Live Interactive Webinars

Dr. Dawson recently retired as the Associate Vice President for Administrative Operations at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi where he oversaw facility operations, maintenance, grounds, custodial, and planning and construction as well as Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for the “Island” campus. His experience spans federal, state, county and local municipality projects including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Department of Defense (DoD) including the Naval Construction Battalion’s at Gulfport and Port Hueneme, Seabees, Navy Civil Engineer Corp, Army Corps of Engineers, Air Force Civil Engineers and RED HORSE units, in addition to higher education with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) University of North Texas System (UNTS) and Tarrant County College District (TCCD). Dr. Dawson has more than 38 years’ experience in urban planning, developmental programming, building and infrastructure design, construction and program management for a wide variety of capital investment programs and unique environments. He is a retired Air Force Civil Engineering officer with experience in the design and construction of numerous facilities supporting major weapon systems and the U.S. electronic security and space programs world-wide. Dr. Dawson is a registered architect in the State of Texas and a certified city planner. He is also a U.S. Green Building Institute Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) with experience in numerous sustainable projects. He has specialized mediation and disputes resolution training and experience directly related to the design and construction industry, successfully resolving construction claims based on errors and omissions, defective product or workmanships, scheduling deviations or Acts-of-God. Additional skills include preparation of specifications, bidding and construction plans, cost estimates, and bidding services related to federal and state contract requirements and processes.

Mr. McConnell’s parking design and consulting experience encompasses nearly 30 years of work with airports, government, military, transit, higher education, resort, healthcare, and corporate clients. He is a member of the National Parking Association’s Parking Consultants Council and a founding member of ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute. He is well-versed in precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, and steel construction. Mr. McConnell’s experience includes numerous restorations, parking study, and programming projects. Several of his projects have received LEED certification, and he is an accredited GBCI Parksmart Advisor.

Mr. Simpson founded Gradelta Engineering in 2020 with the intent to help clients better understand the combination of geotechnical and structural engineering that he has worked with for the past 20 years. He earned his B.S.C.E. and M.S.C.E. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology. He currently provides engineering services to contractors and fellow engineers for earth structure pricing, along with the plans and calculations needed for construction. He frequently consults with clients regarding the optimal structure type and location on the construction site to minimize risk and maximize useable space. He also works in the education sector providing not just seminars such as this one, but also acting as a subject matter expert creating study guide and test prep content for the NCEES Professional Civil Engineer exam. Mr. Simpson has also worked with lawyers and insurance companies during forensic investigation and lawsuits surrounding retaining walls and slope failures. His hope is that through the instructional services that he currently provides, slopes will remain stable and retaining wall failure will be eliminated.

Mr. Giordanengo is the founder and principal restoration ecologist of AloTerra Restoration Services. He has 33 years of professional and academic experience in ecology, ecological restoration, business, and economics; 23 years of natural resource project management experience; 10 years of natural resource research experience; over 200 publications, oral presentations, articles and technical papers. He has founded and managed several non-profit organizations, and facilitated several complex stakeholder engagement processes with federal, state, local, non-profit, and private entities. Mr. Giordanengo earned his M.S. degree in Rangeland Ecosystem Science from Colorado State University and his B.S. degree from San Diego State University.

Mr. Crompton specializes in complex civil cases across the United States. He has led numerous large-scale litigations, obtaining significant verdicts, settlements, and results on behalf of his clients. A native of Herrin, Illinois, he grew up in a hardworking, union family. Mr. Crompton’s family and close family friends have worked in heavy, dangerous industries, trades and services including railroading, agriculture, mining, natural resources, manufacturing, construction, labor, maintenance, machinery, transportation and trucking, towing/road service, electrical linemen, structural/steel, teaching, and engineering. He has successfully taken on some of the largest, most aggressive corporations and industries, including pharmaceutical, agricultural, asbestos, petroleum/oil, banking, automotive, and manufacturing. Mr. Crompton’s cases have been featured in various media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Time, CNBC, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, Law360, New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Missouri Lawyers Media, St. Louis Post Dispatch, St. Louis Business Journal, and the St. Louis Record, to name a few. Additionally, his legal writings, teachings, and materials have been published in and widely circulated by well-known industry publications. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a Martindale-Hubbell preeminent AV rating (5.0/5.0), a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, in the Global Directory of Who’s Who (Top Lawyers), a designation by Super Lawyers, and being ranked in the top 5% of private practice attorneys nationwide by Best Lawyers in America.

