About N.
N. Ward Lambert: Construction Litigation & Arbitration Attorney in Greenville, SC
N. Ward Lambert is a seasoned construction attorney and the President of Harper, Lambert & Brown, P.A., a firm dedicated to providing expert legal counsel and aggressive representation in construction litigation, arbitration, and mediation. With over three decades of experience, Ward brings a unique blend of legal expertise and practical knowledge, honed through a distinguished career in both legal practice and engineering, to every case. He is deeply committed to protecting the rights and interests of his clients, whether they are developers, contractors, owners, or project stakeholders.
Ward’s career began with a strong technical foundation, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University in 1984. This background provides him with a distinct advantage in understanding the complex technical aspects of construction projects, enabling him to effectively analyze disputes, identify critical issues, and advocate persuasively on behalf of his clients. Prior to establishing his legal practice, Ward served as a project engineer for Milliken Chemicals, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience in process design, plant expansions, and the construction of a new chemical processing plant – witnessing firsthand the challenges and opportunities inherent in large-scale construction endeavors.
In 1990, Ward graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law and was a member of the School’s Moot Court program. He subsequently joined Haynesworth, Marion, McKay & Guerard, where he excelled as an associate in the Construction Department. Recognizing his skills and dedication, he partnered with Donald Harper to establish The Harper Law Firm, P.A. in 1995, which later became Harper, Lambert & Brown, P.A. Ward is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and is a member of the Bar of South Carolina.
Ward specializes in complex construction disputes, including breach of contract claims, mechanic’s liens, delay claims, defective workmanship, and construction defects. He has consistently demonstrated a strong track record of success in representing clients in major trials and arbitrations involving a wide range of construction projects, including condominium developments, hospitals, schools, and underground power service utilities. His expertise extends to all stages of the construction process, from design and procurement through construction and post-construction warranty periods.
Key Strengths & Experience:
- Construction Litigation & Arbitration: Ward possesses extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of construction litigation and arbitration, expertly representing clients’ interests throughout the dispute resolution process.
- Mechanic’s Liens & Payment Bonds: He is adept at handling mechanic’s lien claims, payment bond disputes, and other financial claims related to construction projects.
- Construction Defects & Warranty Claims: Ward's deep understanding of construction practices and materials allows him to effectively investigate and litigate construction defect claims and warranty disputes.
- Delay Claims & Contract Disputes: He has a proven ability to successfully argue delay claims and resolve complex contract disputes affecting construction projects.
Ward is actively involved in the legal community and is a member of several prominent professional organizations. He currently serves on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee of the South Carolina Bar Association and is a member of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, further demonstrating his unique blend of legal and engineering knowledge. He is consistently recognized as a leading attorney in his field.
Awards & Recognition: Ward has been repeatedly recognized for his outstanding legal achievements, earning the title of “Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction” for Greenville County multiple times, including in 2026, 2024, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, and 2011. He has also been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law” for Greenville County, most recently in 2024 and 2020. His commitment to excellence is further reflected in his ongoing recognition as a “Recognized: Construction Law” attorney by Best Attorney USA since 2005, and recognized for “Recognized: Government Contracts” and “Recognized: Litigation - Construction”.
Education & Credentials:
- University of South Carolina School of Law, 1990
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Clemson University, 1984
- Bar Admissions: Bar of South Carolina, United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
- Professional Memberships: Greenville County Bar Association, American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Association (Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee), South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Contact Information:
City: Greenville
State: South Carolina
Country: United States
Practice Areas
Case History
Education
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Greenville (2026)
- Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Greenville (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Greenville (2024)
- Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Greenville (2020)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Greenville (2017)
- Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Greenville (2016)
- Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Greenville (2014)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Construction, Greenville (2012)
- Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Greenville (2011)
- Recognized: Construction Law
- Recognized: Government Contracts
- Recognized: Litigation - Construction