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Mr. McAlpine has specialized in construction law and litigation for over 35 years. He is the founding principal of McAlpine P.C., a 10-lawyer construction and complex litigation law firm headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Mr. McAlpine regularity represents owners, general contractors, specialty subcontractors, sureties and design professionals in connection with large and complex commercial projects throughout the country. He has served on the adjunct law faculty of the Wayne State School of Law teaching contracts and construction law and is a frequent lecturer for a wide variety of industry associations, including the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Bar Association.

Senior Attorney at Plunkett Cooney
Mr. Mikalonis has specialized in environmental law for over 30 years. He leads Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office in the practices of environment, energy and resources law and cannabis business law. Mr. Mikalonis focuses his practice on all aspects of environmental, energy and sustainability law. He has been published extensively and has particular expertise in cutting edge issues concerning greenhouse gases, renewable energy and green building. Mr. Mikalonis practices regularly before state and federal agencies including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Attorney at McAlpine P.C.
Mr. Trapnell has represented contractors in major construction disputes including bridge demolition, sewer rehabilitation, factory construction, and automotive manufacturing equipment installation. He is experienced in aspects of construction-related disputes ranging from initial case analysis to trial preparation. Mr. Trapnell has been recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Stars from 2015 through the present. He is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School.

Founding partner of Smith Cashion & Orr, PLCMr. Cashion devotes his practice to construction law and litigation. He earned a BS degree in Civil Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (1979). Mr. Cashion worked as a co-op engineer for CFW Construction Company, Inc., and after graduating, he worked as a project manager for Charles Blalock & Sons, Inc., and as a structural engineer for United Engineers & Contractors at TVA’s Watts Bar Nuclear Plant. Mr. Cashion is a registered professional engineer in Tennessee. In 1983, Mr. Cashion earned his JD degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law and began practicing law with a Nashville law firm until co-founding Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC in 1998. He is an adjunct professor for Vanderbilt University, College of Engineering where he teaches construction law and contracts in a graduate program. He has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential. Mr. Cashion is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. He is a certified mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Cashion was a member of the Governing Committee of the ABA, Forum on the Construction Industry (2008-2011). He is amember of the Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel, for which he served on the Executive Committee for six years, and as president in 2009. Mr. Cashion has co-authored several publications.

Vic L. McConnell is a Partner with Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC in Nashville, TN. Mr. McConnell represents owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals and concentrates his practice in the areas of construction litigation and design professional defense. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and a Master of Science degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Mr. McConnell also received a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from Samford University and a J.D. degree from Samford’s Cumberland School of Law. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Mr. McConnell worked in the construction industry as a design engineer/project manager with several engineering-consulting firms in the southeast. Mr. McConnell is a registered professional engineer and a LEED® AP. Furthermore, he is a member of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers Nashville Chapter, is a Board Member of AGC of Tennessee, and has served as board member and president of the Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel. Mr. McConnell has co-authored several publications related to construction law including the Tennessee chapter of State-by-State Guide to Construction Contracts and Claims (Aspen Publishers). Mr. McConnell also teaches Construction Law and Contracts as an adjunct professor for Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. 

Partner at Husch Blackwell
Mr. Anzelmo specializes in product liability, construction law, insurance issues, and tax disputes. He works closely with product manufacturers and construction companies in assessing and managing claims, contracts, tax issues, liability insurance programs and lawsuits. Mr. Anzelmo represents owners, municipalities and general contractors in various liability and construction disputes, and in insurance coverage risk management. He uses his background of practical and results-oriented insight in risk management to provide a unique way to handle insurance ligation with his clients.

Partner with Husch BlackwellMr. Cranley is a partner with Husch Blackwell in Madison. He concentrates his practice in commercial litigation. Mr. Cranley’s extensive trial experience includes the defense of contractors in cases involving alleged construction defects, personal injury, and construction liens. Before entering private practice, Mr. Cranley worked in the insurance industry for nine years managing professional and general liability claims. As a lawyer, he frequently consults with construction clients regarding how to protect their businesses through insurance, and he has litigated numerous insurance disputes on behalf of contractors and owners. Mr. Cranley regularly lectures on insurance coverage and other construction law topics at the University of Wisconsin. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame (BA, 1988) and his law degree from DePaul University (1997).

Attorney with Husch Blackwell LLP in MilwaukeeMs. Gutierrez is a member of the Real Estate, Development and Construction Strategic Business Unit and the Construction and Design Industry Sector Group at Husch Blackwell. She counsels small, mid and large-sized corporations, family-owned businesses, construction companies, and young entrepreneurs in all legal issues related to their business and industry and in preventing and resolving disputes. As a member of the Construction and Design Industry Sector Group, Ms. Gutierrez assists in the representation of the Firm’s construction clients in all types of litigation matters such as design defect claims, delay and inefficiency claims, contract disputes, and mechanics’ liens and bond claims. She also assists in counseling contractors small and large at every stage in a project, including preventing disputes from becoming litigation.

Partner at Husch Blackwell
As the Co-Leader of Husch Blackwell’s Construction and Design Group, Mr. Levy specializes in all aspects of construction law. He regularly assists businesses from the onset of planning to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Levy has represented clients in more than 50 American Arbitration Association hearings, as well as numerous state and federal court and jury trials. He also has served as an arbitrator on the AAA construction industry panel of neutrals for over 10 years. Mr. Levy provides training to design and construction firms and helps his clients navigate the complexities of all types of projects.

Partner with Husch Blackwell in MilwaukeeMr. Meier is a member of the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Construction Industry team. Much of his practice is devoted to construction-related planning, contracting and risk mitigation. Mr. Meier also regularly handles construction-related litigation, including breach of contract claims, defective work, warranty issues and surety bond disputes. He has handled trials, arbitrations, and OSHA violations, and he has appeared before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. Mr. Meier is a multiple time recipient of Wisconsin Super Lawyers’ “Rising Star” distinction and has been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America in litigation – construction.