Ms. Crompton is an experienced trial attorney and dedicated advocate for justice. Her passion to try cases led her to join the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s office prosecuting some of the most serious and egregious offenses in St. Louis City. Ms. Crompton tried over 40 jury trials and countless bench trials during her 11+ year tenure, having an impressive record of felony convictions. It was during her time there that she sought justice on behalf of many women and children who were survivors of sexual crimes and domestic violence. Standing up and giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves is the reason she chose to attend law school. Ms. Crompton continued her career at a woman owned plaintiffs law firm concentrating her practice in the areas of catastrophic trucking cases, product liability, wrongful death, medical negligence, employment litigation, and personal injury. Just prior to joining the firm, she operated in a business role as Director and Counsel for a private legal services company. There she managed all services to facilitate resolution of civil litigation matters. Additionally, she was accountable for training and management of employees and independent contractors, marketing, sales, purchasing, budgeting, and ultimately viability. She also created and managed a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program offering insight on a wide range of legal topics to lawyers and other professionals across the country. Ms. Crompton is committed to assisting many causes and organizations including the Missouri Bar and local affinity bar associations. She is a past President of the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis (WLA) and currently serves as Vice President for the Missouri Bar. Ms. Crompton is actively involved with many committees furthering the missions of access to justice, women in the profession, and educational outreach including past Chair of the Government Lawyers Committee, Chair of the CLE Committee and co-Chair of the ADR Committee. She serves as an adjunct professor of law at St. Louis University School of Law teaching courses on Mediation and Trial Advocacy.

Mr. Kurtz practice includes wrongful death personal injury, products’ liability, medical malpractice probate law, elder law, wills and trusts, business and tax law, and real estate. His personal injury practice allows him to help people who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident. Mr. Kurtz has extensive trial experience and works hard to get clients the compensation they deserve. He is admitted to practice in Missouri, Kansas, and before the U.S. Federal Courts. Mr. Kurtz earned his A.B. degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, his M.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and his J.D. degree from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Law.

Ms. Largent serves as a Practice Group Leader for the Rails to Trails practice group. Her primary focus is representing landowners nationwide whose property has been taken by the federal government without just compensation. In addition to establishing when the government is liable for taking land, Ms. Largent’s practice centers largely on establishing the value of the land taken. She also focuses her practice on appellate litigation and commercial disputes. Ms. Largent has assisted in drafting dozens of appellate briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Eighth Circuit, and Eleventh Circuit, as well as the Supreme Court and Appellate Courts of Illinois and Appellate Court of Missouri.

Ms. Justin has been practicing law for more than 23 years. For the first ten years of her legal career, Ms. Justin worked as an insurance defense attorney for two insurance companies and a civil defense firm. Since that time, she has focused her practice on plaintiff’s personal injury, family law and estate planning cases. Ms. Justin has tried both jury and bench cases, including divorce cases, and argued cases before the Missouri Supreme Court. She earned her J.D. degree from St. Louis University School of Law, attending the evening program while working during the day. Ms. Justin earned her M.B.A. degree and two undergraduate degrees in psychology and business from Webster University. She is a member of The Missouri Bar, and is licensed to practice law in Missouri and federal courts.

Mr. Buckley’s practice involves commercial real estate transactions with an emphasis on commercial mortgage loans, including construction loans, workouts and foreclosures; acquisitions and dispositions of commercial properties, from vacant land to shopping center properties and golf courses; commercial leases, including ground leases; and master-planned communities. He has experience in land use issues, municipal development agreements and residential and mixed-use projects CC&Rs. His clients have included financial institutions and other lenders, developers, public entities and nonprofits. As a founding member and chair of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Nevada, Mr. Buckley has been instrumental in the enactment of the Section’s legislative proposals and Nevada’s enactment of uniform laws such as the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act (2017).

Mr. Morrison is the Managing Member of Morrison Law. The firm specializes in water rights, real estate transactions and litigation and administrative matters. He is Licensed to practice law in both California and Nevada, and a practitioner of water, environmental, land use, and natural resource law. Mr. Morrison has experience at all levels of the water appropriation process, from filing applications and statements to administrative hearings to district and Supreme Court review. He also has knowledge of regulations governing complex interbasin and interstate river and groundwater systems. Mr. Morrison earned his J.D. degree from University of the Pacific-McGeorge School of Law.

