James F. "Jim" Archibald III

James F. "Jim" Archibald III: Construction Law & Litigation Expert in Alabama

James F. "Jim" Archibald III is a seasoned partner at his firm, specializing in construction law and litigation. With over two decades of experience, Jim provides unparalleled legal counsel to a diverse range of clients involved in construction projects, including general contractors, owners, developers, engineering firms, subcontractors, and vendors. He is recognized as a leading authority in his field, consistently delivering exceptional results through a deep understanding of complex construction contracts, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Jim’s expertise encompasses every stage of a construction project – from the initial conception and preparation of contract documents to meticulous bid preparation, proactive management of bid mistakes and protests, sophisticated change order negotiations, strategic claim preparation, effective termination strategies, and decisive resolution of disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. He has advised clients on a vast array of projects, including those administered by the U.S. State Department, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the Army Corps of Engineers, demonstrating a breadth of knowledge across various sectors and governmental entities.

Jim’s track record is built on a deep understanding of the intricate challenges inherent in complex construction projects. He possesses extensive experience in vigorously prosecuting and defending extra work, delay, acceleration, impact, and inefficiency claims – many of which have exceeded $10 million. These claims have frequently involved both the general contractor and crucial pass-through claims initiated by numerous subcontractors, showcasing his ability to navigate even the most complicated situations. Notable examples of his successful representation include substantial claims at the Madigan Army Hospital in Seattle, Washington; the McKinley Climatic Test Chamber at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; the McWilliams Power Station Project in Gantt, Alabama; the Renovation of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Montgomery, Alabama; the Edwin Zorinsky Federal Building in Omaha, Nebraska; the U.S. Federal Courthouse in El Paso, Texas; the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico; the Kinston Regional Water Reclamation Facility in Kinston, North Carolina, and the Shelby County Water Treatment Plant in Shelby County, Alabama.

Beyond his work on public projects, Jim offers specialized expertise in advising owners and design builders on heavy industrial projects, handling multi-million-dollar performance disputes and defaults arising from these complex undertakings. A particularly noteworthy case involved representing the EPC Contractor for the Blue Water Fiber Waste Water Treatment Plant in Port Huron, Michigan, against claims by the owner and bondholders alleging failure to meet performance guarantees – a dispute that was litigated in Federal Court in Detroit, Michigan, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit, Michigan. Similarly, he represented the owner/developer of the AES Red Oak 800 MW Power Plant in Red Oak, New Jersey, asserting claims against its EPC Contractor for failing to meet performance tests and guarantees, resulting in a significant lawsuit in New York. Finally, he defended a contractor in performance disputes originating from a Natural Gas Expander Plant in Philadelphia, skillfully defending against claims of unmet performance guarantees.

Jim’s dedication extends to addressing critical issues such as construction defects and insurance coverage for construction defects. He has repeatedly represented developers of student housing projects across Connecticut, Florida, and Louisiana against complex claims involving water intrusion, mold, defective construction, and defective design – as well as representing contractors, such as the one who built the Charleston Judicial Center Complex in Charleston, South Carolina, against similar water intrusion, mold, and construction defect claims. His proactive approach includes diligently defending against these claims and aggressively pursuing insurance coverage to protect his clients from potentially devastating losses.

Recently, Jim has achieved significant victories in bid protests arising out of U.S. Embassy Projects, leveraging his expertise in the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986. These successful protests demonstrate his deep understanding of government procurement regulations and his commitment to advocating for his clients' interests.

Practice Areas

• Construction Law
• Litigation - Construction
• Arbitration
• Contract Review and Negotiation
• Contractors
• Government Contracts

Awards

• Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Birmingham (2026)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Birmingham (2025)
• Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Birmingham (2024)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Birmingham (2023)
• Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Birmingham (2021)
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Birmingham (2014)

Education & Credentials

• Recognized: Construction Law, Recognized: Litigation - Construction
• Practice Area: Arbitration
• Special Focus: Arbitration and Mediation
• Special Focus: Construction Disputes
• Special Focus: Contract Review and Negotiation
• Special Focus: Contractors
• Special Focus: Government Contracts
• Listed in Alabama Super Lawyers
• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rated
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009

Affiliations

City: Birmingham, State: Alabama, Country: United States