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Jacob Farrell

Associate
About

Jacob Farrell keenly advises a diverse range of stakeholders including owners, developers and contractors throughout the lifespan of their construction projects. He shepherds deals by drafting and negotiating complex construction agreements while also navigating disputes alongside his clients should conflict arise. Jacob is particularly experienced in commercial, hospitality, entertainment and multi-family development. He is also experienced in public contracting under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), its various agency supplements and state-level public construction regulations.

Jacob is an accomplished military veteran and former Captain in the United States Air Force. He draws upon his experience leading cross-cultural teams, problem-solving and strategic planning in every matter. His unique background and dedication set Jacob apart in his ability to address complex construction issues for his clients.

Ranked in the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list for 2024 & 2025 and North Carolina Business Magazine's Legal Elite for 2025, Jacob's notoriety in the construction industry is recognized by his peers and clients alike.

Bar admissionsNorth Carolina
CourtsUnited States District Court for the Middle District of North CarolinaNorth Carolina Court of Appeals

EXPERIENCE

  • Advised entertainment developer through termination and replacement of contractor mid-project for construction of new, hallmark music venue in South Carolina
  • Guided contractor through negotiated request for equitable adjustment (REA) on federal construction project that was disrupted by a catastrophic partial structural collapse, with resulting change paying all of client's legal and consulting fees for preparation of the REA
  • Negotiated settlement on behalf of Fortune 500 client in response to hazardous material spill at construction staging facility
  • Planned and incorporated tribal and Department of Energy tax credits into project delivery framework on behalf of developer client for multi-phase, multi-family construction project in Texas through instrumental flow-down compliance procedures
Education
  • J.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Law
    with honors
    Holderness Moot Court Team
    North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology
  • B.A., North Carolina State University
    magna cum laude

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Ones to Watch, Construction Law & Construction Litigation, Best Lawyers, (2024 – 2025)
  • Legal Elite, North Carolina Business Magazine, (2025)
  • US Air Force Commendation Medal, The United States Armed Forces
  • Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America

Pro Bono

  • Defended a North Carolina non-profit from numerous improper lien claims affecting new operations facility

Publications

  • Author, "AgChain: Deploying a Public Utility Blockchain to Unveil the Missing Links between Food Origin & Destination," North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology, Vol. 23, Issue 1, October 2021

Seminars

  • Moderator, Breakfast with Builders, Associated Builders and Contractors, (2025)
  • Speaker, "The New Basics: Reexamination of Key Concepts for Construction Attorneys," Construction Law Section Winter Program, (2024)

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Jacob practiced construction law with an AmLaw 200 firm in a construction practice group that is widely recognized as among the top 50 construction practices in the United States. By joining DLA Piper, Jacob is now able to deploy his skills and competency on a global scale by quarterbacking collaboration among international teams.

Additional Positions

  • Government Affairs Committee Chair, Associated Builders & Contractors Carolinas Triad Council, (2022 – 2025)
  • Captain, United States Air Force, (Separated 2022)

Memberships and Affiliations

  • American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Construction Law Section