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
Published Works
- "Dirt, Bricks & Sticks" Legal Newsletter of Decker, Jones, McMackin, McClane, Hall & Bates P.C. (2007 - Present)
- "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)
- Certified Master Builder Corporation - Drafting and publication of form construction contracts (2003 - Present)
- Contributing Author, Builder/Architect Magazine, (2003 - 2005)
- Newsletters of Certified Master Builder Corporation and Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, various legal articles (2006 - Present)
- "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).
- "Life after the TRCC", Building Savvy Educational Series, Various Homebuilders Associations, Certified Master Builder Corporation (2008 - Present)
- "Mechanics Liens", Tyler Area Builders Association (May 2010)
- "Residential Construction Round Table" with Scott Norman, EO of TAB and Representative Phil King at Parker County Chapter of the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association (Oct 2009)
- "Legal Update" for the Certified Master Builder Corporation (June 2010)
- Testified before the Texas House Committee on Business and Industry and the State Senate Committee on State Affairs regarding pending legislation (81st Legislative Session, 2009).
Memberships
- Construction Law Attorney Forum, National Association of Home Builders (2010 - Present)
- 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)