A better way.

We provide contractors and developers with the quality and expertise of a large firm paired with the efficiency and value of a boutique. 

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Leaders in construction law.

Our lawyers have handled some of the nation’s largest and most complicated construction cases, and we bring that expertise to every claim we handle and every contract we draft. 

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Construction Claims

We represent owners and contractors in all manner of construction contract disputes, from change orders and delay claims to defective work claims. 
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Project Advice & Counsel

We provide clients with day-to-day advice on projects to help avoid (and prepare for) future litigation. 
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Contract Drafting & Negotiation

We draft and negotiate construction agreements for a wide range of projects. 
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Business & Real Estate
Litigation

We litigate complex business, technology, and real estate disputes. 
"The depth and breadth of their team is very strong. They have a sophisticated litigation team that is able to handle complex [construction] matters."
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Founded with a vision.

Ralls Gruber & Niece was founded by partners at large international firms who were looking for a way to provide the same exceptional legal services with efficiency and value of a boutique. In just ten years, we have become one of the leading construction-law boutiques in the country. 

2001

Ralls Gruber & Niece partners John Ralls, Sam Niece, Aaron Gruber, John Foust, Kaveh Badiei, and Clark Thiel were colleagues at Thelen Reid & Priest.

2007

Ralls Gruber & Niece partner Rowan Mason joins Thelen.

2008

Thelen, an 84-year-old firm with the top ranked construction practice in the US, dissolves. 

2008

The Thelen construction practice, including the Ralls Gruber & Niece team, is acquired by the global litigation firm Howrey LLP.

2011

Howrey LLP, a 50-year old firm with more than 500 attorneys, dissolves. 

2011

John Ralls and Sam Niece found Ralls & Niece LLP. 

2011

Aaron Gruber, John Foust, Rowan Mason, and Clark Thiel join Jones Day.

2014

Aaron Gruber joins Ralls & Niece, which is renamed Ralls Gruber & Niece LLP. 

2017

Kaveh Badiei joins Ralls Gruber & Niece from Rutan & Tucker. 

2019

John Foust joins Ralls Gruber & Niece from Nixon Peabody. 

2021

Rowan Mason joins Ralls Gruber & Niece from Jones Day. 

2024

Clark Thiel and Jessica Bogo join Ralls Gruber & Niece from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman.

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San Mateo

400 S. El Camino Real 
Suite 850
San Mateo, CA 94402
1 (650) 458-4040 

San Francisco

601 Montgomery St.

Suite 1800
San Francisco, CA 94111
1 (415) 829-6217 

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