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Joel S. Rubinstein

Partner
+1.202.778.9240
Fax +1.202.778.9100

Joel S. Rubinstein concentrates his practice in construction law, including bid issues, small business contracting, changes, claims and other contract disputes before various administrative boards of contract appeals, state and federal courts, and arbitration tribunals.

Mr. Rubinstein has represented construction contractors throughout the United States involving both public and private projects. He has assisted in negotiation of contract claims at several military installations and public facilities throughout the country. He has participated in actions involving prime contractors, subcontractors and sureties regarding payment and performance bond issues on both the federal (Miller Act) and local (Little Miller Act) levels. Mr. Rubinstein has also been involved in Davis-Bacon Act cases and Walsh-Healey Act cases, as well as defense of OSHA citations.

Mr. Rubinstein has 35 years of experience in government contracts and construction law matters. He regularly represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, sureties, architects and engineers in bid protests, performance claims resolution and litigation, mistakes in bid, government contracting, small business certification and other procurement matters.

Professional Background

Prior to private practice, Mr. Rubinstein served in the Office of the General Counsel of the U.S. General Accounting Office and the Office of the General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force.

In private practice, he was a partner from 1985 to 1993 and an associate from 1977 to 1984 at a small Washington, D.C.-based firm.  Mr. Rubinstein was a partner with Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP from 1994 to 2009.

Achievements

  • D.C. Metropolitan Subcontractors Association
  • Outstanding Service Award, 1998, 2002
  • Special Achievement Award, 2000

Professional/Civic Activities

  • American Subcontractors Association Legal Advisory Council
  • University of Illinois College of Law (Board of Visitors)
  • Builders’ Ball (General Counsel, 1996-2003)

Speaking Engagements

As a frequent author and lecturer, Mr. Rubinstein addresses construction and government contracts issues of bid protests, contract payment and performance problems, small and minority business matters, drug-free workplace, federal supply schedule matters and minority certification.  He has served as Adjunct Professor on the topic of Practical Construction Law (CE 581) at the Catholic University of America. Mr. Rubinstein has lectured on “Killer Clauses” at the Pride Marketing and Procurement Fall 2008 Conference. He has presented an “Introduction to the New AIA Construction Contract Documents” as a lecturer to Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP and has lectured to the D. C. Metropolitan Subcontractors Association on “The New AIA Construction Contract Documents.” He is also a frequent lecturer for various trade associations on the subjects of contract clauses and transfer of risk.
  • Successfully represented intervenor in protest involving operation and maintenance of three U.S. Centers for Disease Control campuses in Georgia, including Bio-Safety Levels 3 and 4 Laboratories.  Protest involved multiple requests for summary dismissal and multiple supplemental protests.
  • Numerous bid protests before U.S. Government Accountability Office involving government procurement.
  • Successfully represented subcontractor in Little Miller Act proceeding against local university.
  • Several successful mediations and arbitrations of construction disputes.