Experience
Victoria “Vicky” Petrone is a partner of the firm with a regional practice focused exclusively on construction law. She represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers in both high-stakes disputes and complex project planning.
With a rare dual background in engineering and law, Vicky brings practical, real-world construction experience to every matter she handles. Before entering the legal profession, she earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and spent seven years as a project manager for one of the nation’s largest construction management and general contracting firms. That hands-on experience gives her an uncommon ability to understand technical drawings, schedules, cost controls, and field operations — and to translate those realities into effective legal strategy.
Vicky advises clients across the full lifecycle of construction projects, from corporate formation and contract drafting, review, and negotiation to dispute resolution involving construction defects, payment claims, mechanic’s liens, public bidding, prevailing wage compliance, surety and bond claims, delay and scheduling disputes, employment matters, and insurance coverage. She regularly represents clients in state and federal courts, as well as in private arbitration and mediation, including proceedings before the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
In addition to advocating for clients, Vicky serves as one of Delaware’s only American Arbitration Association panel members and is a Delaware Superior Court Certified Mediator. She has acted as a mediator and arbitrator, giving her valuable perspective on how disputes are evaluated and resolved. Vicky is the author of the Delaware chapter of the Fifty State Construction Lien and Bond Law treatise and has been recognized as a Top Lawyer in Construction Law by Delaware Today since 2016, including a feature article highlighting her work in the field.
Vicky is deeply engaged in Delaware’s construction and infrastructure community. She serves on the Governor’s Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council and has held leadership roles with organizations such as Delaware Contractors Association and The Committee of 100. She is an active member of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Delaware Chapter and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Delaware, among other industry groups.
A frequent lecturer and advisor to industry organizations, Vicky presents on construction contracts, Department of Labor developments, mechanic’s lien strategy, project documentation, and practical approaches to preventing and resolving construction claims. Clients rely on her not only as an advocate, but as a strategic partner who understands how projects are built — and how to protect them.
Education
- Widener University School of Law, 2001
- University of Delaware, BSCE, 1995
Awards
- Top Lawyer in Delaware Today for Construction Law since 2016
Bar Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey (Inactive)
Memberships
- American Arbitration Association Panel Member – 2023
- Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council
- The Committee Of 100
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Delaware Chapter
- Delaware Contractors Association and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Delaware