Ms. Fairbank is an engaged and results driven Of Counsel attorney with broad experience involving the management and resolution of controversial and complex matters who practices in our Business Litigation and Natural Resources practice groups from our Reno, NV office. With many years of experience handling a broad spectrum of civil matters, including extensive trial and appellate experience and a practice focused on water and natural resource law, she most recently served as a Deputy Administrator for the Nevada Division of Water Resources. In this capacity, Ms. Fairbank worked with the Nevada State Engineer in administering Title 48 of the Nevada Revised Statutes in the management of water rights and the Silver State’s water resources. she also represented the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection in handling a variety of permitting and compliance matters involving hazardous waste disposal and management, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), mine reclamation, the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and related state environmental laws. Ms. Fairbank also has experience handling legislative matters and has extensive practice experience before the Nevada State District Courts, Federal District Courts in Nevada and California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Opportunity and Employment Commission, and state administrative agencies.

Mr. Silva is one of the best-known practitioners of eminent domain and takings litigation in the State of Nevada, as well as a leading practitioner of municipal law. His practice includes representing condemning agencies, municipalities, counties, state agencies and utilities—primarily in Nevada, as well as California and nationwide. He also represents private landowners in takings matters. He also serves as a judge pro tempore for the Reno Municipal Court. Mr. Silva frequently presents educational material at leading industry conferences, including IRWA, IMLA, APA, and Western States Surveyors. He is highly devoted to advancing education of the bar and industry, and writes extensively. Mr. Silva has contributed to the Nevada Real Property Practice Manual, the Nevada Civil Practice Manual, the Nevada Appellate Practice Manual, the Nevada Civil Jury Instructions, the Nevada Appellate Rules of Procedure, the Miller & Starr treatise on real property law, and frequently publishes articles in publications such as Nevada Lawyer and other law journals. Prior to entering practice, Mr. Silva served as a staff attorney at the Nevada Supreme Court and as a law clerk to the Hon. Patrick Flanagan at the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County, Nevada. In law school, he served as an extern to the Hon. John A. Houston at the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.

Mr. Taggart is the founding partner of Taggart and Taggart, Ltd. Long respected in the water rights arena, representing businesses and municipalities in transactional and litigation matters, his practice includes water rights acquisitions, sales, contracts, easements, well share and water delivery agreements, adjudications, permitting, extensions, transfers, certification, regulatory compliance and litigation of water rights disputes before state administrative bodies as well as State and Federal trial and appellate courts. Additionally, he practices real property, real estate, land use, redevelopment, complex and general civil litigation, and administrative proceedings. Mr. Taggart provides his clients the unique combination of legal experience combined with particularly skilled considerable success in representation of clients and projects. He continues to be actively involved in working with and handling matters and individuals, corporate clients, business owners, contractors, developers, and lenders throughout Nevada look to him to represent them in complex water law cases and issues.

Ms. Fabricant, MLA, is a registered consulting arborist operating out of SavATree’s Dallas-Fort Worth branch providing comprehensive tree and shrub care services. Some popular services that she offers to clients include tree risk assessment, tree and landscape appraisal, permitting, construction and compliance, tree surveys and preservation plans, municipal services, and more. Ms. Fabricant has diverse experience working in arboriculture-horticulture, design, and business. She has been a lifelong volunteer and liaison focusing on environmental sustainability and recovery projects. Ms. Fabricant earned her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Ms. Gutkowski is an Environmental Project Manager, ISA Certified Arborist, and ESA Certified Ecologist with over six years of experience in ecological assessment, restoration planning, and environmental permitting. At Rodgers Consulting, she leads natural resource strategies for development projects across Maryland, including forest stand delineations, stream restoration planning, and ecological inventories. With a Master of Science in Conservation Science from the University of Queensland, Kelly brings a strong academic foundation in ecological research, including work on coral reef and seagrass ecosystems, genetic and paleoecological analysis, and advanced statistical modeling. Kelly has extensive experience guiding environmental review and permitting for diverse development and infrastructure projects. She routinely deciphers ecological data into regulatory guidance, technical documentation, and stakeholder communication, helping clients and agencies achieve balanced outcomes that integrate ecological sensitivity with sustainable growth. Through her leadership, Kelly applies ecological science to guide evidence-based planning and stewardship that support resilient landscapes and thriving communities.

Ms. Lubell-Brand is a professor of Horticulture at the University of Connecticut. Her research and outreach on native plants has focused on the identification and development of novel species as landscape plants and their propagation to broaden the palette of natives available to consumers. She earned her B.A. degree from the University of Rochester, her M.S. degree from the University of Connecticut and her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.

Mr. Seibert’s work explores how people relate to the landscapes that sustain them, questioning dominant ways of seeing and knowing the world. Through teaching, writing, and design, he seeks to imagine more just, reciprocal, and promising futures.

