The hidden ball trick is a baseball play in which the fielder fakes a throw to the pitcher so that he can trick the runner into stepping off the base. The fielder then tags out the runner. It is a deceptive move that can happen to almost any baseball player. Apparently, deceit can happen off the field as well and to one of the game’s greatest players.
In a construction lawsuit that is beginning to make headlines across Florida, New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge and his wife are suing their interior designer, claiming fraud and $750,000 of hidden charges on bills for renovations to their Florida home and New York apartment. Since 2014, the Judges have had a home in Tampa (where the Yankees play spring training). In 2022, following Aaron’s blockbuster $360 million contract, they commenced construction of a new home.
After meeting interior designer Mandy Drew in 2023 in a social setting, the Judges contracted with Tampa-based Mandy Drew Designs for design, renovations, and furnishings in Tampa and furnishings and design in New York. The Judges allege that the “cut and dry” pricing contract was for a flat rate of $10 per square foot, which equaled $68,000 for the Tampa project and $75,000 for the New York project. The Judges began to suspect the overcharges when there was a 20% fee for “services by a general contractor in Tampa” and a $33,000 charge for a couch, marked up more than $10,000. It got to a point, according to the lawsuit, that the Judges did not know how much they were overcharged because the defendant failed to hand over receipts. The Judges allege that the defendant assumed they would “be too busy to notice her overcharges” and “could afford to overpay.”
The story was initially covered by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and the case, Aaron and Samantha Judge v. Drew Designs, LLC, was filed Jan. 28, 2025 in the Civil Division of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, Florida.
“In both contracts, Mrs. Drew explicitly committed to providing ‘the most enjoyable, transparent design experience possible.’ Unfortunately, the Judges’ experience with Mrs. Drew and Drew Designs has been far from transparent or enjoyable,” according to the lawsuit. It adds, “Contrary to her representations and in clear breach of the contracts, Mrs. Drew charged the Judges egregious hidden ‘additional markups’ on both furniture and contractor services. Despite repeated demands, Mrs. Drew has refused to provide the Judges documents to show her ‘cost for furniture’ and her ‘contractor cost,’ the amounts Mrs. Drew committed to charge them along with the agreed design fee.”
Unethical billing practices, unreasonable markups, breach of contract, lack of transparency—these are all hot-button phrases that contractors never want to hear about their business. The Aaron Judge case, while undecided by the court, carries valuable lessons for businesses when it comes to working with clients in the construction field. Playing by the rules is key.
Let’s discuss some best practices to not only foster strong client relationships, but also to protect businesses from legal risks.
Stay in the Strike Zone: Best Practices for Fair Billing and Clear Communication
By sticking to these best practices, contractors can avoid costly errors, protect their reputation, and ensure their business is always playing in the big leagues. Yes, we have a full dose of baseball puns ahead; no hidden ball trick in this article.
Step up to the plate with clear estimates:
- Give clients a solid game plan with a detailed, itemized estimate, including a breakdown of labor, materials, and any potential extra costs upfront.
- Explain any potential fluctuations in pricing due to market conditions or unforeseen challenges.
Keep invoices in the sweet spot and no swinging at extra work without approval:
- Send itemized invoices that match the original estimate—no surprise curveballs.
- Keep pricing reasonable and make sure every charge is justified.
- Maintain a playbook of receipts, subcontractor costs, and materials.
- Document any changes through a formal work order, and get written approval from the client before rounding third base on additional costs.
- Never proceed with additional work without written consent from the client.
Communication is the MVP:
- Maintain regular communication with clients and provide regular updates with clients to avoid foul play.
- Keep clients in the loop on progress, costs, and any unexpected issues.
- Stay upfront about delays or budget adjustments to avoid any potential disputes.
Play fair with pricing and keep a scorecard (or as the kids say, “Keep receipts”):
- Implement ethical billing practices by always being transparent.
- Charge competitive, reasonable rates — no inflated price tags; keep any markups in the same ballpark with subcontractor and material costs.
- Maintain clear records of contracts, estimates, invoices, and client communications.
- If a dispute arises, having a strong paper trail can be the grand slam needed in court.
Follow the Rulebook to Ensure Legal Compliance:
- Stay compliant with local and state regulations on fair billing practices.
- Contractors unsure about any contract terms should consult a legal professional before signing on the dotted line.
Post Game Analysis
The Aaron Judge lawsuit serves as a stark reminder that, even in seemingly glamorous projects, disputes can arise from a lack of transparency and clear communication. Also in a high-profile project, contractors’ industry reputation is at risk. By adhering to the best practices outlined, contractors can build trust with their clients, avoid costly legal battles, and maintain a positive reputation.
Clear estimates, accurate invoices, proactive communication, fair pricing, and legal compliance are not just good business practices, they are also the foundation of a successful and ethical operation. In construction, playing fair is essential for staying in the game.
This article originally appeared on Adams & Reese LLP.