John V. O'Dea

About John

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John is Counsel in the St. John’s office of McInnes Cooper whose practice is primarily focused on the construction industry. In addition, his practice includes corporate and commercial litigation and insurance defence. He is a member of McInnes Cooper’s Business Dispute Resolution, Litigation, Insurance and Construction Industry groups.

He represents consulting engineers, architects, owners and contractors on contract matters concerning civil construction, municipal works, offshore projects, commercial and residential developments, and equipment and technology acquisitions and installations. His work has included advising on front end terms for tenders, drafting construction contracts and evaluating construction claims, design issues, change order disputes, extras, delay, contractual interference, and termination. The nature of the matters range from complex construction issues, multi-contractor claims dealing with large scale structures, bridges, water treatment plants, food manufacturing and road, railway and airport construction.

He is appointed counsel to a number of professional groups and has acted on a number of professional disciplinary matters. John also has an interest in business start-ups and has served as legal counsel on several film and television productions.

John has been recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers ® Canada for his practice in Construction Law, Corporate Governance, and Corporate and Commercial Litigation, and features in Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory. He is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland, Canadian Bar Association, American Bar Association, ADR Institute of Canada, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (mediation), Canadian Association of University Solicitors and the Newfoundland Construction Association. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Health Regional Authority, and the Appeal Commissioner for the NL Public Service Pension Act.  John received his Queen’s Counsel appointment in 2014.