With 30 years of experience, John Dippold is a respected leader in construction law. He is the current Chair of the firm’s Litigation Group and Member of the firm’s Board of Directors, and has previously served as President and Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the firm’s Construction Group.
John brings a seasoned, practical approach to representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and owners. His career began in the courtroom, litigating a wide range of construction disputes – delay claims, design errors, cost overruns, payment issues, and more. That experience taught him a valuable lesson: the best way to win a dispute is to avoid it altogether through drafting clear, protective, and forward-thinking construction contracts.
In addition to managing large-scale and complex construction litigation matters, John negotiates and drafts construction contracts for high-profile projects, leveraging decades of litigation insight to help clients minimize risk and position themselves for success before a shovel ever hits the ground. Whether it’s a multi-million-dollar design-build agreement or a fast-paced subcontract on a commercial project, John knows where things can go wrong and how to keep them on track. Clients value John’s deep understanding of the construction industry, his attention to detail, and his ability to achieve successful results.
Recognized by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Washington Super Lawyers, and Legal 500, John is widely regarded as a trusted authority in construction law. He serves on the boards of several notable contractors in the Northwest, reflecting his reputation and valued insight.
Prior to joining Carney, John earned his LL.M. in Government Procurement from George Washington University and his JD from Gonzaga School of Law. He also studied under U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy at the University of Salzburg School of Law.
Whether working on a multi-phase development or navigating a high-stakes construction dispute, John brings a strategic, steady approach and a deep working knowledge of how projects succeed from the ground up.
