Frantz Ward attorneys, Nora Loftus and Allison Taller Richer, members of the firm’s Construction Practice Group, co-authored Chapter 7, “Changes in the Work,” of the newly published American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law’s A201 Deskbook. The Deskbook analyzes provisions of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) A201 Form: Owner-Contractor General Conditions, providing valuable insight into common issues and practical solutions to address these issues, with case law addressing certain provisions. The Deskbook focuses on revisions made to the recently-released 2017 version of the A201.
 
The A201 General Conditions form contract, along with other AIA form contracts are often referred to as the AIA Documents. AIA Documents are the most common and longstanding family of form contracts used by owners, architects, construction managers, contractors and subcontractors to protect themselves during the construction process. For details regarding the changes and more information regarding these forms, .
 
Nora and Allison, along with the additional attorneys of , devote their practice solely to the construction and surety industry.
 
Nora assists businesses in the construction industry with risk management and claims avoidance. From front-end contract review and assisting clients with project documentation to ensure they are in the best position to defend or prosecute claims, Nora helps clients identify, avoid, and resolve project disputes both while the project is progressing to prevent issues from escalating, through litigation and alternative dispute resolutions. Nora believes in helping clients spend their time where it should be spent—developing their businesses. Nora had represented owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and sureties, which enables her to spot issues and risks from all sides. Nora has significant experience in construction related matters, including bid protests, professional negligence claims, insurance coverage issues, government set-aside programs, and a thorough understanding of construction law. Nora has served as both first and second chair for numerous trials and arbitrations throughout the country, and has successfully mediated or resolved a significant number of other disputes. Nora is a Panel Member of the American Arbitration Association. She earned a B.A. from Miami University and has a J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
 
Allison focuses on all aspects of construction law, including drafting, negotiating, and revising contracts; assisting clients manage claims, projects, and schedules in real time to keep projects moving; and resolving disputes between her clients. She strives to obtain the best possible result for her clients at the earliest opportunity. Because of this, Allison engages in negotiations and mediations before and in addition to arbitration hearings and litigation proceedings including trials. She is dedicated to her clients because she understands the issues they face—large and small—can make or break for each client. She received her J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and her B.S. in Architecture from