Luke J. Farley, Sr. is a commercial litigator focused on representing clients in the construction industry, especially general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and sureties. The majority of his practice is devoted to contract disputes, state and federal Miller Act claims, and mechanics’ liens. He also assists clients with contract negotiation, licensing and certification, OSHA citations, and project-level advice. His experience extends to both public and private projects. In addition to client advocacy, Luke has a passion for construction law thought leadership, regularly speaking and writing on developments in the law and the industry. He grew up in North Topsail Beach, NC and now lives in Durham with his wife and young son.
Publications
- “Chapter 21: The Economic Loss Rule in Construction Law,” Construction Law, 2d Ed., American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, 2019
- “Construction Law 101: Anatomy of a Standard Form Construction Contract,” Under Construction, Vol. 21, No. 1, American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, 2019
- “Fair Housing for Construction Lawyers,” and “A Quick Guide to the Design & Construction Standards of the North Carolina Fair Housing Act,” N.C. Bar Association Blog, 2019
- “Construction Law 101: The Basics of Change Orders,” Under Construction, Vol. 2, No. 2, American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, 2018
- “New Rules on Renewing and Canceling your Notice to Lien Agent,” N.C. Construction News, Vol. 13, No. 5, 2018
- “The General Agreement of Indemnity (GAI): A Surety’s Best Friend, a Contractor’s Worst Enemy,” N.C. Construction News, Vol. 13, No. 4, 2018
- “50-State Survey of Licensed Design Professionals’ Stamping and Sealing Obligations (North Carolina),” American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law - Division 3: Design, 1st ed., 2018
- “Getting Liquidated Damages in a Default Judgment,” N.C. Bar Association Blog, 2018
- Co-author, North Carolina Construction Law, 7th ed., Thomson-West, 2017
- “A Brief Primer on Subdivision Development Bonds,” N.C. Bar Association Long Leaf Law Blog, 2017
- “Home Court Advantage: Getting the Venue You Want,” N.C. Construction News, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2016
- Co-author, “The Construction Lawyer’s Role Before and After a Crisis: Heedless Employees and Improvident Statements-Admissible into Evidence Once Uttered,” American Bar Association - Forum on Construction Law Annual Meeting, Boca Raton, F.L., 2015
Speeches, Panel Discussions & Seminars
- "Navigating the Legal Landscape After a Catastrophic Jobsite Fire,” N.C. Masonry Contractors Association - Raleigh Chapter, Raleigh, 2018
- “After the Disaster: Legal Liability for Building with Combustible Materials,” Modern Masonry Expo, Greenville, S.C., 2017
- “Dealing with Documents: A Legal Guide for Architects,” Wake Forest Architects’ Lunch & Learn Series, Wake Forest, N.C. 2016
- “Project Documentation: Best Practices,” N.C. Masonry Contractors Association - Central Piedmont Chapter, Clemmons, N.C., 2016
- “How will the 2016 Election Affect the Construction Industry?” Carolinas Associated Builders & Contractors, Raleigh, N.C., 2016
- “Tips & Tricks to Improve Project Documentation,” N.C. Masonry Contractors Association - Raleigh Chapter, Raleigh, N.C., 2016
- “Case Law Update,” N.C. Bar Association - Construction Law Section Annual Meeting, New Bern, N.C. 2016
- “Best Practices for Project Documentation,” Modern Masonry Expo, Raleigh, N.C., 2015
- “AIA A-201 Overview,” Construction Specifications Institute, Construction Documents Technology Boot Camp, Raleigh, N.C., 2015
- “Battling for the Bucks,” American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers - North Piedmont Chapter, Greensboro, N.C., 2012
- “Contract Basics for Engineers,” Professional Engineers of N.C. Meeting, Raleigh, N.C., 2011
- “N.C. Lien Law for Engineers,” Professional Engineers of N.C. Meeting, Raleigh, N.C., 2010
Recognition
- Business North Carolina – Legal Elite – Construction Law, 2018
- North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center – Pro Bono Honor Society Inductee, 2018
Professional Activities & Affiliations
- American Bar Association - Forum on Construction Law - Young Lawyers Division (Liaison to Division 7: Insurance, Surety, & Liens)
- American Bar Association - Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section - Fidelity & Surety Law Committee
- N.C. Bar Association - Construction Law Section
- Carolinas Associated Builders & Contractors - Government Affairs Committee (Chairman)
- Carolinas Surety Association
Community Activities & Public Service
- Board Member, Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Mawat District, 2019
- Secretary, Durham County Board of Elections, 2018-present
- Commissioner, N.C. Human Relations Commission, 2014-2018
- Member, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Pastoral Council, 2013-2018
Prior Legal Experience
- Conner Gwyn Schenck PLLC, 2010-2019