Having dreamed of being a trial lawyer from childhood, Judah Lifschitz (“Judd”) learned at an early age that to be a great lawyer it's not sufficient just to be knowledgeable and competent. Great lawyers are perfectionists, possess intense devotion to their clients and are passionate about their work. Ask anyone who has gone through a trial with Judd and they will tell you of his legendary preparation, his highly detailed planning, his unique talent and presence in the courtroom, and his devastating cross-examinations.
As Principal and Co-President of SLS, Judd has tried cases to verdict across the country in virtually every type of adjudicative forum and is an accomplished appellate advocate, having argued appeals in the 4th, 5th, 9th, District of Columbia U.S. Circuit Court, the Federal Circuit and in many state appellate courts.
Having won one of the largest liquidated damages awards in the history of the construction industry, Judd has extensive experience in construction related matters, including power and energy construction representing clients in EPC contracts and disputes. He represents governmental and private owners, regional, national and international contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, design professionals, sureties and insurance companies in disputes, trials, ADR proceedings and negotiations.
Representing clients in complex commercial litigation, Judd has a wealth of experience in every aspect of trial practice including shareholder / partnership disputes, real estate matters, contract disputes, civil RICO and general commercial disputes. Additionally, he has represented clients in civil fraud investigations and brings extensive experience to his clients in government procurement issues. Judd’s clients represent a variety of industries, including construction, power and energy, aerospace, electronics, manufacturing, shipbuilding and technology.
Recognized by Chambers USA in the Washington, D.C. construction category, and noted by colleagues that he is a strong and effective litigator in the DC area. Judd is also recognized as a Washington, D.C. “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers magazine and named to the D.C. Super Lawyers “Top 100 Lawyer” list. His clients recognize the rigor with which he approaches his practice as one client commented, "There is no one I'd rather to go to war with."
- George Washington University Law Center, J.D., 1977
- Yeshiva University, B.A., 1974, magna cum laude
- Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram Attorneys Recognized in the Best Lawyers in America®
- SLS Trial Attorneys - This Is How We Do It
- Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram Principal and Co-president Judah Lifschitz Honored by Legal Directory Chambers in 2023 Usa Guide
- Judd Lifschitz and Laura Fraher Author Article "Legal Lessons of the Kansas City Bridge Collapse," Highways Today
- Judah Lifschitz Recognized as 2022 National Law Journal Trailblazer
- Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram Attorneys Recognized in the Best Lawyers in America®
- "The Dotted Line: Virginia bans 'pay-if-paid' contract language," Construction Dive
- We Are Very Proud to Announce That Judah Lifschitz, and His Wife Marilyn, Will Be This Year's Honorees at the Sulam 2022 Impact Gala
- Three Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram Attorneys Recognized Among 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers
- U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Ninth Circuits, 1985
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, 1983
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, 1982
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, 1980
- U.S. District Court, District of Columbia; U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia; U.S. Claims Court, 1978
- District of Columbia, 1978
- Maryland, 1977
- Bringing Resolution to Fiercely Contested Silver Spring Transit Center Project
- Taking on One of the World's Largest Power Plant Construction Contractors
- Success for Historic Hotel Against 25 Mechanics' Liens
- Representation of Corporate Officers and Directors Leads to Precedent Setting
- Settlement on the Courthouse Steps for State of New Jersey
- Mediation Yields Favorable Settlement
- Favorable Settlement Results in Dismissal of Lawsuits and Close-out of Project
- Favorable Global Settlement for Power Plant Owner
- Representation of Geothermal Power Plant Owner Against Turbine Manufacturer
- Lawsuit Dismissed for Three-Turbine Hydroelectric Power Plant in KY
- Breach of EPC Contract by Bechtel Power Corp.
- Suit Against Bechtel Power Corp. Ends in Favorable Settlement
- Turkish Contractor Takes on Bechtel International, Inc.
- A Win for Industrial Installation and Construction Contractor
- Claims of Defective Design and Construction at Stake
- General Contractor Vindicated After Structural Steel Supplier Found Liable
- Withdrawal of Default Termination and Complete Settlement Yields Client $11 Million
- Damages Awarded, All Claims Denied
- Defend Owner Against EPC Contractor Claims
- American Bar Association
- ABA Construction Industry Forum
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Maryland Bar Association
- International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists
- Fellow, Construction Lawyer's Society of America
- President, Sulam, 2014 – Present
- President, Greater Washington Community Kollel, 2013 – Present
- Board Member, Explore! Children’s Museum, 2018 – Present
- “Lessons From Md.'s Purple Line For Public-Private Contracts,” Law360, September 2020
- “INSIGHT: Coronavirus Advice for Construction Contractor Clients,” Bloomberg Law, April 2020
- "Allocating Risks Strategically: How to Complete Successful Power and Energy Projects," POWER Magazine, May 2019
- "Avoiding 'E-trouble' in Construction Litigation," Construction Executive", Construction Executive, August 2018
- What Next? Key Steps Following a Structural Collapse or Other Crisis Caused by Defective Work, Construction Executive, May 2018
- "Ten Steps to Keep Your Clients Out of Court," ACC Docket, May 2018
- Alleged Construction Defects: Be Consistent, Pick Your Battles and Document Carefully, Construction Executive Risk Management, September 2017
- Enforcing Liquidated Damages Clauses, The Construction Executive, June 2011
- Loose E-mails Sink Litigation, Corporate Counsel, October 2010
- Green Building, BUILDERnews, August 2010
- Power Owners in Strong Position to Collect Liquidated Damages, ConstructionRisk.com, March 2010
- A Critical Review of the AACEI Recommended Practice for Forensic Schedule Analysis, The Construction Lawyer, October 2009
- Costly Litigation May Cause Green Bloom to Fade, Washington Business Journal, May 2009
- Gaining a Slice of Stimulus Pie, Engineering News-Record, May 2009
- Aggregate View: Transitioning Business in a Troubled Economy, Concrete Construction Magazine, March 2009
- Construction Firms: Stimulus-Ready?, Washington Business Journal, January 2009
- District of Columbia Construction Law, HLK Global Communications, 2007
- NLJ’s Real Estate/Construction Law Trailblazer, National Law Journal, 2022
- Washington, D.C. "Super Lawyer", Super Lawyers Magazine, 2009 - 2023
- D.C. Super Lawyers “Top 100” Lawyer List, Super Lawyers
- AV-Rated Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell
- Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
- Best Lawyers in America, recognized in construction law, 2019 - 2023