Vincent J. Torna

Vincent has spent more than 30 years representing contractors in litigation involving infrastructure, transportation, public works, and high-rise and institutional buildings. He has represented clients in state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels, as well as administrative proceedings and arbitrations. Vincent also advises real estate developers on land use and construction issues.

Vincent has a track record of successful outcomes related to large-scale construction and real estate claims encompassing breach of contract; design defects; delays, suspension of work, acceleration, loss of productivity, and related impacts; extra work; defective work; liens; bond claims; surety disputes; defaults and terminations; and bid protests. In addition, Vincent counsels clients on MBE/WBE/DBE compliance and advises firms on obtaining certifications.

Before joining the firm, Vincent was the leader of another law firm’s construction law practice and chaired his own construction and real estate firm, preceded by a partnership at a prominent New York City-area construction law boutique. He came to private practice after serving in multiple government positions, including general counsel for the New York City Department of Ports and Trade, the municipal agency responsible for the economic development and regulation of waterfront properties and marine facilities.

Vincent also served as assistant division chief in the Commercial and Real Estate Litigation Division in the New York City Law Department, where he represented the city in all phases of major real estate and construction litigation. This position followed his role as a special assistant attorney general in the Office of the New York State Special Prosecutor, where he tried narcotics and official misconduct cases.

• Defeating motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, reaching a multimillion-dollar settlement on behalf of a contractor in a landmark case against New York City’s School Construction Authority for wrongful termination and violation of civil rights.
• Negotiating a $16 million settlement on behalf of a contractor on a bridge renovation project in a federal lawsuit against New York City.
• Obtaining a multimillion dollar interim settlement on behalf of a subcontractor on the renovation of a city water pollution control plant.
• Resolving MBE claims with New York City’s Department of Investigation in connection with a city reservoir project.
• Negotiating claims of a subcontractor constructing solar panel facilities built by private developers on public properties.
• Litigating contractor claims on a renovation of the Midtown Tunnel.
• Prosecuting a subcontractor’s $25 million excavation and subsurface condition claim on a major university expansion project.
• Representing contractors in connection with integrity investigations and responsibility and debarment proceedings.

• Best Lawyers in America®: Construction Law (2018-2026); Litigation – Construction (2018-2026)