About Bruce
Bruce W. Ficken: Leading Construction Law & Litigation Attorney in Philadelphia
Bruce W. Ficken is a nationally recognized leader in construction law and litigation, dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of owners, developers, and contractors. With over four decades of experience, Mr. Ficken consistently delivers exceptional results through a combination of strategic legal counsel, meticulous trial preparation, and a deep understanding of the complexities inherent in construction projects. He's not just a lawyer; he’s a trusted advisor, consistently ranked among the top construction attorneys in the United States.
As Chair of the firm’s Construction Law group, Mr. Ficken has a proven track record of success, having successfully conducted over 60 major trials – both in the United States and in international arbitrations. His expertise spans a wide range of construction disputes, including breach of contract, delay claims, mechanic's liens, payment disputes, construction defects, and professional liability. He's adept at managing risk proactively, implementing strategies to mitigate potential issues before they escalate into costly litigation.
Mr. Ficken's commitment extends beyond courtroom advocacy. He’s a highly sought-after resource for clients seeking guidance on contract documentation, contract and project administration, and dispute avoidance and resolution. He understands the critical importance of clear and comprehensive contracts and leverages his knowledge to protect his clients’ investments.
A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a distinction reserved for only a select few, and a “Lawyer of the Year” as recognized by Best Lawyers (2017 and 2020 for Construction Law and Litigation - Construction), Mr. Ficken’s reputation is built on a foundation of expertise, dedication, and unwavering advocacy. Chambers USA consistently ranks him in Band 1 for construction law, with clients noting his “great in front of a jury” skills and describing him as “as good as they get.”
Beyond his courtroom prowess, Mr. Ficken is an active contributor to the construction legal community. He serves as a private arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and has successfully mediated numerous complex construction disputes, bringing valuable experience to every case. He’s a co-chairman of the Construction SuperConference, a leading annual event that brings together industry professionals to share knowledge and best practices. Mr. Ficken frequently lectures at invitation, presenting his expertise to a diverse range of professional groups, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, Federal Publications, the Contract Specification Institute, the School of Engineering of the University of Wisconsin, the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the Practising Law Institute.
Mr. Ficken’s legal contributions are further evidenced by his authorship of several key publications, including Construction Litigation (Editions I and II), published by the Practicing Law Institute and Hazardous Waste Disposal and Underground Construction Law, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. He also serves as a contributing author for the Construction Law Handbook (Aspen Publications) and Moisture Control in Buildings (ASTM Publications), demonstrating his ongoing commitment to advancing the field of construction law. His intellectual property includes recognition in **Best Attorney USA since 2006**.
Education & Credentials:
Mr. Ficken earned his bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University and obtained his law degree, magna cum laude, from Dickinson School of Law, where he served as the managing editor of Dickinson Law Review. He’s a dedicated professional with an unparalleled depth of experience and a tireless commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.
Practice Areas: Construction Law, Litigation - Construction
Awards: Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Philadelphia (2024), Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Philadelphia (2020), Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Philadelphia (2017)
Recognized: Construction Law, Recognized: Litigation - Construction, Practice Area: Government Contracts
Affiliations: Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006
Contact Information: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
