This is a 10-week course that runs from April 13 – June 21, 2026, and provides a framework for understanding the legal environment in which construction takes place, an essential component of construction management. Participants will learn the stages of contracts, how to avoid litigation, methods to protect themselves and their companies in a litigious society, the legal liability of construction professionals, and how contract clauses can help prevent disputes and support informed decision-making on the jobsite.
This is a 10-week course that runs from April 13 – June 21, 2026, and provides a framework for understanding the legal environment in which construction takes place, an essential component of construction management.
Students will learn the stages of contracts, how to avoid litigation, methods to protect yourself/ your company in a litigious society, understand the legal liability of construction professionals, avoid disputes using clauses, and be more informed when navigating the legality of the jobsite.
Students will learn about the different models of contracts, contract principles, offers, and defenses to the formation of contracts. We will review the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and how it is used in sales contracts. Topics also include the roles and responsibilities of the contractor, architect, and the documents that bind them.
These courses can be used toward the Certificate in Project Management. This class is 100% online. Students should expect to spend 3-5 hours a week on course work from April 13 - June 21, 2026.
Points will accrue each week. Students will learn about an area of law that affects the construction industry, read cases relevant to the law, then compose a narrative on how the problem/grievance may be decided using the Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion (IRAC) format.
The course will be taught in ten modules. Each module lasts one week. In that week students will read through the online lectures, participate in online discussion, take a quiz and submit a homework assignment using the IRAC format.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the validity of offers and counter-offers
- Explain how the lack of a contract, or change order does not justify unjust enrichment
- Recognize that Parol Evidence is subordinate to the four corners of the contract
- Explain how the UCC governs the actions of suppliers
- Establish the different methods commonly used to prevent litigation
- Understand the protections afforded by bonds, liens, and waivers
- Examine the legal liability of construction professionals
- Explain how to avoid disputes through the use of clauses and how to avoid defects
The course textbook, Construction Law for Design Professionals, Construction Managers, and Contractors by Justin Sweet, Mark M Schneier, and Blake Wentz, will be mailed to students after completing registration.
The deadline to receive a refund for event registration is (7) seven business days before the event. Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund.
GBCA Construction Fundamentals Tuition Reimbursement Program
GBCA recognizes the importance of continuous learning and career development for all its member companies and their employees. In line with this commitment, we implemented the Construction Fundamentals Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program aims to incentivize and support our members in pursuing further education by offering reimbursement for successfully completed courses.
For more information about eligibility or to apply for this program, please visit the GBCA Construction Fundamentals Tuition Reimbursement Policy here.