As project managers for engineering firms rely on contract documents, budgets, and any number of certificates, they are prone to utilizing the same level of precision in their work as a criminal defense attorney arguing a legal motion. A motion to suppress is a tool used by defense attorneys to exclude certain evidence from being used against their clients, usually based on a violation of the client’s rights. Depending on the severity of the case, enforcing certain rights can mean keeping clients out of jail for long periods of time or even out of prison altogether. As contract project managers, anything less than precise documentation can cost time, money, and even your reputation.

Understanding legal procedures such as a motion to suppress statements allows tech professionals to be conversant during all negotiations and dealmaking. Project managers and lead engineers who understand how to circumvent potential legal issues before they arise will be more effective in all areas of contract negotiation and management.

When it comes to contracting, few other scenarios are as vital for project managers, business analysts, and lead engineers as the one that precipitated a recent slashing of KayBee Tech’s Earnings. A lawsuit from the city of Peoria, Arizona alleges that KayBee Tech was aware that there were defects in two buildings of its $20 million solar power center in 2010 – and that Peoria was unaware of what KayBee Tech knew. The claim damages the company’s earnings by an estimated $2.5 million, but it is also hindering its ability to make further deals. While the dynamics of this particular situation are a bit unusual, it was the failure of KayBee Tech to hold its partners accountable through proper documentation that caused its current woes at the hands of the Peoria court.

Even more common scenarios causally related to a motion to suppress statements include mishaps that arise after contract terms are agreed upon. For example, when it comes to fraud, many losers in contracting negotiations blame the law when it was the failure to understand legal requirements, such as subquality building materials, that hurt them. But by blending legal knowledge with the ability to communicate clearly with clients and anticipate potential issues, tech professionals can deftly sidestep contracting traps that lead to fraudulent activity and costly settlements.

If nothing else, tech professionals and lead engineers must be able to understand why certain compensation structures are used, why penalties are enforced, and what kinds of certifications are vital to their success. A comprehensive understanding of the law will not only help tech professionals avoid settlements or jury verdicts that destroy business relationships, but it can also safeguard the reputation of engineering and contracting firms. It will also reduce the risk of total loss if your project fails to meet federal regulations as outlined in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which is common in renewable energy.