Attorney with Linville Law Firm, PLLCMr. Linville is a native of Seattle. He received an Economics degree (1997) and law degree (2000) from the University of Washington. His law practice focuses on construction law. On the planning side of his practice, Mr. Linville prepares and revises construction contracts, subcontracts, professional service contracts, and credit applications for his clients on a daily basis. The other main part of his practice is dispute resolution, which falls into two categories: offense and defense. On the offense, Mr. Linville pursues claims with liens, bond claims and lawsuits for clients that are owed money. He also defends clients in construction defect and accounting matters. Mr. Linville represents property owners, general contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, equipment renters, architects and engineers. He regularly presents at seminars on various construction law topics for the Washington Department of Labor & Industries, the Building Industry Association of Washington, the Master Builders Association, the National Association of Credit Managers, Lorman Education Services and the National Association of Home Builders. He can be reached at (206) 515-0640 and dlinville@linvillelawfirm.com.

Attorney with Linville Law Firm, PLLCMr. Linville is a native of Seattle and member of the Seattle law firm Linville Law Firm PLLC. He received his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1975 and has since specialized in business and construction law. Mr. Linville is admitted to practice in all courts in the State of Washington, the federal courts and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Linville presents a number of seminars each year to contractors and trade associations on matters dealing with contracts, collections, liens, and current legislation. Mr. Linville participated in the drafting of the lien laws in 1991 with the Washington State Legislature. A large part of his law practice involves the enforcement of construction liens. He can be reached at(206) 515-0640 and llinville@linvillelawfirm.com.

Partner at Husch Blackwell
Mr. Anzelmo specializes in product liability, construction law, insurance issues, and tax disputes. He works closely with product manufacturers and construction companies in assessing and managing claims, contracts, tax issues, liability insurance programs and lawsuits. Mr. Anzelmo represents owners, municipalities and general contractors in various liability and construction disputes, and in insurance coverage risk management. He uses his background of practical and results-oriented insight in risk management to provide a unique way to handle insurance ligation with his clients.

Partner with Husch BlackwellMr. Cranley is a partner with Husch Blackwell in Madison. He concentrates his practice in commercial litigation. Mr. Cranley’s extensive trial experience includes the defense of contractors in cases involving alleged construction defects, personal injury, and construction liens. Before entering private practice, Mr. Cranley worked in the insurance industry for nine years managing professional and general liability claims. As a lawyer, he frequently consults with construction clients regarding how to protect their businesses through insurance, and he has litigated numerous insurance disputes on behalf of contractors and owners. Mr. Cranley regularly lectures on insurance coverage and other construction law topics at the University of Wisconsin. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame (BA, 1988) and his law degree from DePaul University (1997).

Attorney with Husch Blackwell LLP in MilwaukeeMs. Gutierrez is a member of the Real Estate, Development and Construction Strategic Business Unit and the Construction and Design Industry Sector Group at Husch Blackwell. She counsels small, mid and large-sized corporations, family-owned businesses, construction companies, and young entrepreneurs in all legal issues related to their business and industry and in preventing and resolving disputes. As a member of the Construction and Design Industry Sector Group, Ms. Gutierrez assists in the representation of the Firm’s construction clients in all types of litigation matters such as design defect claims, delay and inefficiency claims, contract disputes, and mechanics’ liens and bond claims. She also assists in counseling contractors small and large at every stage in a project, including preventing disputes from becoming litigation.

Partner at Husch Blackwell
As the Co-Leader of Husch Blackwell’s Construction and Design Group, Mr. Levy specializes in all aspects of construction law. He regularly assists businesses from the onset of planning to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Mr. Levy has represented clients in more than 50 American Arbitration Association hearings, as well as numerous state and federal court and jury trials. He also has served as an arbitrator on the AAA construction industry panel of neutrals for over 10 years. Mr. Levy provides training to design and construction firms and helps his clients navigate the complexities of all types of projects.

Partner with Husch Blackwell in MilwaukeeMr. Meier is a member of the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Construction Industry team. Much of his practice is devoted to construction-related planning, contracting and risk mitigation. Mr. Meier also regularly handles construction-related litigation, including breach of contract claims, defective work, warranty issues and surety bond disputes. He has handled trials, arbitrations, and OSHA violations, and he has appeared before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. Mr. Meier is a multiple time recipient of Wisconsin Super Lawyers’ “Rising Star” distinction and has been recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in America in litigation – construction.

Partner, Easter & Cavosie
Mr Cavosie is licensed to practice law in both Indiana and Illinois. He has many years of experience representing construction industry owners, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers in dispute resolution and claim defense or prosecution. He is able to offer his construction clients a broad range of services – on simple collections to complicated delay cases. In addition, he has extensive experience representing clients in labor and employment matters such as union salting efforts, defending unfair labor practice charges, drafting employee handbooks, and defending clients against discrimination charges before the EEOC and in federal court. Mr Cavosie graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University School of Law – Bloomington, in 1992. He was the Senior Managing Editor for the Indiana Law Journal and was awarded membership into the Order of the Coif, an honorary legal scholastic society whose membership is limited to the top 10 percent of each graduating class. He is a 1977 cum laude graduate of Butler University, which he attended on academic and debate scholarships.

Easter & Cavosie, Indianapolis
Mr. Daugherty focuses his practice on construction law and real estate. He represents many of the Midwest’s largest commercial and residential developers, owner’s representatives, construction managers, contractors, design-builders, subcontractors, material and equipment suppliers, design professionals, consultants, and other companies with interests related to construction and real estate. His first published article analyzed the relationship of business entities involved in construction projects and their ability to guard against liability through the use of contractual indemnification. Mr. Daugherty leans on his experiences in the construction industry to enable him to intimately understand the needs of business clients. He graduated summa cum laude, earning his J.D. degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis.

Easter & Cavosie, Indianapolis
Ms. Huffman’s practice focuses on construction law, commercial real estate law and employment law. She represents many of the Midwest’s largest commercial and residential developers, owner’s representatives, construction managers, contractors, design-builders, subcontractors, material and equipment suppliers, design professionals, consultants and other companies with interests related to construction and real estate. Ms. Huffman graduated cum laude, earning her J.D. degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis.
 

Frost Brown Todd, LLC, Indianapolis
Mr. Kutch is an attorney at Frost Brown Todd LLC in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of construction and surety law, including litigation, contract preparation, review and negotiation, claims avoidance and general construction advice. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law, the Leadership Track Committee of the Association of General Contractors of Indiana, and the Leadership Development Committee of Indiana Constructors, Inc. Mr. Kutch obtained his B.S. degree from Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and his J.D. degree from Notre Dame Law School.

