Construction Law and Contracts

Online

In order to avoid costly delays and litigation that can arise during a project, construction managers need to be aware of the legal issues that can arise in the construction process. This course will provide an overview of the laws concerning contracting and construction. Through lecture, a review of case law and engaging Q&As, you will gain substantive knowledge in the various areas of construction law, including private and public contracts, bidding, mechanic's lien, stop notice and payment bonds, contractors’ license law, agency, business organizations, bankruptcy and dispute resolution. By the end of this course, you will possess a framework for recognizing, understanding and mitigating legal issues that could arise during one of your construction projects.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze contracts and identify risks associated with contract language and clauses
  • Differentiate the rights and liabilities of contractors and design professionals, including mechanic's lien, stop notice and payment bond
  • Evaluate issues of agency, vicarious liability and contract responsibility
  • Differentiate between mediation, arbitration and court trials for dispute resolution

Skills You Will Gain

  • Contract Law
  • Contract risk assessment
  • Contract composition
  • Bankruptcy law
  • Legal research
Academic Units
4
Section Number
251CNM103
Instruction Method
Online class

Association Credits

State Bar of California (MCLE)
40.00 MCLE hours

Section Notes

This is an online course with class materials that can be accessed throughout the week. The course is structured to move from one week to the next.

Students can expect to spend about 8 hours each week on lectures, discussions and homework assignments.

Students will receive an email with login information to access the course one business day before the first day of class.

There is no required textbook for this course.

If you anticipate needing any Disability Accommodations, please contact our Student Services representative PRIOR to enrolling in this course. The accommodations must be organized before starting the program. Please contact Tina Ehrke at (530) 757-8727 if you would like to register for a course and you have disability-related needs or concerns. https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/student-services/disabilities

Certificate students: Students must earn a grade of C or higher (not a C minus) in order for this course to count towards the requirements for the Construction Management Certificate. Courses applied towards the Construction Management Certificate must be completed within five years.

Enrollment Policies

Refund Deadline: July 15, 2025. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date. Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the request is received by the refund deadline. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.

Students have the first week of class to enroll with the understanding that students who enroll after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructors to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course.

Technical Requirements

All elements of this class will be conducted online. Students must have a computer with access to the internet and an email account in order to complete this course. Students must be able to download and upload files from and to the online classroom. To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page.

Discounts

BIA

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education at (800) 752-0881.

SRBX

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Extension Student Services at (800) 752-0881.

Early Enroll Discount

Enroll 14 days before the course start date to save $50 on the course fee.

Info Session Discount

Attendees of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Information Sessions may be eligible for $100 discount on a class by entering the Coupon Code provided at the Information Session.  Contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Student Services office, at (800) 752-0881, if you have questions about this discount.

Builders' Exchange of Stockton

Members can receive 10% discount on the course fee by entering the Coupon Code.  If you don’t have your association discount code, contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education Student Services at (800) 752-0881.