With a career involving representation of property owners in construction-defect and insurance disputes, Marc Gravely is equally proficient in reading construction blueprints and case law. He has gained a reputation as a pioneer for his ability to navigate complex legal issues and for his unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for clients. Beyond his legal work, he is a renowned expert on infrastructure and has authored an acclaimed book on the subject. His passion and extensive knowledge of infrastructure make him a highly sought-after advisor on some of the most critical issues facing communities today.
As the founder of Gravely PC, he has developed innovative legal strategies that maximize returns in disputes involving both private- and public-sector construction projects. Marc is at the forefront of public policy discourse and legislation on issues surrounding America’s infrastructure and related projects. The author of the best-selling 2022 book Reframing America’s Infrastructure – A Ruins to Renaissance Playbook, he uses his deep knowledge of the law, business and public policy to provide a voice to business and industry groups in the shaping of legislation, litigation and public policy.
Early Work and Learnings
Marc’s academic background is rooted in the sciences, having earned an undergraduate degree in biology and completed a year of graduate school in anatomy and neurobiology. Although initially interested in pursuing medical school, Marc ultimately discovered a passion for law, which he saw as an intellectually stimulating field.
Prior to attending law school, Marc worked as a research chemist. He found that his scientific training helped him approach complex legal issues with a unique perspective, enabling him to craft arguments that were advantageous for his clients. Marc notes that law school taught him to think in a new way, and his scientific background provided him with an added advantage in this regard.
After law school, Marc secured a position at a well-established litigation boutique. While there, he gained experience in architecture and engineering defense work, as well as representing insurance companies. Currently, Marc exclusively represents policyholders.
Gravely PC
Gravely PC, a team of veteran attorneys, specializes in providing dedicated advocacy for project owners, boards of directors, governmental entities, community associations and HOAs in construction-defect and insurance-coverage disputes. Using a unique presuit resolution process and a contingency-fee structure, the team has successfully secured multimillion-dollar recoveries in construction-defect and policy-coverage litigation. The team has worked on project that include commercial, mixed-use, multiunit residential, high-rise and taxpayer-funded projects.
This experienced team ensures that projects are resilient, built to last and free from defects, leveling the field in legal disputes to maximize returns for its clients.
The primary areas of focus for Gravely PC are high-stakes insurance-recovery disputes and construction-defect litigation, representing both private- and public- sector project owners across the United States. Marc specializes in resolving disputes between general contractors, design professionals and insurance companies related to structural, design and engineering issues in commercial, multiunit residential, high-rise, industrial and government buildings by finding effective business solutions. He states: “Our advocacy for our clients has led us to the Texas Supreme Court as party counsel or amicus counsel in over a dozen cases, nearly all of which have had bearing on what a Texas business can recover for damage to its properties.”
Focused Toward Every Aspect of Life and Work
Marc has come to understand that everyone has a unique journey in life, thanks in part to his experience raising children. When he decided to pursue a legal education, he was fortunate to enroll at St. Mary’s Law School, where he found a supportive and nurturing environment. The small class sizes and exceptional professors made a significant difference in his education, especially with the faculty being understanding of the demands and stress of law school and always willing to offer assistance. The approachability and dedication of the faculty greatly enhanced Marc’s learning experience at the school.
Marc views involvement in public policy as a natural extension of his legal practice, particularly given the challenges that property owners face against the powerful insurance and construction industries. These industries possess substantial lobbying budgets to influence legislation and regulation at all levels, which often creates an uneven playing field for businesses. To level the playing field, Marc is committed to representing business groups pro bono at the Supreme Court of Texas on legal issues affecting property owners. He has done so more than a dozen times.
Additionally, Marc’s focus on construction quality has piqued his interest in the state of the nation’s infrastructure. In 2022, he published a book titled Reframing America’s Infrastructure: A Ruins to Renaissance Playbook, which provides a historical overview of U.S. infrastructure and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of adapting to the unique demands of the 21st century. The book has been well-received, especially given the growing national conversation about the future of the nation’s infrastructure.
Forming Transparency and Open Communication
In addition to knowing the business, a successful business leader should possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team. Marc acknowledges that he cannot excel in all areas and believes in surrounding himself with people who have diverse skill sets and expertise that complement his own.
Client service is also critical to success, as lawyers are entirely reliant on their clients. Marc recognizes that finding clients who believe in him is crucial, and he places a high value on maintaining strong client relationships. Recently, Marc sent an email to a client, expressing gratitude for the client in his team and highlighting a significant recovery that his team was able to achieve as a result of their collaboration. Marc believes that open communication and a focus on meeting clients’ needs are key components of excellent client service.
Views on Economic Expansion in Texas
Marc is optimistic about the potential for significant economic expansion in the Texas construction industry following the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which provides $1.4 trillion to upgrade and build the nation’s infrastructure. While much of this work will be administered at the local level, there are challenges associated with ensuring that these projects are built to last.
Despite the likelihood of problems arising, Marc remains committed to educating the court system about the rights and remedies of Texas businesses under their insurance policies. His firm is actively involved in amicus work at the Texas Supreme Court, representing the interests of Texas businesses regarding public policy related to insurance recoveries. The firm’s amicus work has had a positive impact on Texas business policyholders.
Transformations in the Legal Sector –
Hybrid work has become a permanent feature of workplace culture, and it is also making its way into some legal proceedings. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently developing rules to allow uncontested hearings to be conducted via Zoom. The legal profession is adapting to these changes, and remote conferences and Zoom hearings are here to stay. However, Marc believes that remote jury trials should only be conducted if all parties agree, while remote hearings are more acceptable.
The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the way people work, as it has forced individuals to gain a deeper understanding of one another’s humanity. This increased empathy has led to more accommodation and fewer conflicts, which is a positive development.
Virtue of a Leader
The qualities that define a good leader, according to Marc’s father, include perseverance, or the ability to stick to a task, and independent thinking, which is not always seen in lawyers, who tend to cling to established beliefs. Marc is pleased to work with a diverse team of talented individuals at his firm, where they share a common goal of providing excellent client service despite working in a highly specialized area of practice. Despite encountering the same lawyers frequently, Marc values his relationships with his colleagues and even counts opposing counsel as close friends.
Key Factors for a Successful Legal Practice
Marc considers specialization a factor that helps clients with finding suitable legal professionals. He emphasizes the importance of having in-depth knowledge because law practice is essentially an art. Furthermore, he believes that significant experience in trial proceedings is crucial, given the growing difficulty in securing time in courtrooms with juries. Lastly, Marc stresses the significance of core values such as keeping promises, being true to one’s words, and fulfilling commitments.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
