Michael C. Zisa, Construction Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Trusted construction attorney serving Washington.
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael C. Zisa is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Construction.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Construction
- Handles Construction matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026).
About Michael C. Zisa: Michael C. Zisa is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Construction.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on construction. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Michael takes construction matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael C. Zisa — construction lawyer in Washington
Michael C. Zisa is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Construction.
Mike concentrates his practice on Construction Law and Litigation – Construction, with a particular focus on construction, surety, and government contracts matters. He serves as Co-Managing Partner of the Washington, District of Columbia office of Peckar & Abramson PC, chairs the Surety and Construction Related Insurance Defense practice, and is Co-Chair of the firm’s Crisis Management team.
Industry feedback published by Chambers USA reflects that clients value Mike’s practical approach, attention to detail, and ability to keep projects and disputes aligned with business objectives. Clients note his focus on efficient problem-solving, clear communication, and thoughtful evaluation of available options when addressing construction-related challenges.
Mike represents sureties, general contractors, subcontractors, and owners in construction litigation before federal and state courts in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as before contract appeals boards and in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. In addition to litigation, he regularly advises clients on strategies intended to reduce risk and avoid disputes, including contract drafting and negotiation, contract administration, and claim evaluation.
His practice includes representation on public and private construction projects involving breach of contract claims, requests for equitable adjustment, payment bond and performance bond claims, and mechanic’s lien matters. Mike also advises surety clients on bond claim analysis and defense, takeover agreements, and subrogation and indemnity actions. Beyond construction and surety matters, he represents business entities of varying sizes in commercial litigation and related transactional matters.
Mike frequently speaks and writes on construction and surety law topics. He has been recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers in the areas of construction litigation, surety, and government contracts since 2014, and by Chambers USA and Best Lawyers for Construction Law. He is also a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America.
Prior to joining Peckar & Abramson PC, Mike served as managing partner of a boutique construction litigation and surety firm recognized by Chambers USA. He resides in Bethesda, Maryland with his wife and three children.
How Michael handles construction matters
Mike concentrates his practice on Construction Law and Litigation – Construction , with a particular focus on construction, surety , and government contracts matters. He serves as Co-Managing Partner of the Washington, District of Columbia office of Peckar & Abramson PC , chairs the Surety and Construction Related Insurance Defense practice, and is Co-Chair of the firm’s Crisis Management team.…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Seton Hall University
J.D.
Susquehanna University
B.A.
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania, Pennsy
ACTIVE
Virginia, Virginia S
ACTIVE
New Jersey, New Jers
ACTIVE
Maryland, Maryland S
ACTIVE
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. in Susquehanna University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Seton Hall University and B.A. in Susquehanna University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA, Construction, 2021-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, 2014-2025
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Chambers USA, Construction, 2021-2025 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, 2014-2025 (2026).
Locations
Michael C. Zisa's office in Washington
Michael's primary office is at 2055 L Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, District of Columbia, 20036. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael C. Zisa
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Michael C. Zisa can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael C. Zisa — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael C. Zisa
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Michael is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new construction clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Michael handles construction matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in District of Columbia
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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