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Patrick Barthet

Of Counsel

About Patrick Barthet

Patrick founded The Barthet Firm in 1995 after having chaired the commercial practice of one of Miami’s most respected law firms for a number of years. In addition to practicing law, he created a paralegal curriculum in 1985 still offered today and which has since educated thousands of students. He was elected President in 1986, 1992, 2007 and again in 2013 of the city’s oldest business networking organization; in 2008, he was appointed Honorary Consul of Malta, the island nation where he was born; and in 2015, he formed the Miami Construction Forum, a monthly lunch and learn meeting for industry professionals.

He has represented many of South Florida’s most recognized and respected names in the construction industry through both good and bad times, always providing the practical counsel they require. Known for telling clients not what they wish to hear but what they need to know, Patrick has always stood out from other lawyers.

Because of his responsiveness, effective advocacy and practical analysis, Patrick is regularly sought out by clients eager for bottom line advice. He currently serves as outside counsel to a number of local, national and international companies doing business in South Florida, companies whose owners and managers appreciate his candid and determined approach.

Background

Education

  • B.A., 1968, Fordham University
  • M.A., 1971, New York University
  • J.D., 1979, University of Miami

Admissions

  • Florida’s state courts
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Recognition, Awards And Certifications

  • AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell
  • Honorary Consul of Malta
  • Founder, Miami Construction Forum

Publications, Presentations And Professional Activities

  • “Satisfaction of Lien Generally Requires Payment of Legal Fees”, ConstructionExec.com (January 2021)
  • "Think Twice Before Walking Off a Job", ConstructionExec.com (December 2020)
  • “Substantial Completion Defined”, ConstructionExec.com (September 2020)
  • “The Accepted Work Doctrine: Something Every Contractor Should Be Aware Of”, ConstructionExec.com (June 2020)
  • “The Right Forum Selection Clause Can Make a Difference in Legal Disputes”, ConstructionExec.com (April 2020)
  • “Here’s Trouble”, Professional Remodeler (February 2020)
  • “Ethics and Safety Responsibilities in Construction”, Commercial Construction & Renovation (December 2019)
  • “Indemnification Clauses: Is Yours Enforceable”, Equipment & Contracting Magazine (November 2019)
  • “What Should be in Every Construction Agreement”, ConstructionExec.com (October 2019)
  • “Terminating a Contract”, Professional Remodeler (October 2019)
  • “Contract Signatures: How Many Do You Need”, Professional Remodeler (July 2019)
  • “How to Reduce the Risk of Vandals Graffiti Tagging Your Construction Site”, Construction Junkie, LLC (July 2019)
  • “Can You Be Held Criminally Liable for a Workplace Injury”, Construction Junkie, LLC (July 2019)
  • “Paid in Full”, Professional Remodeler (May 2019)
  • “Is Arbitration Right for You?”, Professional Remodeler (April 2019)
  • “Here Are 4 Ways to Handle Construction Disputes”, Construction Today Magazine (April 2019)
  • “How to Transfer Some of That Risk”, ConstructionExec.com (April 2019)
  • “Daily Reporting: How To Do It Right”, ClockShark (February 2019)
  • “Reducing Liability When Building Net Zero”, Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (February 2019)
  • “Releases Can Be Your Friend”, Commercial Construction & Renovation (January 2019)
  • “What is a Fraudulent Lien”, eSub Construction Software (January 2019)
  • “You're It! Graffiti Tagging of Construction Equipment”, Construction Junkie, LLC (January 2019)
  • “No Written Change Order”, Journal of Light Construction (September 2014)
  • “Why Use a ‘Time Is of the Essence’ Provision”, Journal of Light Construction (June 2014)
  • “Giving Back What You’ve Earned: Resisting Preference Claims, The Contractor’s Compass”, Journal of the American Subcontractor Association (June 2014)
  • “Paid in Full – Really”, Journal of Light Construction (May 2014)
  • “Business Resources Disappearing Before Your Eyes, The Contractor’s Compass”, Journal of the American Subcontractor Association (May 2014)
  • “Oops was that 100 or 1,000 feet: Who Made the Mistake”, Journal of Light Construction (April 2014)
  • “Are You Prepared? Surviving an OSHA Inspection”, Commercial Construction & Renovation (February 2014)
  • “Lien On”, Journal of Light Construction (November 2013)
  • “Sales Agreement Specifics”, Journal of Light Construction (September 2013)