Bobby M. Palumbi

Biography

Bobby is an experienced litigator and trial attorney who has tried numerous jury, non-jury and arbitration cases on a variety of matters for clients in state and federal courts. These matters include breach of contract actions, tort-based claims and building code and statutory violations. He also represents clients in matters that require a court- or jury-issued determination when settlement is not an option.         

His practice maintains a broad focus on the construction industry. He represents contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers in all facets of a construction project from contract formation through dispute resolution. Bobby serves in a general counsel capacity for several clients in the industry, providing services which range from contract formation and modification to in-project change order dispute resolution and lien and waiver issues. He frequently negotiates construction scheduling issues before they become problematic and assists clients with project closeout and retention matters. His approach is based on collaboration, economic feasibility and creativity. He relies on face-to-face interactions with clients so they can educate him about their business practices.

Bobby’s goals when assisting with in-project issues are to keep construction moving, maintain professional relationships and avoid common pitfalls that may lead to future liability or payment claims. Protecting a client’s right to payment while avoiding liability is tantamount. Achieving these goals leads to a positive result for the client from an economic standpoint. Bobby is a student of the construction industry, working toward an undergraduate certificate in Construction Management. His hands-on understanding of the economics of the industry has molded his approach of economic feasibility and long-term cost analysis for his clients. He frequently visits construction sites with clients to obtain an in-the-trenches understanding on a variety of projects.    

In addition to contract drafting, in-project support and litigation, Bobby has represented clients in matters, including non-compete agreements, mechanics’ liens, bid protests, insurance and indemnity disputes, delay and acceleration claims, Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and Uniform Construction Code building issues, the Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act (CASPA) and the Pennsylvania Procurement Code, the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) compliance, construction defect claims, crisis management and assistance with on-scene investigations, accident reconstruction and administrative agency investigations, defending personal injury and property damage claims, and defending construction product manufacturers in property and personal injury claims. 

Education

  • Duquesne University School of Law  (J.D., 2009)
  • Saint Joseph's University  (B.S., 2005)
    • Political Science

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • West Virginia

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia

Affiliations/Memberships

  • Defense Research Institute
    • Construction Law Committee
    • Worksite Safety Committee, vice chair 

Distinctions

  • Pennsylvania Rising Star®
  • Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® (2021)