Stephen L. Polozola
Shareholder
Burnett Plaza, Suite 2000
801 Cherry St., Unit 46
Fort Worth, TX 76102-6836
Assistant: Suzie Waldon
817.336.2400
Practice Areas & Experience
Residential & Commercial Construction:
Experienced representing homebuilders before the Texas Residential Construction Commission and ensuring TRCC compliance. Also experienced with real estate and construction litigation representing developers, building and homeowners associations, general contractors, homebuilders, subcontractors, suppliers and third-party warranty companies in all aspects of residential and commercial construction, including, contract actions, construction defect suits, filing and defending mechanic’s lien claims, and insurance coverage. Experienced with commercial land deals, including, obtaining financing, negotiations with municipalities, title insurance, and drafting and negotiating land contracts and financing instruments. Experienced with corporate formation, formalities, drafting of by-laws and regulations and contract drafting relating.
Real Estate:
Assisting clients in structuring, negotiating and closing real estate transactions of all types representing developers, commercial real estate investors, and commercial leasing. Also, representing clients with property restrictions and covenants, title and survey review, acquisition and disposition, real estate development, real estate related financial transactions, including negotiations with lenders, and drafting and review of deeds of trust and promissory notes.
Mechanic’s Liens, Bonds, and Payment Claims:
Experienced in handling payment claims, preparing and filing bond and lien claims, obtaining indemnity bonds, Texas Prompt Payment Act, and litigation to resolve payment claims.
Education
- Benedictine College, (B.A., 1996)
- University of Oklahoma, (J.D., 2000)
Court Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, (2000)
- United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, (2000)
Awards & Recognition
- Texas Residential Construction Commission Approved Speaker on Continuing Education, (2008 - Present)
- 2008 Top Attorney, Fort Worth, Texas magazine
- 2009 Texas Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers magazine
- General Counsel: Certified Master Builder, (2002 - Present)
Published Works
- "The Legal Perspective", Building Savvy Magazine (Greater Dallas and Fort Worth Editions), Monthly Column, (2003 - 2005, 2007 - Present)
- "Liens: Your Rights and Responsibilities," Greater Fort Worth Builders Association Newsletter, (2002)
- Contributing Author, Builder/Architect Magazine, (2003 - 2005)
- "Country Living: New Inspection Requirement Promises Improvements," Fort Worth Business Press, (2008)
- "Ten Points to Consider in Homebuilding", Fort Worth Business Press, (2008)
- "Green Building", Fort Worth Business Press, (2008)
- "TRCC needs to Stay to Regulate Builders", Fort Worth Business Press, (2009)
Speaking Engagements
- "Fair Housing Act", a Certified Sales Professional class approved through the NAHB, Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas, (May, 2004)
- "The Texas Residential Construction Commission" - Various Homebuilders Associations across Texas, (2004).
- "Contracts, Employment, and Fair Housing Issues" - Sales Professional Meeting for History Maker Homes, (November, 2004)
- "Construction Contracts" - Various Homebuilders Associations Across Texas, (2005)
- "Texas Association of Builders - Construction Contracts" Various Homebuilders Associations Across Texas (March - April, 2006)
- "Construction Law Update" - Certified Master Builder Corporation, (2000 - 2007)
- "HB 1038 - The New TRCC Requirements" - Various Homebuilders Associations Across Texas.
- "Construction Law and Contracts", NAHB Designation Course, (September 2007 and March 2008).
- "Ethics in Residential Construction" and "Inspections for Homes Outside a Municipality", a TRCC Approved Continuing Education Course -Various Texas HBA’s and Locations, (July 2008 to Present).
Memberships
- Texas State Bar; Real Estate and Construction Law Sections, (2000 - Present)
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, (2007 - Present)
- Tyler Area Home Builders Association, (2008 - Present)
- Corpus Christi Builders Association, (2007 - Present)