Easter & Cavosie, Indianapolis
Mr. Rodabaugh’s main focus is on construction law and real estate litigation. He represents many of the Midwest’s largest commercial and residential developers, owner’s representatives, construction managers, contractors, design-builders, subcontractors, material and equipment suppliers, design professionals and consultants, and other companies whose core business is not real estate and construction but to whom real estate or construction related issues are a significant concern. He has over five years of experience as an estimator and project manager in the construction industry. Mr. Rodabaugh graduated with distinction in 2002 from Purdue University at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a B.S. degree. He graduated from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 2005. Mr. Rodabaugh is a member of National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), serving on the Special Issues Committee.

Mr. Dixon is a highly regarded attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in construction litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and real estate law. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012 – 2026, reflecting his expertise and reputation in the legal field. Mr. Dixon graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1997 and has been practicing law since then. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Construction Law Forum and the Founding Chair of the Cleveland Metro Bar Association’s Construction Law Subcommittee, showcasing his commitment to professional development and community service. Mr. Dixon’s practice focuses on helping clients manage risk, resolve disputes, and navigate complex legal challenges in the construction and real estate sectors.

Partner with the Insurance Recovery and Litigation Practice Groups at Brouse McDowell, LPAWorking primarily in the area of insurance coverage, Ms. Kelly counsels and represents policyholders in various disputes, including bad faith, environmental, property, director and officer claims, and construction liabilities. Further, she has represented clients at all stages of litigation in various matters, including construction, premises and product liability cases, and complex business disputes. She has a J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University and a B.A. degree in sociology and political science from Boston University.

Partner with Brouse McDowell, LPAMs. Moore has developed a broad knowledge of environmental laws and regulations and advises her clients on ways to avoid or eliminate environmental issues that could prevent them from reaching their corporate growth goals. As a partner at Brouse McDowell, she provides regulatory compliance support to the firm’s industrial and municipal clients in matters relating to water, air, solid waste, and hazardous waste, and when compliance issues escalate she has successfully negotiated with state and federal agencies to resolve enforcement matters to her clients’benefit. Ms. Moore also has experience in assisting clients in reducing exposure to environmental liabilities in corporate and real estate transactions. She works with clients, whether buying or selling companies or pieces of real estate, to achieve a clear picture of potential environmental liabilities at issue, and then works to draft and negotiate contract language to minimize environmental risks. She also has experience in securing environmental liability insurance. In real estate matters, Ms. Moore has worked with clients to secure the purchase of blighted property and has been actively involved in moving many such sites through Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program.

Speaker, Attorney and Architect Emeritus at J. Norman Stark OfficesMr. Stark is an attorney-at-law, an architect emeritus, (AIA, NCARB), registered landscape architect (OH), mediator, arbitrator and litigator, with more than 40 years of combined professional experience and practice, beginning as a trade carpenter in 1952. Mr. Stark is an experienced trial attorney with a professional specialty as an architect. In his combined professions, he has tried, won, and resolved more than 5,000 contested cases, claims and legal matters, serving clients and providing other attorneys with forensic architect expertise and expert witness services from his office in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Truax’s practice includes counseling and representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, owners, and developers in the negotiation and review of contract forms and front-end project documents, as well as bidding and bid protest matters. His previous experience working in the field for general contractors and specialty trades provides him with a depth of practical construction knowledge in advising and counseling clients in the management, prosecution, and defense of claims during construction projects. These claims range from extra work scope claims and insurance coverage issues to claims for differing site conditions, extended general conditions, lost productivity, acceleration and delay. Mr. Truax also routinely files and defends against mechanic’s lien, public lien, and payment bond claims in Ohio and other states. He’s spent the bulk of his career pursuing and defending construction cases in litigation and arbitration.

Alabama attorney and professional engineer, Jacob W. Hill, has been involved in various roles in the construction industry — from laborer to design engineer, superintendent, and project manager. He is experienced in the management of construction projects, particularly design-build. Today he focuses on developing and building industrial facilities across North America with his current primary focus being in Latin America. Having years of hands-on field experience coupled with technical and legal training allows Mr. Hill to bring a practical, unique perspective to project development. Today, Mr. Hill continues to take a hands-on approach to project development, which usually commences once a project is conceptualized, at which point, he couples his diverse field experience, legal and technical background in selecting property, negotiating with local stakeholders and public utilities, procurement and contractor selection, risk identification and mitigation, among other things. And after construction commences, he spends most of his time in the field monitoring progress and handling changes, delays, and claims. In collaboration with all project stakeholders, he facilitates and streamlines the procurement, performance and close-out of construction projects. He has been a speaker to construction industry groups, with topics including risk management and liens. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law. Mr. Hill earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Civil Engineering degrees from Auburn University where his post-graduate studies focused on construction and geotechnical engineering. He later obtained a law degree from Birmingham School of Law. Although Mr. Hill doesn’t practice engineering or law currently, he maintains his professional engineering and law licenses in Alabama.  

Enviro Management Company, Inc. (EMC)Mr. Mather is a veteran of the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Infantry Division and a graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupation Safety and Health and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Technology. Mr. Mather has expertise in the aviation, manufacturing, and construction industries in areas of safety, environmental, workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile and product liability litigation, and investigations. He is a certified safety professional, certified environmental and safety compliance officer, registered environmental professional, certified fire and explosive investigator, and certified fire inspector II with 26 years of progressive and responsible experience.

Shareholder, White Arnold & Dowd P.C.Mr. Potts works in the field of general insurance defense. He has handled a variety of matters within the field, including automobile liability, tractor trailer litigation, premises liability, real estate contract disputes, construction litigation, insurance coverage disputes, employment litigation, products liability and wrongful death lawsuits. He has previously been employed in the litigation department of a national casualty underwriter. Mr. Potts has tried 40 jury trials in both state and federal court. In over 90 percent of these cases, he was able to obtain a verdict for the defendant or keep the verdict below the plaintiff’s last settlement demand. In 2010 and 2012, Mr. Potts was recognized as one of the most prolific trial lawyers in Alabama by the Alabama Jury Verdict Reporter. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Birmingham Bar Association, and the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association. Mr. Potts earned his J.D. degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.