After 20 years in photography creating art, and selling and installing professional photography equipment, Mr. Williams decided to change careers and make the world a better place by becoming a LEED accredited professional through the US Green Building Council in 2006. LEED introduced him to water issues. Then there was drought. With a love of rivers and appreciation of water, he decided to focus on rainwater harvesting and water efficiency as Georgia entered its worst drought in its history from 2006 – 2009. In 2007, Mr. Williams started designing and installing rain harvesting systems. In 2008, he became an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association accredited professional, ARCSA AP, and is currently a regional representative. In 2012, Mr. Williams began auditing commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings’ water use and providing solutions to reduce water use primarily through fixture upgrades. He spent the next several years auditing commercial, institutional and multifamily buildings as part of his job in sales and account management working for several different companies. In 2013, he landed the contract for fixture upgrades for the Bank of America Plaza’s LEED Silver Certification, reducing water by 57 percent, receiving all seven points and saving 2,669,360 gallons per year. The project won the USGBC’s Ebie award for water efficiency, the Atlanta Metro Chamber’s E3 award for water, the USGBC – GA Chrysalis award as well as the Atlanta Better Building Challenge award. In 2019, Mr. Williams started representing Sustainable Water’s WaterHub water recycling system that uses eco-engineering processes to clean wastewater for non-potable needs. Sustainable Water brought the WaterHub to Emory University, recycling more than 400,000 gallons daily. Currently, he is designing and installing rainwater systems in Georgia and helping others use water more efficiently through water audits, billing assessments and fixture recommendations. Mr. Williams is chair of the Ocmulgee Basin Advisory Committee of the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District and has been active since 2007. He still creates art though his photography.

Mr. Ash, CRE, joined Carlin & Ward in 2019 bringing 15 years of experience in real estate law for public projects to the representation of property owners in eminent domain acquisitions. Now a partner at Carlin, Ward, Ash & Heiart, LLC, his practice focuses on real estate litigation and trial advocacy in eminent domain matters and tax appeals. He collaborates with experts in various disciplines including real estate appraisers, engineers, planners, and environmental consultants. Mr. Ash is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a certified civil trial attorney, handling all aspects of condemnation valuation jury trials, commissioner hearings, and tax appeals in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Court, Tax Court, Supreme Court, and United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and Southern District of New York. In 2018, he was awarded the CRE® designation by the Counselors of Real Estate®, an international group of real estate professionals recognized as leading advisors in complex real property matters with approximately 1,000 members worldwide, of which only about 50 are practicing attorneys. Mr. Ash has been recognized as “Rising Star” and Super Lawyer in Eminent Domain 2012 through 2022. He earned his B.A. degree from Rutgers University and his J.D. degree from New England School of Law.

Ms. Brennan concentrates her practice in the fields of redevelopment, land use, and eminent domain. She handles transactional and litigation matters, as well as entitlements. She has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting redevelopment agreements and associated documents and legislation. Ms. Brennan has also drafted and defended zoning and land use ordinances. She has successfully challenged land use board decisions in both New York and New Jersey, and has successfully defended redevelopment designations and agreements in Superior Court in New Jersey. Ms. Brennan has also counseled businesses and communities related to aviation and airports regarding compliance with federal and state environmental regulations, including the development of OSHA-required coursework for airport employees. Before she was an attorney, Ms. Brennan was a duty manager for a major airline. Ms. Brennan founded the Land Use and Redevelopment Committee of the Essex County Bar Association and is a member of the Aviation Law Committee of the New Jersey Bar Association and the Air and Space Law Committee of the NYC Bar.

Mr. Pollock is certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Lawyer. This certification is bestowed by the Court upon select attorneys who demonstrate sufficient levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in a specific area of law or practice and have been recognized by their peers as having sufficient skills and reputation in the designated area of law, among other requirements. Mr. Pollock also teaches trial practice and other related courses for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA). In client references provided to Chambers USA, Mr. Pollock has been called “an excellent trial lawyer” who is a “very zealous advocate,” and who is “relentless, personable, intelligent and creative.” He has also been noted as someone with a “significant depth of experience and knowledge in environmental law” who also “is very knowledgeable about insurance.”

