a Public Works & Government Contracts Lawyer

The Anaheim area is often busy with construction, having over 99,000 construction jobs in December 2025. Some of those jobs are public works contracts that have to meet specific requirements and follow certain procedures.

For workers and public entities, FCA claims and drafting contracts, the most effective way to protect your interests is to work with a seasoned lawyer. The team at Engels-Janzen knows these cases because they’ve seen them time and time again.

With experience in construction law, government contracts law, and construction work itself, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience for many types of cases. We can tailor our support to the specific details of your case, making sure we meet your needs and represent your interests.

Take the Next Step Today

Working with an Anaheim public works & government contracts attorney just makes things simpler. With our experience and your passion, we can figure out what your case needs. Dedicated to providing kind but firm service to our clients, we vigorously protect your interests in negotiations and the courtroom.

If you’re unsure about where to go next, reach out to us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll learn more about your case and explain how our skills can fit what you need. Don’t face potential litigation or other issues alone. Get the help of a team that has seen these cases before and knows what’s required for success.