Mechanic’s Lien Lawyer Brooklyn, NY

Contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and laborers who furnish labor or materials for a construction project in Brooklyn have a legal right to secure payment through a mechanic’s lien. When a property owner or general contractor fails to pay for work performed or materials delivered, filing a mechanic’s lien against the real property can create leverage to recover what is owed. Yet the procedural requirements under New York’s Lien Law are exacting — a misstep in the filing timeline, the content of the notice, or the service requirements can invalidate the lien. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in Kings County who need to perfect, enforce, or defend against mechanic’s liens. The firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Brooklyn, including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, and surrounding neighborhoods. To request a consultation about a mechanic’s lien matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What Mechanic’s Liens Mean in Brooklyn

A mechanic’s lien is a statutory security interest in real property that secures payment for labor, materials, or services furnished in connection with an improvement to that property. In Brooklyn — Kings County — lien claims are governed principally by Article 2 of the New York Lien Law. The statute grants a lien to contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, architects, engineers, and surveyors who contribute to a construction project. The lien attaches to the owner’s interest in the real property and, if enforced through foreclosure, can result in the sale of the property to satisfy the debt. Because a mechanic’s lien clouds title, it exerts significant pressure on property owners and general contractors to resolve payment disputes.

Brooklyn’s construction landscape presents distinct considerations for mechanic’s lien practice. The borough is experiencing sustained residential and commercial development, from single-family renovations in Park Slope and Bay Ridge to large-scale multi-unit projects in Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg. Projects often involve multiple tiers of subcontractors, each of whom may be entitled to file a lien if unpaid. Kings County Supreme Court — located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 — adjudicates lien foreclosure actions and related contract disputes within the 2nd Judicial District. The court applies New York’s Lien Law alongside the Uniform Commercial Code and the Civil Practice Law and Rules to resolve competing claims among owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and lenders. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are familiar with the procedural requirements for perfecting and enforcing mechanic’s liens in Kings County and work to protect the rights of those who have contributed value to a construction project.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Mechanic’s Lien Cases

Mechanic’s lien practice in New York requires strict compliance with statutory deadlines and content requirements. The Lien Law imposes specific timeframes for filing a notice of lien — measured from the date the lienor last performed work or furnished materials to the project — and for commencing a lien foreclosure action after the lien has been filed. Failure to meet those deadlines extinguishes the lien. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate whether a client is entitled to a lien, calculate the applicable deadlines, prepare and serve the required notices, and file the lien with the Kings County Clerk. When payment is not forthcoming after the lien is filed, the firm initiates foreclosure proceedings in Kings County Supreme Court to enforce the lien and recover the amounts owed.

In addition to representing lien claimants, the firm also represents property owners, general contractors, and sureties who are defending against mechanic’s liens. Defenses to a lien may include challenging the timeliness of the filing, the sufficiency of the legal description of the property, the accuracy of the amount claimed, or the lienor’s entitlement to a lien under the Lien Law. The firm also handles related claims that frequently accompany lien disputes, including breach of contract, quantum meruit, unjust enrichment, and claims under payment bonds. Whether through negotiation, motion practice, or trial, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work toward a resolution that addresses the client’s objectives. The firm does not guarantee any particular outcome; each case depends on its specific facts and applicable law.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience across multiple practice areas, including contract disputes, commercial litigation, and construction law. Collectively, the firm serves clients from its locations in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. The New York location represents clients in Kings County and throughout the state in mechanic’s lien, breach of contract, and related civil litigation matters. For guidance on a mechanic’s lien issue in Brooklyn, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

The firm’s practice areas include contract law, business law, commercial litigation, and civil litigation. When a mechanic’s lien dispute implicates broader contractual or business interests, the firm can address the matter in a coordinated manner. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to achieve favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mechanic’s lien and who can file one in Brooklyn?

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim against real property that secures payment for labor or materials furnished to improve that property. In Brooklyn, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, architects, engineers, and surveyors who contribute to a construction project may be entitled to file a mechanic’s lien under New York’s Lien Law. The lien attaches to the property owner’s interest and can be enforced through a foreclosure action in Kings County Supreme Court. To qualify, the lienor must have furnished labor or materials with the consent of the property owner or a general contractor, and the work must have been performed or materials delivered in connection with a permanent improvement to the real property. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help determine whether you have a valid lien claim.

What is the deadline for filing a mechanic’s lien in Kings County?

The deadline for filing a mechanic’s lien in New York depends on the type of project and the lienor’s role, but generally the notice of lien must be filed within a specific period after the lienor last performed work or furnished materials. For a private commercial project, a contractor typically must file within eight months of completing its work; subcontractors and suppliers often have a shorter period measured from the last date they furnished labor or materials. For single-family residential projects, the deadlines can be substantially shorter. The lien must be filed with the Kings County Clerk, served on the property owner, and proof of service must be filed. Missing the statutory deadline extinguishes the lien. An attorney can calculate the specific deadline applicable to your situation.

How is a mechanic’s lien enforced in Brooklyn?

A mechanic’s lien is enforced by commencing a lien foreclosure action in Kings County Supreme Court. After filing and serving the notice of lien, the lienor must file a lawsuit to foreclose on the lien within the period prescribed by the Lien Law. If the lien is not extended or a foreclosure action is not timely commenced, the lien expires. The foreclosure action seeks a judgment directing the sale of the property to satisfy the lien claim. The court may also award interest, costs, and in some circumstances, attorney fees. The foreclosure process is a specialized civil litigation proceeding that requires familiarity with the Lien Law and the CPLR. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in mechanic’s lien foreclosure and related contract claims in Kings County.

Can a property owner challenge a mechanic’s lien in Brooklyn?

Yes, a property owner can challenge a mechanic’s lien by demonstrating procedural defects, disputing the amount claimed, or showing that the lienor is not entitled to a lien under the Lien Law. Common challenges include arguing that the lien was filed after the statutory deadline, that the notice of lien does not adequately describe the property or the work performed, that the lien amount is willfully exaggerated, or that the lienor lacks a direct contractual relationship with the owner or a properly filed notice. Owners may also seek to have the lien discharged by posting a bond. An experienced attorney can evaluate the validity of a lien and advise on the available defenses and procedural options in Kings County Supreme Court.

What is the difference between a mechanic’s lien and a breach of contract claim?

A mechanic’s lien is a security interest against real property, while a breach of contract claim is a legal action for damages arising from a party’s failure to perform under an agreement. The two remedies are often pursued together. A contractor who is not paid for its work may file a mechanic’s lien to secure payment against the property and simultaneously bring a breach of contract claim against the party that failed to pay. The lien provides security and leverage; the contract claim provides the basis for recovering monetary damages, including the unpaid contract balance, interest, and in some cases consequential damages. New York generally does not award punitive damages for breach of contract absent an independent tort. An attorney can advise on the interplay of lien and contract remedies in your specific situation.

Do I need a lawyer to file a mechanic’s lien in Brooklyn?

While the Lien Law does not require you to hire a lawyer to file a mechanic’s lien, the procedural requirements are technical and errors can invalidate the lien. The notice of lien must contain specific information under New York law, including the name of the property owner, a description of the property sufficient for identification, the amount claimed, the labor or materials furnished, and the dates of performance. The lien must be filed, served, and a proof of service filed within precise timeframes. A lien that is defective in form or untimely filed may be summarily discharged, leaving the lienor without security for its claim. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle mechanic’s lien matters in Kings County. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Contract Law Resources in New York

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