Mr. Sokolove is a nationally recognized flood causation / flood damage attorney with over 45 years’ experience representing businesses, individuals, developers, communities, and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of legal and regulatory matters involving flood insurance, flood risks, floodplain management, sea level rise, wetland regulation, lender liability and eco-development. Bob heads up the firm’s Flood Litigation Team, the only one of its kind in the country, made up of lawyers and paralegals dedicated to the pursuit of flood claims on behalf of individuals and entities which have suffered flood losses. Mr. Sokolove regularly litigates multi-party environmental disputes, inverse condemnation matters, and flooding and wetland related cases across the United States. Mr. Sokolove represents developers and communities in connection with the creation of sustainability and environmental projects on a for-profit-basis, and assisted in the creation of over seven billion dollars’ worth of saleable wetland and habitat credits through the development of the wetland mitigation banking concept. Mr. Sokolove has also represented some of the largest lending institutions in the country with respect to flood risk and portfolio analysis. In mid 2024, Mr. Sokolove and members of his Flood team obtained what is believed to be the largest flood litigation award in the country, ($23 million) against a municipality, which caused flood damage to four separate plaintiffs. Mr. Sokolove’s ability to leverage his knowledge and experience into tangible positive results for clients has made him a coveted speaker at conferences, a respected expert witness, and a published writer on subjects involving flood insurance and revenue creation through green initiatives. His clients include some of the largest developers and organizations in the country. In addition to his law degree, Mr. Sokolove holds a Certificate in hydraulics and hydrology from the University of California at Davis, which is extremely helpful when litigating flood matters and advising lenders, municipalities, developers, and real estate entities.

Ms. Cornett is a partner at the forensic engineering consulting firm Ward Cornett & Associates. She has over 20 years’ experience in the world of construction and engineering forensics, representing contractors in disputes related to contract negotiation, job site injury, defect allegations, building envelope consulting, extra-work claims, default termination, delay claims, forensic cost accounting, failure analysis, among other construction and engineering related claims. In addition to construction and engineering related disputes, Ms. Cornett also acts as an Owner’s Representative for best practices in code compliance, premises-liability exposure, and OSHA and job site safety standards compliance. She is also active in performing property condition assessments and safety audits. Ms. Cornett completed a joint Bachelors (B.S.E.) and Masters in Construction and Structural Engineering (M.S.E.) at Arizona State University in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. with emphasis on Structures and Strength of Materials. She will sit for her Professional Engineering fundamental exams in 2024. Ms. Cornett holds an Arizona KB-2 Dual General Contractor license and maintains safety certifications with both the National Safety Council and OSHA. She sits on several boards in the community: (1) the Arizona Board of Technical Registration (AZBTR); (2) the Arizona State University Engineering Department Academic Integrity Board; (3) the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee on Forensic Engineering Standards, (4) the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Committee on Forensic Engineering Standards, Forensic Reporting and Forensic Investigations, (5) The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and (6) The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Arizona Chapter. She is also a certified fire and explosion investigator (CFEI), certified cost estimator, and NRMCA certified concrete plant and fleet inspector. Most recently, Ms. Cornett was invited to participate in the ASCE 11-28 Structural Condition Assessment committee, which will be adopted in the International Building Code. She also instructs as adjunct faculty at both the Arizona State University Department of Engineering and University of Washington, Seattle. Ms. Cornett regularly presents at construction, safety, and engineering conferences throughout the United States. When not speaking or teaching, she provides expert witness and forensic consulting services.

Professor Fratta is an associate professor in Geological Engineering and Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds Civil Engineering degrees from three different universities: a diploma from U.N. Corboda (Argentina), an M.A.Sc. degree from U. of Waterloo (Canada), and a Ph.D. degree from Georgia Tech (USA). He has over 20 years of teaching experience through courses in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and applied geophysics, and he is the author of three books. Professor Fratta also supports a research group that pursues studies in near-surface geophysics, wave propagation in soils and groups, and experimental geotechnical engineering.

With 17 years of experience in the legal field, Ms. Clark has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for her clients and a dynamic leader committed to her team’s growth and success. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to delivering exceptional legal support while fostering an environment where both clients and staff can thrive.

Ms. Clark’s drive to make a meaningful impact is evident in her approach to running a law firm. She is dedicated to addressing her clients’ needs, ensuring their voices are heard and their cases are handled with the utmost care and expertise. Her leadership style emphasizes support and development, empowering her team to excel and achieve their full potential.

In 2023, Ms. Clark was honored with the Legal Staff Award from the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association (CTLA) for her outstanding contributions to the legal community. She currently serves as the Chair of the Legal Staff Committee at CTLA, where she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional development of legal staff. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as a speaker at several industry conferences, inspiring peers and colleagues alike.

Mary Ewing Law is a Denver-based law firm that provides personalized legal help, effectively tailored to meet clients’ needs. Ms. Ewing is a highly respected lawyer who has provided clients with powerful and unwavering representation for over 40 years. Combining her legal skills and expertise, she created a successful practice in Englewood, Colorado, where she continues to practice today

Mr. Foster is a founding partner and co-managing partner of Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher LLP, where he focuses his practice on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries resulting from car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other forms of negligence.