President, Primarium, LLCMr. Smith is a highly accomplished professional with environmental policy and management expertise in the energy sector who has a diverse background as a lawyer and professional engineer with PhD studies focused on oil sands development. He is experienced in the areas of regulatory and legislative lobbying, establishing agency rulemaking advocacy positions, external environmental relations, permitting, directing the day-to-day activities of environmental staff and third-party consultants, and establishing corporate environmental policies and compliance strategies. Mr. Smith has extensive experience in planning, designing, permitting, and managing all aspects of large cross-country natural gas pipeline projects. He is also an experienced graduate-level adjunct professor at Samford University where he teaches courses in the areas of environmental law, sustainability, project management, and strategic planning. Mr. Smith has held leadership positions with non-profit boards, business coalitions, trade associations, and professional organizations. 

The Tyndall Firm, LLCMr. Tyndall is founder and shareholder of The Tyndall Firm, LLC. For two decades, Mr. Tyndall has represented a wide range of construction clients, including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners, as well as design professionals, lenders and sureties. He has extensive experience in advising clients during the pre-construction process on matters such as contract and subcontract drafting and negotiation as well as insurance and bonding. Mr. Tyndall also handles his clients’ dispute resolution needs through litigation in both state and federal courts or through alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration. Known for his expertise in the construction law arena, Mr. Tyndall often lectures at seminars and industry-related events on various construction-related topics. Honored as “Best of the Bar” by the Birmingham Business Journal, Mr. Tyndall is widely recognized as a leader in his field. A graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Mr. Tyndall is an instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he teaches a course on construction law to students seeking the Masters of Engineering degree in the University’s department of Construction Engineering Management.

Partner at Long Law Firm, LLPMr. Clary clerked for Judge Frank Foil on the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish early in his career. He worked as an associate attorney and then partner for Franklin, Moore & Walsh in Baton Rouge. Mr. Clary’s career has primarily been devoted to design and construction disputes, and his clients include architects, engineers, developers, construction firms, and public agencies. He has broad experience in technical matters in document-intensive cases. Mr. Clary is experienced in early mediation and other early settlement approaches that can help avoid the expense of litigation. He is a certified arbitrator and mediator for the American Arbitration Association. He has served as counsel on more than 250 professional liability, construction litigation, and personal injury cases using alternative dispute irresolution and as an arbitrator or mediator in approximately, 50 disputes.

General Counsel at Bernhard EnergyMr. Durham has been practicing law since 2002, with extensive experience in energy, construction, economic development, litigation, and taxation and tax credit development. He has successfully litigated numerous complex energy and construction matters before state and federal courts in Louisiana and Colorado. Mr. Durham has represented Fortune 500 companies and other entities on the legal, technical and financial aspects of energy and construction development projects, including procurement and land use planning negotiations, and the structuring of complex financial vehicles intertwining conventional financing with economic development and tax credit initiatives. Mr. Durham has been instrumental in the drafting and passage of federal and state energy and tax legislation. In 2011, he negotiated and teamed with clients to jointly structure the first state energy efficiency performance contract in Louisiana since 2003.

Associate at Coats Rose, P.C.Ms. Lindsay is an associate in the Construction Litigation practice group in the New Orleans office of Coats Rose. Her practice focuses on representing owners, general contractors and subcontractors on all aspects of construction and surety related matters, from contract inception through alternative dispute resolution and litigation. She regularly represents clients in matters concerning the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board. Ms. Lindsay’s clients have been involved in the construction of chemical and manufacturing facilities, hospitals, schools, rail systems, distributed wireless antenna systems, roadways, multifamily apartment complexes, airports and levees. She has experience with new construction, industrial heat recovery steam generator claims, public bid protests, and litigation of claims pursuant to both the Louisiana Public and Private Works Acts. Ms. Lindsay was selected as a 2016 “Rising Star.” She serves as the chair of the New Orleans Bar Association Construction Law Committee and as legal affairs officer for the Surety Association of Louisiana.

Director at Coats Rose, P.C.Mr. Lund’s practice focuses on construction and surety litigation and arbitration; business, insurance, and products liability defense litigation; contract drafting and negotiations; telecommunications; and land use law. He regularly lectures on construction law topics, including Louisiana lien law, zoning and land use planning, and general Louisiana and Federal construction law. Mr. Lund has received the “Top Lawyers” recognition in the fields of alternative dispute resolution and construction by New Orleans Magazine since 2012, has been selected for inclusion since 2014 in The Best Lawyers in America publication in the areas of construction law and construction litigation, and has been honored since 2010 in the Louisiana Super Lawyers publication in the field of construction litigation. He earned his J.D. degree from Tulane University Law School, his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of New Orleans, and his Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Duke University.

Construction Practice Group of Greensfelder,Hemker & Gale, P.C.Mr. Glisson is a shareholder in the firm. His practice is concentrated in the area of construction law, including the litigation of construction defect, delay, disruption, acceleration, design defect, and unforeseen site condition claims; procurement disputes; all facets of surety and lien law; contract drafting and negotiation; and pre-litigation dispute resolution and contract close-out. Mr. Glisson is a graduate of the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) where he obtained degrees in Civil Engineering and Law. He is a member of the ABA Forum on Construction Law, the Engineers’ Club of St. Louis, and the AGC of Missouri Supplier/Service Provider Council. Mr. Glisson has served as chair of The Missouri Bar Construction Law Committee and the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis Construction Law Committee.

Foley & Mansfield, P.L.L.P., St. LouisMr. Hegvik is a member of Foley & Mansfield’s Construction Litigation team where he represents design professionals, contractors, and developers. He has been admitted to practice law in Missouri and Illinois, and has been named as a “Rising Star” for construction litigation in Missouri in 2015 and 2016. Mr. Hegvik received his juris doctorate degree in 2008 from St. Louis University School of Law where he received the Dean’s Scholarship and also earned a certificate in International and Comparative Law. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in 2002.”

