David A. Senter

David Senter is an experienced, well-known and widely respected construction law attorney. In his nearly 40 years of experience, David has delivered innovative solutions and legal strategies on a wide range of issues impacting the construction industry and has developed a sterling reputation for honesty and professionalism.

Experience That Speaks For Itself

Since David joined the firm in 1984, clients have trusted him to handle routine and complex cases. He has become sought-after for his practical advice, building a practice with significant career highlights that include:

• Served as Interim General Counsel for a large southeastern based, multi-disciplined contractor where he managed all aspects of legal work throughout the company’s footprint including construction, contracting, dispute resolution, claims and claims management, employment/HR, real estate, transportation, etc., as well as managing the use of outside counsel.
• Representation of one of the largest structural steel fabricators in the country essentially as its outside general counsel with regard to construction matters, project delivery methods, contract negotiations and claim resolution for projects ranging from high rise buildings to sports stadia to industrial facilities such as:
  • Dispute resolution involving an evaluative mediation related to the redevelopment of a major SEC football stadium and a large bridge in the northeastern US;
  • Advice and negotiation over alleged steel paint defect on the railroad lift bridge over Galveston Bay;
  • Trial over structural steel supplied for the longest cable stay bridge in North America;
• Advice regarding supplier joint ventures for large public works and stadium projects throughout the United States.
• Representation of one of NASCAR’s top drivers in construction of his state of the art race shop and resulting litigation.

David’s knowledge, experience and professionalism have earned him accolades as one of North Carolina’s top construction lawyers by a number of industry ratings systems. 

David was recently invited to join the American College of Construction Lawyers, one of only five members from North Carolina and he has been recognized by Chambers USA in Construction Band 1 for North Carolina. David has been named among the Best Lawyers in America in Construction Law and he has earned Lawyer of the Year for Litigation-Construction/Greensboro. He has been recognized as a Legal Elite in Construction Law by Business North Carolina magazine and has also earned distinction as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in Construction Law. 

Along with his construction law practice, David maintains an active neutral practice and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s panel of arbitrators and is a Certified NC Mediator. David frequently speaks before national and local audiences on topics related to his practice. He has authored a variety of articles and chapters in bar and trade publications and has served in leadership positions for several professional associations. David is an Adjunct Professor of Construction Law at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Community & Professional

• Fellow, American College of Construction Lawyers (2024 Inductee)
• American Bar Association
   - Forum on Construction Law 
   - Former Member, Governing Committee, Forum on Construction Law
   - Former Chair, Division 9 Steering Committee, Specialty Trade Contractors and Suppliers, Forum on Construction Law
• Charter Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
• North Carolina Bar Association, Member, Construction Law Section Council and Executive Committee
• American Arbitration Association, Panel of Arbitrators and Large Complex Case Panel
• NCDRC Certified Superior Court Mediator
• Construction Professionals Network
• American Institute of Steel Construction

Outside Maynard Nexsen

David is an avid runner and has completed multiple marathons and half marathons on 2 continents. His children inspired him to take up long distance running late in life. In addition to running, David enjoys riding his horses, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

David is actively involved with his alma mater, Wake Forest, and has served as a member of the undergraduate school’s Alumni Council and the law school’s Alumni Council. He is also an adjunct professor at the law school teaching Construction Law.

David is active in his local church, Providence Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and as a member of the teaching team for his Life Group class. As an Eagle Scout, David supports the Boy Scouts of America, having spent many fun days and nights helping his sons on the trail to Eagle.

• Served as Interim General Counsel for a large southeastern based, multi-disciplined contractor where he managed all aspects of legal work throughout the company’s footprint including construction, contracting, dispute resolution, claims and claims management, employment/HR, real estate, transportation, etc., as well as managing the use of outside counsel.
• Representation of one of the largest structural steel fabricators in the country essentially as its outside general counsel with regard to construction matters, project delivery methods, contract negotiations and claim resolution for projects ranging from high rise buildings to sports stadia to industrial facilities such as:
  • Dispute resolution involving an evaluative mediation related to the redevelopment of a major SEC football stadium and a large bridge in the northeastern US;
  • Advice and negotiation over alleged steel paint defect on the railroad lift bridge over Galveston Bay;
  • Trial over structural steel supplied for the longest cable stay bridge in North America;
• Advice regarding supplier joint ventures for large public works and stadium projects throughout the United States.
• Representation of one of NASCAR’s top drivers in construction of his state of the art race shop and resulting litigation.

• Elected a Fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers (2024)
• Recognized by Chambers USA, Construction Band 1, North Carolina
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence; Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement
• Business North Carolina's Legal Elite in Construction
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America for Construction Law and Litigation-Construction since 2003
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America and as "Lawyer of the Year" for Construction Law in Greensboro
• Listed in The International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers
• Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers® for Construction Litigation

David serves as an Adjunct Professor of Construction Law at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Writing

"Payment" chapter in Construction Law Casebook published by the American Bar Association's ("ABA") Forum on the Construction Industry (2nd ed., 2019)

Co-author of the chapter "Warranties in Subcontracts" in the Construction Subcontracting book published by the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry (2014)

Co-author of the North Carolina section in the State-by-State Guide to Contracts and Claims book published by Aspen Law & Business

Alternative Dispute Resolution section of the North Carolina Construction Law Deskbook (8th ed., 2021)

"The Role Of The Subcontractor" chapter in The Fundamentals Of Construction Law published by the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry (2nd ed., 2013)

Co-author of the North Carolina section in the State-by-State Guide to Architect, Engineer, and Contractor Licensing book published by Aspen Law & Business