Mr. Foster began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Denver District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 1999. After leaving the DA’s office, he co-founded FGMC, driven by the belief that the best lawyers provide personalized care and maintain constant communication with their clients. His attention to detail and dedication to client relationships have helped him build one of central Denver’s largest independent law firms.

Representing personal injury clients at the highest level requires deep knowledge of complex medical issues, an understanding of insurance company tactics, and the confidence to litigate cases when necessary. Mr. Foster and the FGMC Personal Injury team handle only a select number of catastrophic and serious injury cases, ensuring each client receives focused, individualized attention.

Mr. Foster emphasizes that FGMC is not a television advertising law firm. Clients who retain FGMC are not paying for costly billboards or commercials. Instead, the firm’s approach is built on quality over quantity, providing dedicated, hands-on representation for serious injury cases rather than the high-volume model of large advertising firms.

Mr. Olson founded Olson Personal Injury Lawyers with one clear mission: to help people who have been injured obtain the justice and support they need to move forward. Serving clients throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, Mr. Olson and his team have dedicated themselves to standing up for the wrongfully injured and fighting for fair outcomes, a commitment they call Protecting the West. He and the attorneys at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers have backed up that mission by securing millions of dollars for their clients, supported by numerous client testimonials demonstrating the firm’s commitment to justice.

Since 2012, Mr. Olson has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a top-rated personal injury attorney, an acknowledgment of his skill, experience, and dedication. His practice focuses on personal injury, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse, and he has helped secure millions of dollars for clients. What matters most to Mr. Olson is not the numbers, but the real difference those results make—whether funding life-saving medical care, making a home more livable after a serious injury, or helping a family find peace after tragedy. He is passionate about helping people rebuild their lives.

As Managing Partner at Keating Wagner Polidori Free, Ms. Ostrowski concentrates her practice on catastrophic personal injury cases in Denver and throughout Colorado. She is deeply aware of the guidance and support her clients need when navigating complex legal issues in personal injury cases, allowing them to focus on healing. Ms. Ostrowski works tirelessly for her clients, whether in the courtroom or during settlement conferences, to achieve the best possible outcomes.

While working with Keating Wagner throughout law school, Ms. Ostrowski developed a passion for the courtroom. As a plaintiff attorney, she learned the importance of understanding her clients and the long-term impact of their injuries by getting to know her clients, their families, and their medical teams. She is dedicated to telling each client’s story of loss with precision and compassion, using the finest in technology, medical evidence, and expert testimony.

Ms. Ostrowski has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases, trucking accidents, product defect claims, traumatic brain injuries, pharmacy errors, and child sexual abuse civil cases, among other personal injury matters. She has a proven record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts, even when facing large insurance companies and corporations.

Recognized by her peers and colleagues as one of Colorado’s top accident trial lawyers, Ms. Ostrowski’s care and commitment to her clients are reflected in her results. Among her many accomplishments, she is especially proud to be listed among the attorneys who achieved two of the largest plaintiff personal injury jury verdicts in Colorado in 2013.

With over 30 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors, Mr. Gerritsen provides professional construction code consulting, plan reviews, and inspection services. He has served as a Building Official for the cities of Bluffdale, Centerville, Holladay, Tooele, and as planning / construction director for master planned communities in Tooele and Draper, Utah. In addition to consulting, Mr. Gerritsen continues to share his experience with others through seminars, discussions, and webinars. He has always promoted building code development and education, including serving as the founding president of the Bonneville Chapter of the International Code Council 1993-1994, and on the Board of Directors 1994-1995. Mr. Gerritsen earned his B.S. degree from Brigham Young University and his M.B.A. degree from Western Governors University.  

Mr. Miller has been a distinguished leader in the HVAC industry since 1995, bringing three decades of expertise spanning nearly all areas of focus in the HVAC industry. He holds an HVAC Master’s License in Maryland and Virginia, as well as a Stationary Engineer license. Mr. Miller is a proud member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), recently lecturing at the 2025 annual conference regarding Thermal Energy Networks. In 1998, he obtained a Security Clearance, enabling him to work on highly specialized and mission-critical classified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) projects across the globe. His portfolio includes HVAC construction and system integrations in Egypt, India, the UK, Western Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, projects that extend far beyond the scope of traditional commercial MEP work. Since 2016, Mr. Miller has been based in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continues to provide subject-matter expertise in all areas of HVAC. He also founded ProProfitBuild.com, a platform dedicated to empowering tradesmen and construction professionals. With real-world proven strategies, he addresses financial management practices, 1:1 construction and business management mentoring, and implementing proven practices and procedures to improve the continuity of business for trade-oriented businesses.