Fisher Patterson Sayler & Smith, St. LouisMs. Kayser is a partner in the firm. Her practice focuses on litigation and appeals in the practice areas of construction, municipal liability, law enforcement, and business law matters ranging from acting as general/national counsel to litigating complex constitutional claims. She earned her juris doctor and certificate of International and Comparative Law, cum laude, from St. Louis University School of Law. Ms. Kayser has been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly as a Women’s Justice Award Winner, and she is a frequent speaker on topics ranging from construction contracts to appellate advocacy. While in law school, she served as judicial intern to the Honorable Judge E. Richard Webber of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Ms. Kayser brings 18 years of business and economic consulting experience to her practice and has an MBA degree in International Management.

Norton Rose Fulbright, St. LouisMr. Walsh is a member of the Real Estate Practice Group specializing in construction, real estate development and commercial litigation. He represents owners, contractors, and design professionals in the negotiation and drafting of development, design, engineering, construction, and related agreements. He provides advice on partnering and integrated project delivery (IPD) contracts, trade labor and project labor matters, insurance, intellectual property protection, land use and zoning, environmental and building code regulations, professional licensing issues and accessibility laws. Mr. Walsh’s experience also includes the prosecution and defense of construction-related issues, breach of contract, mechanic’s liens, design and construction defects, architectural and engineering design errors and omissions, and performance and payment bonds.

Givens Pursley, LLP, BoiseMr. Barton is a partner in the law firm of Givens Pursley LLP. He practices environmental, mining, agri-business, and natural resources law. After graduating with an undergraduate degreein Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, Mr. Barton spent more than four years at a consulting engineering firm designing and managing complex projects. He has experience with CERCLA, NEPA, the ESA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Oil Pollution Act, RCRA, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the FDCA, EPCRA, tribal law, the General Mining Act of 1872, the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, FLPMA, federal hazardous materials shipping regulations, Idaho’s Hazardous Waste Management Act, Idaho water law, and Idaho’s Local Land Use Planning Act. Mr. Barton assists clients with environmental permitting, defends against federal and state enforcement actions for environmental infractions, and advises on environmental considerations for real property development, including wetlands, stormwater, endangered species, and contaminated properties. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

From “concept through completion” or “dirt to done,” clients have come to rely on Tami Boeck for her pragmatic business approach and 30 years of experience representing a wide variety of clients in all areas of project development. Tami routinely advises owners, developers, and general contractors, primarily in California, Idaho, and Nevada. Whether it is advising clients regarding development insurance risks and coverage disputes, pre-project and project contracting risk management (RM) advice relating to project design and development or construction, or dispute resolution in ADR or litigation, she approaches each matter with a focus on the client’s goal and best interests, utilizing a broad range of practical knowledge for her client’s benefit in mitigating disputes or representing clients in litigation where necessary. Tami’s early background representing insurers in coverage claims has also served her policy-holder clients well regarding project protection and in coverage analysis or disputes. Clients retain Tami for advice on wide-ranging projects, including commercial, all types of residential and mixed-use projects, food processing facilities, as well as construction-related aspects of energy-related developments such as oil and gas, mining, solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel, wastewater treatment, along with other industrial facility development. In addition to counseling her clients on ways to avoid protracted litigation through thoughtful negotiations and effective contracts with risk management processes, she handles construction claims and disputes to resolution, through negotiation and mediation to litigation or arbitration. Tami’s advice for clients also encompasses recommendations and handling of significant business conflicts, addressing project delays, disputes over workmanship and performance deficiency claims, as well as those matters involving various state licensing/lien/bond laws, insurance coverage disagreements with insurers, and claims involving toxic tort, product liability, and catastrophic injuries. With her depth of experience, Tami is able to assist and protect her clients when a pragmatic business resolution is not available. Tami previously served for five years as chair of the firm’s Real Estate, Development & Construction group. For many years, she also served as a member of Stoel Rives’ Pro Bono Committee and Coaching and Mentoring Committee. Before joining Stoel Rives, Tami was a shareholder for eight years at another West Coast regional law firm. She was also one of the founders of that firm’s California offices and its subsequent Nevada offices and served as shareholder-in-charge of its former primary California office.

Bailey, Hahn & Jarman, Pocatello & Idaho FallsMr. Hahn is a partner with the law firm Bailey Hahn & Jarman, PLLC, which is located in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mr. Hahn practices primarily in the areas of construction litigation and government contracts. He has represented owners, design professionals, general contractors, and subcontractors, as well as material and equipment suppliers. Mr. Hahn has litigated construction-related cases throughout the Intermountain Northwest in both State and Federal courts. He is a fellow with the Litigation Counsel of America.

McConnell Wagner Sykes + Stacey PLLC, BoiseMr. McConnell has 30 years of experience in general business litigation and construction litigation, representing business owners, general contractors, specialty contractors, developers and subcontractors, in state and federal courts in Idaho, Utah and California, and before federal boards of contract appeals. He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings, and before state and local public works dispute resolution boards. He is licensed to practice law in Idaho, California and Utah. Since 2008, Mr. McConnell has been selected for recognition by The Best Lawyers in America and Mountain States Super Lawyers for his expertise in construction law, litigation and government contracts. He is recognized with an “AV” Peer Review Rating, the highest distinction in Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Mr. McConnell received his Juris Doctorate degree from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and his B.A. degree from Bucknell University. He is a member of the American Bar Association Section on Public Contract Law and the Forum Committee on the Construction Industry. Mr. McConnell is a frequent author and lecturer for the Associated General Contractors, Idaho Business Review, National Electrical Contractors Association, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, and ASHRAE.

Stoel Rives LLP, BoiseMs. Olson, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Idaho, is a partner in the Boise office of Stoel Rives, LLP. She focuses her practice on government investigations, white collar criminal defense and civil litigation. In her 24 years with the U.S. Department of Justice before joining Stoel Rives, Ms. Olson served as a prosecutor in the Civil Rights Division, as assistant to the legal director of the National Church Arson Task Force, and as the health care fraud coordinator for the District of Idaho. As U.S. Attorney, she started the office’s affirmative civil rights practice focusing on Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) compliance. She was co-chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Civil Rights Subcommittee. Ms. Olson, an Idaho native, received her B.A. degree in News Editorial Journalism from Drake University and her J.D. degree from Stanford Law School.

