Thomas Trapnell represents developers, general contractors, and subcontractors in both transactional matters and dispute resolution.

His litigation experience includes representing owners, contractors, and subcontractors on both the plaintiff and defense sides in matters involving bridge rehabilitation, highway and arena construction, sewer interceptor repair, and allegations of defective design.

Mr. Trapnell has had a varied career both in private practice and as in-house counsel. Before joining Bodman in 2026, he practiced with an Atlanta-based construction law firm. He also previously served as general counsel to a heavy civil contractor headquartered in Detroit, where he negotiated contracts, change orders, and claims for projects including multi-unit residential buildings, industrial facilities, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Drawing on his experience from both private practice and in-house roles, Mr. Trapnell brings a well-rounded perspective that provides significant value to his clients.

Mr. Trapnell is fluent in Russian.

Professional Affiliations

• Atlanta Bar Association
• American Bar Association

Representative Matters

Construction Transactions and General Construction Law

• As in-house counsel, had primary responsibility for all legal affairs of an earthwork/sitework contractor with approximately $100M in annual sales.
• Negotiated contracts with owners, prime contractors and subcontractors for a range of heavy civil jobs including the Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Detroit with Ontario, Canada.
• Drafted and negotiated construction contracts (including GMP set documents) on behalf of private developers for multi-unit residential construction projects in Tennessee and North Carolina.
• Reviewed, revised and negotiated prime contracts, architect/consultant contracts, and subcontracts on behalf of owners, general contractors and subcontractors.
• Provided project management advisory services to industrial contractors during active work.
• Assisted state and municipal agencies in updating and negotiating construction-related contracts.

Construction Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Represented a state department of transportation in an eight-figure claims dispute with a general contractor involving reconstruction of an major interstate highway interchange.
• Represented a county government in schedule and payment disputes arising from construction of an 8,500-seat civic arena.
• Resolved approximately $2 million in total payment disputes with upstream parties, including filing construction liens and arbitrations when necessary to defend company’s interests.
• Represented a demolition contractor on the Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” project in a bet-the-company dispute regarding change order denials and wrongful termination including extensive depositions of the owner and general contractor representatives in New York and motion practice in the Southern District of New York.
• Represented a heavy civil contractor in a dispute with the engineer of record regarding sewer interceptor rehabilitation in Macomb County (Michigan), resulting in an amicable resolution following mediation.
• Represented a residential construction company in a five-day arbitration with a homeowner, resulting in victory on all claims and counterclaims and an attorney fee award.

General Commercial Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Represented an automotive OEM in a commercial dispute involving heavy machinery for the fabrication of automotive interiors.
• Defended an automotive OEM in a franchise dispute arising from termination of a dealer development candidate and claims of wrongful franchise termination.
• Defended mortgage lenders and servicers in high-volume litigation related to foreclosures in Michigan state and federal courts.
• Seconded to an automotive OEM to assist in the management of outside counsel, settlement negotiations, and regulatory reporting related to ignition switch matters.