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Construction Law Attorneys — Subcontractor Payment Issues

When a subcontractor is not paid, deadlines can decide the outcome before negotiations even begin. Carno Law Group helps contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, haulers, and equipment providers protect payment rights through mechanic’s liens, stop payment notices, payment bond claims, prompt payment statutes, and litigation strategies built for California public works and private construction projects from first notice through recovery.

Construction attorney reviewing unpaid subcontractor invoices

Our Subcontractor Payment Services

Focused legal remedies for subcontractors seeking payment on California public works and private construction projects.

Mechanic’s Liens

For unpaid work on private projects, Carno Law Group prepares, records, forecloses, and defends mechanic’s liens under California Civil Code deadlines to preserve leverage against the property.

Stop Payment Notices

On public works projects where liens do not attach, the firm prepares and enforces stop payment notices to help divert unpaid contract funds toward subcontractors and suppliers.

Payment Bond Claims

Carno Law Group pursues Federal Miller Act and California Little Miller Act payment bond claims for subcontractors and material suppliers on government construction projects.

Prompt Payment Claims

The firm evaluates statutory prompt payment rights, progress payment delays, and improper withholding to help subcontractors recover amounts due plus available statutory remedies.

Retention Disputes

Carno Law Group handles withheld retention, disputed closeout payments, and final payment conflicts where general contractors or owners refuse to release earned construction funds.

Collection Litigation

When demand letters and negotiations do not resolve nonpayment, the firm prosecutes direct contract claims, foreclosure actions, bond suits, and related construction payment litigation.

Attorney reviewing subcontractor payment claim documents

Our Payment Recovery Process

Review Deadlines and Project Documents

The team begins by reviewing subcontracts, change orders, invoices, payment applications, preliminary notices, completion dates, and project type. This determines which California remedies are still available and which statutory deadlines require immediate action.

Preserve Lien and Notice Rights

Demand Payment and Negotiate Resolution

Enforce Claims Through Litigation

Trusted By Contractors

Client Results

Construction businesses rely on Carno Law Group for focused payment rights enforcement and dispute resolution.

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"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

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"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

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci

"Anna and her team are the best of the best in construction law!"

R.j. Kirschner

"Anna Carno was very professional and dealt with all of our troubles in timely manner. She was friendly and helped me to be calm through this whole case. We cannot be more grateful to her and her law group. You cannot go wrong being represented by Anna Carno and her..."

Anna Marie Biscan

"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

"This is one one of the best law firms I have ever worked with"

Anthony Thomas
Anthony Thomas

"You will be hard-pressed to find an attorney more thoroughly knowledgeable in construction law than Anna Carno. She is also a very hard-working and conscientious attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her on their side."

Joseph Ferrucci
The Carno Difference

Why Choose Carno Law Group?

Focused construction litigation experience matters when subcontractor payment rights are on the line.

Payment Focus

Deep experience enforcing subcontractor rights through liens, stop notices, bonds, and prompt payment statutes.

Court Ready

The team litigates construction disputes in California state and federal courts when negotiation fails.

Deadline Driven

Rapid review helps preserve statutory remedies before unforgiving California payment deadlines expire.

Industry Insight

Contractor association memberships keep counsel aligned with real field and project pressures.

Meet The Legal Team

Experienced advocates for California construction payment disputes.

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 can a subcontractor do if a general contractor will not pay?

A subcontractor may have several remedies, including a mechanic’s lien on a private project, a stop payment notice on a public works project, a payment bond claim, a direct breach of contract lawsuit, or a prompt payment statute claim. The right strategy depends on the project type, contract documents, notice history, and statutory deadlines.

How quickly should I contact an attorney about unpaid subcontractor invoices?

Do subcontractors have mechanic’s lien rights in California?

What is a stop payment notice in a construction payment dispute?

Can subcontractors make payment bond claims on public works projects?

What if the general contractor disputes my change order or backcharges my company?

Are subcontractor payment disputes handled on contingency?

What documents should I prepare before a subcontractor payment consultation?

Still Have Payment Questions?

Speak with a construction payment attorney before deadlines expire.

Credentials & Memberships

Awards and Recognition

State Bar of California credential logo

State Bar of California

Licensed authority to practice California law.

Associated General Contractors membership logo

Associated General Contractors

Industry connection to contractor legal issues.

American Subcontractors Association membership logo

American Subcontractors Association

Focused perspective on subcontractor payment concerns.

Protect Your Right to Be Paid

Contact Carno Law Group for a free initial consultation. The team will review your subcontractor payment issue, identify available remedies, and explain the next steps for preserving and enforcing your claim.

Contact Us Today

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