Mr. Banks is the principal attorney at Banks & Associates, PLLC, a Houston-based law firm focused on meeting the needs of government and construction contractors throughout Texas. He is a trusted advisor for licensed professionals, CEOs and managers in construction firms, and government contractors. Mr. Banks was licensed as a CPA in 2003 and has more than 20 years of experience as a lead accountant and CFO for successful government contractors. He earned his B.B.A. degree with a double major in Accounting and Finance from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, and secured his J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law. Mr. Banks is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Association of Corporate Counsel and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Mr. Banks is a member of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.

Andrews Myers, P.C., Houston Mr. Davis is a shareholder in the Houston office of Andrews Myers, P.C. His practice is focused on construction litigation, dispute resolution, and claims counseling. Mr. Davis’s clients include all parties in the project delivery chain: owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. An accomplished advocate, he has represented clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in state court, federal court, and in arbitration proceedings. His experience includes representation of clients in a wide range of construction-related disputes, including matters related to: breach of contract, breach of warranty, contractual and statutory indemnity, performance and payment bond claims, construction defect claims, delay and disruption claims, fraud claims, and mechanic’s and materialman’s lien claims. In addition to his litigation and dispute resolution practice, he drafts, reviews, and negotiates construction contracts. Additionally, Mr. Davis has significant experience with insurance coverage claims and insurance litigation. He is Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Mr. Ducran is senior counsel in Peckar & Abramson’s Houston office. A board-certified construction lawyer and registered architect, he focuses primarily on construction industry transactions, litigation, arbitration and risk management. Mr. Ducran works closely with owners, architects, contractors and subcontractors to provide practical counsel regarding the avoidance and resolution of disputes on construction projects. He offers extensive industry experience in preparing and negotiating contracts, as well as litigation, arbitration and mediation of construction disputes. Prior to joining Peckar & Abramson, Mr. Ducran served as vice president and general counsel of an ENR 400 general contractor. During his six year tenure, the firm significantly reduced overall litigation and arbitration matters, in large part, by handling the majority of matters in-house. Mr. Ducran is a registered architect who practiced architecture in Houston prior to beginning his career in construction law. He is an Industry Advisory Board member at the University of Houston’s Department of Construction Management, where he also teaches Construction Law and Ethics in both Fall and Spring semesters.

Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, Austin Mr. Richie is a shareholder in the construction and construction litigation sections of Munsch Hardt, and a frequent speaker to construction industry groups on construction law issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Richie worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager at a prominent consulting engineering firm in Houston, Texas, and then after obtaining his law degree, as general counsel. He is also one of only a handful of attorneys in Texas credentialed as a licensed professional engineer and a LEED-accredited professional (AP). He has significant experience in drafting and negotiating complex design and construction contracts for all types of commercial projects, with a focus on evaluating insurance coverage issues. Mr. Richie has also successfully represented owners (public and private), general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in numerous lawsuits and disputes.

Attorney at Warner, Angle, Hallam, Jackson, & Formanek, PLCMr. Baniszewski’s practice focuses in the area of construction law. He represents general contractors, subcontractors, and construction project owners. The Best Lawyers in America® selectee advises clients regarding workmanship issues, and claims associated with liens, bonds, delays, and non-payment. In the litigation setting, Mr. Baniszewski has extensive experience representing both owners and contractors, including hearings before the Registrar of Contractors andin alternative dispute resolution settings. Additionally,Mr. Baniszewski advises contractors in general business matters, licensing requirements and the drafting of construction contracts. For six years, he has taught Construction Contract Administration at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University. He is a long-time member and past chair (2011-2012) of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona.Mr. Baniszewski earned his J.D., cum laude, from Arizona State University College of Law.

Partner at Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP
Mr. Csontos practices in the firm’s surety and construction litigation section where he devotes a substantial portion of his practice to providing legal advice and representation to owners, contractors, sureties and other members of the construction industry. He also serves as corporate counsel to numerous small businesses, assisting them with various types of legal matters including business operations, contract questions and commercial litigation. He joined the firm in 1986 and became a partner in 1994. Mr. Csontos is a graduate of Arizona State University (B.S., magna cum laude, 1982 and J.D., cum laude, 1986).

Cofounder at Righi Fitch Law GroupMs. Fitch is a founding member of Righi Fitch Law Group. She is a trial attorney with over 28 years of civil defense experience and has the AV Preeminent Rating. Ms. Fitch has defended numerous multi-million dollar cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to construction defect cases. She has represented all types of professionals from lawyers to architects. As a result of her defense of insureds under general liability insurance policies, she has successfully handled the entire gamut of complex tort cases. Ms. Fitch has been featured twice in Attorney At Law and co-authored the Construction Defect chapter of the Arizona State Tort Law Handbook. In 2014, she was again recognized as a Super Lawyer and inducted into Arizona’s Finest Lawyers. Her practice has concentrated on representing businesses and individuals in complex civil litigation matters. The nature of complex litigation not only requires experience and knowledge about the substantive law but also requires sophistication in addressing the interrelated contractual and complex insurance issues. Ms. Fitch has developed expertise in risk management and assists clients with risk transfer strategies such as pursuing indemnity and primary, excess, and additional insurance coverage for clients.

Attorney at Sacks Tierney P.A.Mr. Meaker has been described as a “business man in a lawyer’s suit” who is more focused on the business success of his clients than on billable hours. The focus of his practice is on construction law, civil litigation, business and corporate law and real estate law. He is also involved in efforts to finalize transaction privilege tax (TPT) reform for the benefit of Arizona contractors. Mr. Meaker is very active in the legal profession and the community at large. He chairs the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Arizona and serves on the Board of Directors of the Maricopa County Bar Association. In addition, he is actively involved with the local chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association, the Arizona Builders’ Alliance, the American Subcontractors Association of Arizona, and the Arizona Registrar of Contractors Industry Advisory Council.

