Disputes resolved with precision and persistence.
With more than 40 years in construction law, William D. Clifford, Esq. helps parties resolve disputes faster and at lower cost than litigation.
A mediator with unmatched construction law depth
William D. Clifford, Esq. has been a Shareholder and Director at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. since 1984, where his practice centers on the drafting, negotiation, litigation, and mediation of construction and surety claims. His construction practice has involved airports, stadiums, convention centers, schools, bridges, highways, public housing, steel mills, electrical power plants, commercial office buildings, and prisons.
"The secret to resolution is persistence and creativity — and never giving up without using every available tool."
Having represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, developers, public agencies, design professionals, and sureties throughout his career, Bill understands every seat at the table. He served as Adjunct Professor of Construction Law at Duquesne University School of Law from 2003 through 2019, and has mediated over 150 construction cases.
Sessions are available in person or by video conference, with parties welcomed from across Pennsylvania and beyond.
How a mediation works
The process is built around preparation. By the time the parties are in the room, every position has been reviewed and the day is spent working toward settlement.
Pre-Mediation Statements
Parties submit and exchange written statements at least one week before the session. Bill reviews all materials in advance.
Ex Parte Conferences
Bill conducts confidential telephone conferences with counsel for each party to understand positions and objectives.
Mediation Session
A brief joint plenary session is followed by breakout sessions. Parties are guided through the facts and then toward monetary positions and resolution.
Persistent Resolution
Bill stays with a mediation until every tool has been used — brackets, mediator proposals, and candid evaluations of each side's position.
Construction dispute resolution services
From ground-breaking to post-completion litigation, Bill has mediated disputes at every phase of construction and among every kind of party.
75 of Bill's 150+ mediated cases involve owner-contractor disputes — covering scope, change orders, payment, and project delivery on projects of every scale including airports, stadiums, power plants, and large residences.
50 cases spanning scope-of-work disputes, payment and retainage, scheduling conflicts, and back-charge claims between general contractors and their subcontractors or suppliers.
Experienced in standard of care disputes, errors and omissions claims, and design-build issues between owners and architects or engineers.
Deep expertise in liquidated damages, schedule impacts, acceleration claims, and inefficiency disputes arising from project delays and disruptions.
Skilled mediation of surety bond claims, insurance coverage disputes, subrogation claims, and surety takeover issues involving sureties, owners, and contractors.
Resolution of unpaid contract balances, mechanic's lien disputes, False Claims Act issues, and ERISA claims — preserving cash flow and business relationships.
Video mediation for parties who cannot meet in person, held with the same structure as an in-person session — pre-mediation conferences, a joint opening, and private caucuses.
In the press & in print
Four decades of recognized expertise — in courtrooms, classrooms, and the pages of leading legal publications.
Publications & Articles
Speaking & CLE
Recognition & Awards
Request a mediation date
Mediations are scheduled as full-day sessions. Selecting a date submits a request — we will confirm availability and follow up with next steps.
Full-day mediation session
Sessions are held in person or by video conference. Bill conducts confidential telephone conferences with counsel for each party before the session, and pre-mediation statements are due one week beforehand.
After you request a date, we will confirm availability and circulate the Agreement to Mediate to all parties for signature ahead of the session.
If you need multiple consecutive dates, note it in your request or email us directly.
A request is not a confirmed booking. Dates are held only after we complete a conflicts check and send written confirmation from our office. Please do not include confidential or privileged information in your booking request.
Questions? Get in touch.
For questions about availability, fees, or the mediation process, reach out directly. To request a date, use the scheduler in the Schedule section above.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Inquiries are answered within one business day. Mediations are conducted in person or by video conference, for parties in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
Please do not send confidential or privileged information by email. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship, and correspondence is not protected by mediation confidentiality until an Agreement to Mediate has been executed.
What counsel and parties say
Bill is one of my go to Mediators. I know he will be prepared and work hard to get it done.
Bill is an exceptional mediator who is very effective. He has the knowledge and skill to guide difficult parties to an amicable resolution — a true talent.
I met Bill as an adverse party to a construction dispute nearly 20 years ago. Seeing his skills as an advocate, I was happy when he offered mediation services. Bill has aided in getting several matters resolved. Bill stays with it until he can drive the parties to overlap.
Bill's name is at the top of my list when I need a go-to mediator for difficult disputes. He knows construction and construction law. He extensively prepares. He then conveys seriousness and substance during the mediation process that causes decision makers to respect his views and recommendations. Put simply, Bill's greatest strength is the gravitas he projects as the mediator.
Bill rolls up his sleeves and gets into the substance of the dispute, mastering the facts and understanding each party's position before guiding them toward common ground. His experience in construction matters, combined with his tireless, hands-on approach, makes him someone I trust to get complex cases resolved.
Bill has long been my first choice of mediators in the Greater – and I mean Much Greater – Pittsburgh area for all kinds of cases (not just construction). I urge you to keep him in mind as he transitions his practice.
Testimonials reflect the experiences of the individuals quoted and are used with permission. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any other matter.