Mr. Miller has been a distinguished leader in the HVAC industry since 1995, bringing three decades of expertise spanning nearly all areas of focus in the HVAC industry. He holds an HVAC Master’s License in Maryland and Virginia, as well as a Stationary Engineer license. Mr. Miller is a proud member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), recently lecturing at the 2025 annual conference regarding Thermal Energy Networks. In 1998, he obtained a Security Clearance, enabling him to work on highly specialized and mission-critical classified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) projects across the globe. His portfolio includes HVAC construction and system integrations in Egypt, India, the UK, Western Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, projects that extend far beyond the scope of traditional commercial MEP work. Since 2016, Mr. Miller has been based in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continues to provide subject-matter expertise in all areas of HVAC. He also founded ProProfitBuild.com, a platform dedicated to empowering tradesmen and construction professionals. With real-world proven strategies, he addresses financial management practices, 1:1 construction and business management mentoring, and implementing proven practices and procedures to improve the continuity of business for trade-oriented businesses.

Ms. Lathrop is licensed as a professional land surveyor in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, and as a professional planner in New Jersey. She holds a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and has been involved in surveying since 1974 in projects ranging from construction to boundary to environmental land use disputes. Ms. Lathrop is also a certified floodplain manager through the Association of State Flood Plain Managers (ASFPM) and a certified floodplain surveyor through the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors. A former adjunct instructor at Mercer County College in New Jersey, she has also taught as part of the team for the licensing exam review course at Drexel University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Lathrop has been teaching seminars for surveyors since 1986 and has been writing articles for surveyors since 1983. She is a contributing editor for The American Surveyor magazine, and she has four articles included in the American Bar Association’s text, Land Surveys: A Guide for Lawyers and Other Professionals. She and Stephen V. Estopinal, PLS, PE co–authored a book entitled Professional Surveyors and Real Property Descriptions: Composition, Construction, and Comprehension, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 2011. She is also on the faculty of GeoLearn, a web-based educational provider. Ms. Lathrop is a past president of the New Jersey Society of Professional Land Surveyors and of the National Society of Professional Surveyors, and she has served on the Board of Directors for the American Association for Geodetic Surveying.

Ms. Layton is the Director of Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute and a retired professor of forestry. She spent most of her 23 years at Clemson as Director of the School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences and chairing the two predecessor Departments (Forest Resources and Forestry and Natural Resources). Before joining Clemson University, she held various positions with the American Forest & Paper Association, Scott Paper Company, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Owens Illinois. She serves on the Board of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Pat is a native of South Carolina and has forestry degrees from Clemson University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Florida.

Mr. Horton has provided technician training and continuing education seminars for the land surveying industry since 2005.

Mr. Horton served in the US Air Force and with the Illinois Department of Transportation in planning, design, construction, surveying and maintenance of civil engineering projects including commercial structures, airfields, utility systems and highways. He joined the full-time faculty at Parkland College in Champaign, IL, where he taught land surveying and construction management courses for 25 years. He founded the land surveying associate degree program at Parkland College in 2001.

Having retired from full-time teaching, Mr. Horton has joined Farnsworth Group Inc. as a part-time senior project land surveyor. You can reach him at todd@meridiangeospatial.com.

Mr. Francisco, VP of Cost Estimating, has been with Becker & Frondorf since its inception in 1998. Becker & Frondorf has completed over 7,000 estimates (valued at over $20 billion) to date. Notable projects include Comcast 1 (56-story high-rise), the Museum of the American Revolution, the Liberty Bell, Independence Mall, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Virginia State Capitol, the Statue of Liberty, and many more (www.beckerfrondorf.com). Mr. Francisco, an adjunct faculty at Drexel University College of Engineering for 7 years, from 2010 to 2016 & 2020, teaching Estimating 1 & 2.

Ms. Ehlenberger’s practice is focused exclusively on all areas of family law. She is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America”, Washingtonian magazine’s Top Divorce Lawyers and Northern Virginia magazine’s Top Lawyer Listing. Ms. Ehlenberger is a member of the Family Law section of the Fairfax Bar Association and is on the Fairfax Bar Association’s Circuit Court Committee and Domestic Relations Subcommittee. She is also an associate member of the Loudoun Bar Association and member of the Family Law Section of the Virginia State Bar. Ms. Ehlenberger is also a Neutral Case Evaluator for Fairfax County Circuit Court. She received her B.A. degree from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and her J.D. degree American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, District of Columbia.

