Stewart Shurtleff

ATTORNEY

BIOGRAPHY

Stewart Shurtleff is a seasoned construction lawyer who is board certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With nearly two decades of experience, he has represented general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and real estate owners/developers in a wide array of construction disputes, including breach of contract, breach of warranty, mechanic’s liens, bond claims, surety matters, collections and payment claims, construction defects, contract termination claims, and delay, acceleration, and disruption claims.

Stewart’s extensive experience in private practice and most recently as the Chief Legal Officer of Osburn Contractors, LLC, a leading builder of big-box, industrial structures, large-scale paving projects, and complex, multistory tilt-wall buildings, has equipped him with invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations and challenges of construction companies. He leverages this knowledge to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions to his clients, effectively and efficiently addressing their needs.

In addition to his legal practice, Stewart is deeply committed to advancing the construction industry. He is the co-founder and co-host of the 17Twenty leadership podcast, which ranks in the top 5% globally and provides valuable insights and coaching for the construction community. Stewart has also served on the board of directors for TEXO, The Construction Association, where he was honored as the Young Constructor of the Year by TEXO’s Young Constructors Council for his extensive involvement in initiatives that grew membership and reimagined programming, and with a “Tip of the Hardhat” award for his industry leadership with 17Twenty. 

EDUCATION

  • Baylor University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2004

    Houston Christian University, Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, 2001

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS, MEMBERSHIPS, & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Board Certified in Construction Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2016

    Texas Super Lawyers, 2019-2022

    Texas Rising Stars, 2012-2018

    Young Constructor of the Year, TEXO, Young Constructors Council, 2016

    Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America

    Member, Dallas Bar Association, Construction Law Section (Chairman, 2021)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • Speaker, “Check your Chats: How Texts Fuel Disputes,” TEXO, 2023

  • Moderator-Speaker, “Balancing the Use of In-House and Outside Counsel,” Keynote at Construction SuperConference, 2021

  • Speaker, “Whose Design is it Anyway? A Discussion Regarding the Sketchy Obligations of Design Assist and Design Delegation,” 33rd Annual Construction Law Conference, 2020

  • Moderator, “COVID-19 Forum: A Series on Managing Risk in Unprecedented Times – Episodes 1-3,” 2020

  • Speaker, “Construction Law for Contractors,” 2019-2020