Attorney at Righi Fitch Law Group
Mr. Tappe is a partner at Righi Fitch Law Group. As a dedicated and effective litigator and trial attorney, Mr. Tappe has focused his practice in insurance defense and construction defect litigation, where he has handled a diversity of civil matters, including insurance bad faith, breach of contract, breach of warranty, subrogation, and premises liability claims. Mr. Tappe’s current practice is concentrated on the representation of developers, contractors, businesses and individuals in tort and construction litigation, primarily in the areas of construction defects, general liability, and insurance coverage. In his practice, he has successfully defended and pursued cases through judgment at trial, secured payment on behalf of his clients, and litigated numerous issues taken up on appellate review. Notably, Mr. Tappe was the trial attorney for contractor Sirrah Enterprises, L.L.C. in Sirrah Enterprises, L.L.C. v. Wunderlich, 242 Ariz. 542, 399 P.3d 89 (2017), where he secured a verdict in favor of his client against an owner-builder for breach of contract and obtained a defense verdict on the owner’s counterclaim for breach of contract. Mr. Tappe presently serves as on the Board for the Construction Section of the Maricopa County Bar Association (MCBA), and he has been a frequent contributing author for The Maricopa Lawyer.

Partner, Stole Rives, LLP, Portland
Mr. Grasberger is a partner in the firm focusing his practice on development and construction law, including development risk analysis and risk shifting, contract drafting and negotiating, insurance review and analysis, construction defect claims, delay and impact claims, lien and bond claims, public contracts, bid disputes and public improvement exemptions. He joined the firm in 1991. He is Chair of Stoel Rives’ Construction and Design group and co-chair of Stoel Rives’ Sustainable Real Estate Development Team. Mr.Grasberger hasrepresented numerous private and public owners, developers and contractors in all facets of development and construction law. Significant engagements include energy and industrial plant construction, infrastructure projects, multifamily projects, and both commercial and residential high-rise and mid-rise projects. He is a frequent lecturer to the development industry and the Oregon Bar.

Partner, Dunn Carney, LLP, Portland
Mr. Joseph leads the firm’s Construction and Design Team and is also a member of the firm’s Litigation Team. His practice emphasizes serving as outside general counsel for construction industry clients who either do not employ their own in-house attorneys or who need counsel in areas outside their usual expertise. He advises developers, general contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and real estate professionals, as well as product manufacturers and suppliers regarding matters ranging from entity formation and administration, to insurance and bonding, bidding and contracting, project administration and workouts, and liens and collections. Mr. Joseph also has significant litigation and dispute resolution experience including successful representation of clients in mediation, arbitration, court trials and appeals. He has litigated and tried construction and real estate-related disputes. Mr. Joseph is also adept at handling transactional matters that clients regularly encounter in any general construction practice, including business formation and administration, contract drafting, real estate transactions, employment matters, and other construction and design-related issues.

Of Counsel, VF-Law, Lake Oswego
Mr. Phillips practices in all areas related to real estate, land use, construction, environmental and HOA law. He has over 20 years of broad professional experience. He spent 10 running a boutique land use firm in Vancouver, Washington, and a year at a large insurance defense litigation firm in Portland before coming to VF-Law in 2012. Prior to 2001, he worked as an environmental engineer consulting with companies and landowners in environmental compliance, remediation and land use matters. This background proves valuable in evaluating evidence, working with experts in litigation, and working quickly toward solutions in a collaborative approach to complicated cases. Recent accomplishments include successful defense and settlement of public interest group stormwater compliance claims against a port industrial user along the Columbia River, acquisition of land use approval for west coast headquarters in the City of Portland for a national engineering firm, defense and resolution of complex recession suit for sale of an illegal lot by reversing previous County determination and settlement of a longstanding coverage and construction claim suit against multiple contractor and expert parties. Mr. Phillips earned his B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering in 1999 from Utah State University and his J.D. degree from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in 2003.

Partner, Ball Janik, LLP, Portland
Mr. Wilkinson is a trial attorney with a broad practice in construction law and extensive experience handling construction disputes, including construction defect and property damage claims. He has successfully represented the owners of condominiums, townhomes, apartments, affordable housing communities, hotels, retirement centers, and commercial buildings in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah. He has successfully represented many individual residential homeowners grappling with construction problems at their homes in lawsuits against developers, general contractors, and subcontractors. In addition to construction defect and property damage claims, Mr. Wilkinson drafts and negotiates construction and design contracts, and handles disputes that may arise during the course of construction. He has extensive experience working for school districts in Oregon embarking on construction and rehabilitation work. Additionally, Mr. Wilkinson has co-authored the Oregon School Construction Contract Manual for Oregon School Board Association. He has authored articles on construction law, and is a frequent speaker at continuing education seminars and organization meetings.

Owner, Oswego Business Law, Lake Oswego
Mr. Wood graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School, after serving as a two year teaching assistant in the legal writing program and completing a two-semester externship with the Small Business Legal Clinic. Unlike many other business and construction lawyers, Mr. Wood has an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, as well as how to efficiently operate a company. Prior to starting Oswego Business Law LLC, Mr. Wood spent 19 years in construction with 10 years as a partner in an electrical contracting company. He has experience contracting with both Federal and State governments, in addition to general contractors and subcontractors.

Brown and Ruprecht, P.C., Kansas City, MO
Mr. DeBauche is an attorney and shareholder with the law firm of Brown and Ruprecht, P.C., of Kansas City, Missouri. He has 35 years of experience in Kansas City as an attorney, representing parties in construction litigation in state and federal courts, before the Boards of Contract Appeals and in arbitrations. He regularly assists contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and designers with preparation of mechanic’s liens and bond claims, review and preparation of contracts, preparation of notice and claim documents, and general day-to-day advice. From 1994 to the present, Mr. DeBauche has taught Construction Law as an adjunct law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. He has prepared several articles for Modern Builder on construction law topics. He has taught numerous seminars for the Builders’ Association and other groups on mechanics’ liens, federal contract claims, construction arbitrations, payment issues, extra work and changes, claims against bonds, construction contract documents, ethics issues and bidding issues.

Scharnhorst Ast Kennard Griffin, PC, Kansas City, MO
Mr. Kennard is a shareholder of Scharnhorst Ast Kennard Griffin, PC, in Kansas City, Missouri. He chairs the firm’s Construction and Design Practice Group and serves as its chief information officer. For more than two decades, Mr. Kennard has represented owners, design-builders, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals of all types and sizes – from publicly-traded international companies to small local businesses and individuals – on a wide variety of construction-related matters. He has previously served as the president of the Construction Law Section of the Kansas Bar Association and the Construction Law Committee of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association. In addition to being an advocate and counselor for his clients, Mr. Kennard also serves as a mediator and arbitrator and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s National Panel of Construction Arbitrators.

