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Trusted Attorney for Contractor Disputes in California

When payment, delay, bid, or public works disputes threaten your project and cash flow, Carno Law Group helps California contractors protect their rights quickly. From Orange County to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, the firm understands California’s unforgiving construction deadlines and builds practical, aggressive strategies for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, haulers, and equipment providers.

California contractor dispute attorney reviewing construction documents

Our Contractor Dispute Services

Focused contractor dispute counsel for payment claims, public works remedies, schedule impacts, and competitive procurement challenges.

Payment Disputes

Representation for unpaid contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment lessors using mechanic’s liens, stop notices, bond claims, prompt payment statutes, contract suits, and collection demands.

Mechanic’s Liens

Preparation, recording, enforcement, foreclosure, defense, and release-bond strategy for California private works mechanic’s liens governed by strict Civil Code notice and filing deadlines.

Stop Notices

Stop payment notice preparation, service, enforcement, and priority dispute support for public works and qualifying private projects where unpaid funds can be withheld.

Bond Claims

Federal Miller Act and California Little Miller Act claim guidance for unpaid subcontractors and suppliers on government projects where liens cannot attach to public property.

Delay Claims

Technical prosecution of delay, disruption, acceleration, extended general conditions, loss-of-productivity, differing site condition, and schedule impact claims with expert-supported analysis.

Bid Protests

Fast-response representation for California public works, agency-level, GAO, and Court of Federal Claims bid protests, including protest defense for awarded contractors.

Construction dispute legal team reviewing project documents

Our Contractor Dispute Process

Review The Dispute And Deadlines

The team starts with a free initial consultation focused on the contract, project type, unpaid amounts, claim history, and California statutory deadlines. For Orange County and Southern California projects, timing often determines which remedies remain available.

Analyze Contracts And Project Evidence

Preserve Claims With Required Notices

Negotiate Toward Efficient Resolution

Litigate When Resolution Requires It

Trusted By Contractors

Client Results

Trusted by construction businesses, suppliers, haulers, engineers, and contractors facing high-stakes California disputes.

"Anna is an excellent attorney and, if you are seeking representation, I encourage you to hire her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and personable. If you need a construction attorney, she is the best."

James Gandy
The Carno Difference

Why Choose Carno Law Group?

Carno Law Group brings focused construction litigation experience to contractor disputes.

Construction Focus

Focused on contractors’ payment rights, liens, stop notices, bond claims, and bid disputes.

Court Experience

Experienced in California state and federal courts for Southern California construction disputes.

Deadline Driven

Built to act before California lien, stop notice, bond, and protest deadlines expire.

Practical Resolution

Offers negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation strategies to reduce business disruption.

Meet The California Team

Construction dispute counsel led by experienced California attorneys.

Portrait of Anna M. Carno, President of Carno Law Group

Anna M. Carno

President

Anna M. Carno is the President of Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, and the driving force behind one of California's preeminent construction litigation firms. Based in Laguna Hills, Anna leads a practice dedicated to serving contractors, subcontractors, haulers, and material and equipment providers across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. Her deep expertise spans mechanic's lien law, stop notice claims, bond claims, bid disputes, and WBE/MBE/DBE/DVBE certification issues. Anna brings an unmatched combination of tenacity and integrity to every case, representing clients in both state and federal courts. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association and California Women Lawyers, and is committed to delivering superior client service and meaningful results.

Portrait of Samuel Romero, Of Counsel at Carno Law Group

Samuel Romero

Of Counsel

Samuel Romero serves as Of Counsel at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, bringing seasoned legal insight to the firm's robust construction litigation practice. In his Of Counsel role, Samuel supports the firm's representation of contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and material suppliers on both private and public works construction projects throughout California. His experience complements the firm's expertise in mechanic's lien law, surety matters, bond claims, and general business litigation. Samuel is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence, contributing to the firm's track record of significant and successful outcomes. His collaborative approach and depth of knowledge make him a trusted resource for clients across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Joseph Cumming, Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group

Joseph Cumming

Associate Attorney

Joseph Cumming is an Associate Attorney at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where he plays an integral role in the firm's construction litigation and business law practice. Joseph works closely with clients including general contractors, specialty subcontractors, material suppliers, and equipment providers, assisting them with a wide range of legal matters from mechanic's lien claims and stop notices to corporate formation and indemnity issues. His dedication to thorough legal analysis and client advocacy reflects the firm's core values of excellence and superior client service. Joseph is committed to providing aggressive, results-oriented representation while helping clients minimize disruptions to their business operations across Southern California.

Portrait of Kayla Trujillo Perez, Paralegal at Carno Law Group

Kayla Trujillo Perez

Paralegal

Kayla Trujillo Perez serves as a Paralegal at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, providing essential legal support to the firm's attorneys and clients across a broad range of construction litigation and business law matters. Kayla assists with case preparation, document management, research, and coordination, ensuring that every matter progresses efficiently and accurately. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are vital to the firm's ability to deliver timely, cost-effective legal services. Kayla is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of client service that define Carno Law Group, and her contributions help clients in Orange County and throughout Southern California feel supported at every stage of the legal process.

Portrait of Mary Jane Ollaca, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Mary Jane Ollaca

Legal Assistant

Mary Jane Ollaca is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, where she provides vital administrative and legal support to the firm's attorneys and staff. Mary Jane plays a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, assisting with client communications, document preparation, filing, and case coordination. Her professionalism and commitment to superior client service help create a welcoming and efficient experience for contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and all other clients served by the firm. Mary Jane's dedication to excellence supports Carno Law Group's mission to deliver outstanding legal representation to businesses throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Portrait of Kiana Rauda, Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group

Kiana Rauda

Legal Assistant

Kiana Rauda is a Legal Assistant at Carno Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation, contributing her skills and dedication to the firm's fast-paced construction litigation practice. Kiana supports the legal team with administrative tasks, document management, client correspondence, and case logistics, helping ensure that every client receives attentive and responsive service. Her commitment to accuracy and professionalism reflects the firm's core values of excellence and dedication. Kiana's contributions are essential to the firm's ability to efficiently handle matters ranging from mechanic's lien claims to corporate legal issues for contractors and suppliers across Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of contractor disputes does Carno Law Group handle?

Contractor disputes often include unpaid invoices, change order disagreements, delay and disruption claims, bid protests, mechanic’s liens, stop payment notices, bond claims, performance disputes, and surety issues. Carno Law Group focuses heavily on construction litigation and payment-right enforcement for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, haulers, and equipment providers on California private and public works projects.

How quickly should I contact an attorney about a contractor dispute?

Can a lawyer help me recover unpaid construction invoices?

What if my dispute involves a California public works project?

What documents should I prepare before a consultation?

Do contractor disputes always require filing a lawsuit?

How are attorney fees handled for contractor disputes?

What areas of California does Carno Law Group serve?

Still Have Questions About Your Dispute?

Get clear guidance before deadlines affect your claim.

Licensed & Connected

Awards and Recognition

State Bar of California credential

State Bar License

Licensed to practice law in California.

United Contractors membership

United Contractors

Connected to California construction industry leaders.

Associated General Contractors membership

AGC Membership

Aligned with national construction law standards.

Protect Your Contractor Rights Today

Share the dispute details, project documents, and deadlines you know. The team will review your situation and explain practical next steps.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 949-540-0320.