Mr. Marcari concentrates his areas of practice on plaintiff’s personal injury law and civil litigation. Additionally, Mr. Marcari handles Camp Lejeune Litigation, veteran benefits claims and represents United States Military members in Court-Martials and Administrative proceedings. He has tried more than 200 jury trials including cases against Ford, Firestone, Honda, Home Depot, Walmart and several national trucking companies. Mr. Marcari was Lead counsel for cases that became the basis for the movies, “A Few Good Men,” “The Paula Coughlin Story” and a book entitled “The Mother of All Hooks-The story of the US Navy’s Tailhook Scandal.” He represented a Capital Murder Client involved in an internet/cell phone scam which received nationwide publicity. Mr. Marcari was retained as an Expert to testify as to the “Standard of Care” in legal malpractice cases and has appeared on several television shows including, Unsolved Mysteries, A Current Affair, The Montel Williams Show and 48 Hours. He earned his B.S. and M.A. degrees from Appalachian State University and his J.D. degree from Campbell University School of Law.

Ms. Praskavich has focused her entire career on domestic relations and works to ensure her clients understand the process, the goal, and the strategy, during a time that can often feel overwhelming or daunting. Ms. Praskavich has experience leading clients through all types of family law cases including custody, support, property, and enforcement issues. She is especially well versed and interested in cases that involve complex financial analysis including business valuations, executive compensation, and waste analysis, and she is sought as a national speaker on these topics. Ms. Praskavich’s strategy is tailored to each specific case – some are able to resolve amicably with simple negotiation or mediation, others may require extensive litigation and the use of numerous experts – most cases fall somewhere in the middle. Which approach is right will depend on the client’s goals, the costs of achieving those goals (emotional and financial), and the facts presented in each unique case. Ms. Praskavich moved to the DC area to attend law school at Georgetown Law, where she received the pro bono certificate for completing over 350 hours of volunteer legal services – almost exclusively in the area of domestic relations. While at Georgetown, she interned at Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), working with LGBT and HIV-positive service members facing court martial and discharge under the former policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and clerked in the DC Superior Court, gaining experience on issues of adoption, civil commitment, and cases involving CPS. Prior to law school, Ms. Praskavich graduated from the University of Chicago where she received a degree in history.

Ms. Sauer is dedicated to serving as an advocate for her clients, supporting them with honest feedback, and helping determine the best path forward. Her background is a mix of public service, working for Legal Aid, and private practice. For over a decade, she has worked exclusively in the area of family law, handling all matters in divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, and adoption matters. She excels in highly contested custody and divorce matters. As of October 2021, Ms. Sauer has been trained and certified in collaborative law. She is excited to incorporate this new dispute resolution technique to assist clients through the divorce and custody process. Prior to joining The Geller Law Group, Ms. Sauer worked in family and adoption law in Fairfax County and has assisted clients with matters in Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg City, Stafford County, King George County, Orange County, Prince William County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria City, and Falls Church City. Prior to working in Northern Virginia, She began her legal career in Hampton Roads, where she grew up as a military child. Through her work in Hampton Roads, she assisted numerous military families through their divorce matters. Through past experiences, she has gained a wealth of knowledge and is a skilled litigator. Ms. Sauer is determined to find the best possible solution for her clients, no matter the scenario. She is also passionate about and dedicated to helping clients adopt children and expand their families. She is The Geller Law Group Pro Bono Chair and is passionate about helping GLG attorneys give back to our local community groups and organizations. Ms. Sauer is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Virginia State Bar (VSB), Northern Virginia Women Attorneys Association (NVWAA), Fairfax Bar Association (FBA), International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation, and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA). She previously served on the Fairfax Bar Circuit Court Judicial Screening Committee, where she evaluated candidates seeking appointment to the Fairfax Circuit, General District, and Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Courts.

Ms. Umbrino is an experienced personal injury attorney and civil litigator licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She has significant litigation experience in both jury and bench trials, and her strong desire to help others led her to become an attorney who fights for the rights of aggrieved and injured individuals. At Valor Injury Law, Ms. Umbrino provides every client personalized attention with the guidance and legal protection they need after an injury, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. She worked at firms of all sizes from mom-and-pop to Big Law before opening her own law firm in 2022. She is an adjunct professor at The George Washington University Law School and at Reynolds Community College and routinely speaks at CLEs in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Ms. Patterson is a botanist and horticulturist in Northern Arizona who manages the Research Greenhouse Core Facility at Northern Arizona University. Ms. Patterson focuses on native plant research and restoration on the Colorado Plateau and specializes in nursery cultural practices and germination techniques of understudied species. Ms. Patterson is also a certified Master Gardener with Coconino County and helps to coordinate community gardens and landscaping on NAU campus.