Jeffrey M. Sangster

Jeffrey M. Sangster is a founding member of Kotz Sangster Wysocki P.C. practicing out of the Detroit, Birmingham, Grand Rapids and Niles, Michigan offices. He is a graduate of the Wayne State University School of Law and Michigan State University (B.A. cum laude). For over 25 years, Mr. Sangster’s practice has focused on all aspects of construction law, from construction contract drafting and negotiations, contract review and risk analysis, to claim resolution through litigation, arbitration, facilitation and mediation.

Mr. Sangster is head of the Litigation Practice Group, as well as the originator and Practice Group Leader of the Construction Practice Group. Mr. Sangster and his department represent a diverse mixture of clients, including construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, bond companies, governmental and quasi governmental entities, developers, non-profits and manufacturers. He and his team specialize in a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and civil projects which encompass hospitals, stadiums, casinos, hotels, ethanol plants, churches, historic properties, sewer and infrastructure, bridges, automotive paint lines, correctional facilities and manufacturing plants, as well as most other types of construction, including commercial and residential developments.

Mr. Sangster and his group have an intimate understanding of contractors and their business objectives. He has specific knowledge and experience in design, site work, foundations, structural steel, masonry, electrical/mechanical, roofing systems, finish trades, etc.

Mr. Sangster has authored various articles specific to the construction industry and is a participating member in Associated General Contractors (AGC), Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association (MITA), Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) and Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. (ABC). He has been invited to speak at various construction-related seminars on topics such as construction claims, bond litigation and risk mitigation, amongst others.

With the assistance of his team, Mr. Sangster has developed risk mitigation programs which involve all aspects of the construction process from the bid phase though contract negotiations and project administration, as well as project closeout. He has also obtained significant victories for clients through arbitration and litigation in various courts throughout the country. His litigation experience includes significant involvement in delay claims, including complex Critical Path Method analysis, defect claims, design claims, construction liens, payment and performance bond claims, complex insurance coverage issues, and complex environmental issues. He sits as an arbitrator on the construction panel for the American Arbitration Association and therefore, he is afforded the opportunity to view a construction dispute from both sides of the table, which is of significant benefit to his clients.

Mr. Sangster has a personal interest in the Detroit metro area and demonstrates his sincere interest in the community through his work with both locally and internationally recognized charitable organizations. He is the Chairperson for The Salvation Army Harbor Light, Chairperson and a founding member of The Salvation Army Outdoors (TSAO), as well as a member of both the Advisory Board and Executive Committee for The Salvation Army, Eastern Division of Michigan.

Practice Areas

Construction: