William M. Kaufman

Practice areas:

Civil Litigation,
Construction & Real Estate

William (“Bill”) Kaufman is a partner with Sweeney Mason LLP and specializes in construction law and brings over almost twenty (20) years of civil litigation experience to the firm. Bill has represented numerous individuals and business entities alike as both plaintiffs and defendants in all types of construction litigation matters involving commercial, residential and public works projects. Over the last several years, his practice has focused exclusively on aggressively litigating complex construction matters. Bill has a broad range of experience representing subcontractors, general contractors, owners, and suppliers in all aspects of construction litigation cases ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to multi-million dollar public and private works. His focus in recent years has been on representing subcontractors in contract disputes, mechanic’s liens, stop payment notices, payment bond actions, extra work claims, delay claims, Federal Miller Act claims, collections, construction defect matters and conducting subcontract reviews. He has extensive experience representing contractor clients in state and federal court throughout California, as well as ADR proceedings, including private mediations and arbitrations.

Mr. Kaufman’s services also include performing contract reviews for contractors and owners for both public and private works, as well as Home Improvement Contracts in accordance with California Business & Professions Code Section 7159 with an eye toward dispute avoidance and resolution.

Bill received his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2005, and obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, graduating on the Dean’s list with a Bachelor Arts in Philosophy. Bill obtained extensive practical experience as a law clerk and research attorney with the Santa Clara County Superior Court during law school. Prior to law school, Bill attended the University of Arizona in Tucson where he majored in Philosophy, graduating with honors with a minor in Political Science. Following his undergraduate studies, he was a full-time member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association where he competed in rodeos throughout the Western United States as a calf roper and Turquoise Circuit Finals qualifier.

Mr. Kaufman is an active member of his community and proud member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, ABC Norcal (Associated Builders and Contractors-Northern California), WACA (Wall & Ceiling Alliance), CFMA-Silicon Valley, Associated Roofing Contractors of the Bay Area Counties, Inc., and has also served on the ASAC (American Subcontractors Association of California) Legislative Bill Vetting Committee for Contracts, Construction Defects and is the Subcommittee Chairman for Mechanic’s Lien and Retention related topics.

Bill and his wife Caitlin (Senior Counsel with Sweeney Mason as an employment law attorney) and SMWB alum reside in Campbell with their two children and are active members of St. Christopher School and Parish in San Jose. Bill is also a Board Member for the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, and recently completed serving a four-year term as a City of Campbell Civic Improvement Commissioner, and former Chairman of the Commission.