Michael A. Schollaert

Michael Schollaert is a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Baltimore office. Mr. Schollaert provides strategic and tactical advice to his clients at every stage of the construction process – from contract drafting and review through project close-out and dispute resolution.

When disputes arise, Mr. Schollaert is also an aggressive advocate, both in the courtroom and through the informal resolution of claims. As a trial lawyer and trusted advisor, he works closely with his clients to achieve the best outcome in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Mr. Schollaert has extensive experience in the prosecution and defense of mechanic’s liens in state courts throughout the State of Maryland. He represents general contractors, owners, sureties, subcontractors and suppliers on private and public construction projects, and also provides general litigation, complex commercial litigation, mediation and arbitration representation.

His practice focuses on dispute avoidance, contract administration and the preparation and defense of claims involving payment disputes, project delays and disruptions, wrongful termination, construction and design defects, and related matters.

Mr. Schollaert has also represented sureties, owners and contractors in bond default matters providing advice and assistance to ensure the completion of the projects and the resolution of claims.

Mr. Schollaert also works closely with the Firm’s Advocacy and Intellectual Property Groups. He handles and litigates a wide range of commercial and intellectual property disputes. Active in the community, Mr. Schollaert serves on the board of Federal Hill Main Street in Baltimore. He is also the chair of the Construction Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association.

EDUCATION:

• University of Maryland School of Law, J.D., 2004
• Connecticut College, B.A., 2000

ADMISSIONS:

• Maryland
• Court of Appeals of Maryland
• U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
• U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Representative Matters:

• Acted as lead counsel in defense of an international engineering firm from design-defect and delay claims brought by a municipality alleging more than $65 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
• Represented the construction manager in resolving various claims and disputes arising out of the construction of the largest hotel and convention center complex on the eastern seaboard with a total project cost in excess of $800,000,000
• Obtained a defense verdict for pre-cast subcontractor sued under the theory of promissory estoppel after withdrawing its bid on a parking garage project
• Negotiated a favorable settlement agreement with a state agency on behalf of a landowner to ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of a lake and its tributaries that were contaminated by adjacent construction activities

Professional Memberships:

• Member – American Bar Association
• Member – Bar Association of Baltimore City
• Member – Maryland State Bar Association