Horn Aylward & Bandy, LLC, Kansas City, MOMr. Pitkin is an attorney with Horn Aylward & Bandy, LLC in Kansas City, Missouri, where he focuses on construction matters and business disputes. He is a graduate of Wheaton College and Wake Forest University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the federal and state courts in both Missouri and Kansas. He is also active in various bar association and construction industry organizations, including the Design-Build Institute of America and Associated Builders and Contractors. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America in the area of construction litigation since 2010.

Lathrop Gage LLP, Kansas City, MOMr. Rhyne is a member of the Construction Law Group of Lathrop Gage LLP. He has more than 40 years of experience in successfully representing construction contractors, owners, insurance and surety bond companies and other corporate clients in multimillion dollar construction cases, as well as general litigation and commercial law matters. Mr. Rhyne was named as the Kansas City, Missouri Litigation–Construction Lawyer of the Year 2013 by The Best Lawyers in America. He is a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He obtained his J.D. degree, with distinction, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. Mr. Rhyne has over 25 years of experience as an arbitrator and mediator.

Seigfreid Bingham, PC, Kansas CityMr. Whiston practices construction law and commercial litigation. He joined Seigfreid Bingham, PC in 2012 and became a shareholder in 2017. Mr. Whiston has handled a wide variety of construction disputes including mechanic’s liens and payment bond claims, delay claims and construction defect claims. Mr. Whiston also routinely reviews and drafts construction contracts on behalf of owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Mr. Whiston has successfully handled construction cases in various state and federal courts and arbitration.

Partner at Williams Mullen in RichmondMr. Burnett focuses his practice on construction law and litigation. He serves a broad spectrum of clients involved in the construction industry including banks, owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. He actively participates in clients’ construction projects by drafting or revising contracts, advising clients of their rights throughout a project, and regularly litigating and arbitrating on behalf of clients on contract claims, mechanic’s liens, payment bonds and performance bond claims.

McGuire Woods, Richmond
Mr. La Fratta has more than 35 years’ experience supporting clients on the development and construction of energy and industrial projects such as LNG facilities, power plants and food processing facilities, as well as large commercial construction, such as office towers. He has represented the owners, lenders and customers of most types of power generation projects, including hydro, biomass, coal, lignite, pet coke, nuclear, natural gas, waste-fired, landfill gas, wind and solar (PV and CSP). A recognized authority in his field, Mr. La Fratta has written on construction, energy and utility-related topics for a number of organizations, including for the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation (Drafting and Negotiating Power Purchase Agreements) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Design Build Projects). He has taught classes at a number of industry venues and conferences including the Association of Corporate Counsel and the American Institute of Architects. Mr. La Fratta has been selected as a fellow in the Construction Lawyers Society of America and was named Energy Regulation Lawyer of the Year for Virginia by Best Lawyers for 2018.

Partner at Williams Mullen in RichmondMr. Mathews focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters, with an emphasis in construction and commercial real estate disputes. He represents businesses and individuals in government and corporate investigations involving securities and banking regulation, the Lacey Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Prior to joining Williams Mullen, Mr. Mathews was a financial consultant at Smith Barney and sold insurance and annuities with Genworth Financial. He has been named a “Rising Star” by Virginia Super Lawyers magazine each year since 2012 and Virginia Business magazine named him among Virginia’s “Legal Elite” in December 2015.

Of counsel with Coates & Davenport in RichmondMr. Richardson has over 25 years’ experience in counseling and litigation for businesses and technical professionals. He previously worked with several firms specializing in construction and design liability, where he gained extensive experience in construction claims and litigation, as well as employment and labor law. He has represented all parties involved in design and construction projects, including insurers, engineers, architects, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, surveyors, and owners. He also counsels architecture and engineering firms in all aspects of their business operations, including employment matters, business transactions, and contract review and negotiations. Mr. Richardson serves as president-elect and development committee chair of the Maymont Foundation board of directors, which is responsible for administering a 100-acre estate. He is a former member of the Virginia State Building Code Technical Review Board, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a (J.D.) and Washington & Lee University (B.A.).

Coates & Davenport P.C., RichmondMr. Watson is a 25-year member of the Construction Law and Public Contracts Section of the Virginia State Bar. His practice is focused on serving clients in the areas of both public and private procurement and construction. In addition to having tried numerous construction cases before federal and state courts, arbitration panels, and federal boards of contract appeals, he is a frequent speaker before professional and construction industry groups. Mr. Watson recently spoke on design-build issues at the 2016 regional conference of SASHTO. His comprehensive knowledge of the construction process is enhanced by being certified for six years as a project management professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute. In addition, Mr. Watson worked for over two years with project managers in construction administration with one of the nation’s largest multi-disciplinary engineering firms. There, on a daily basis he worked with engineers to resolve complex construction issues involving all major engineering disciplines. Although not an engineer, Mr. Watson twice served as chair of the Richmond Joint Engineers’ Council. He has served on the board of directors of the Richmond Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute and was certified by the national CSI as a MasterFormat-2004® instructor.

Jackson Kelly PLLC
Mr. Estill focuses his practice on construction and business law. He has a wide array of experience in construction transactions, drafting and negotiating contracts and other project-related documents for owners, contractors, and consultants and routinely advising on risk-allocation in projects. He also has extensive experience in procurement matters, including under Kentucky’s public-private partnership laws. Additionally, Mr. Estill has extensive experience in business litigation and commercial law matters. Mr. Estill uses his multidisciplinary experience to better serve clients’ interests and solve legal problems in the most efficient way possible. He particularly enjoys drawing on his litigation experience to draft better contracts and guard against risk for construction and other business clients. He also enjoys learning a client’s business so that he can deliver valued advice that truly reflects and
furthers his clients’ goals.

Megan K. George is a member of the Construction Service Group at Stites & Harbison, PLLC. She counsels clients on construction matters and routinely drafts, negotiates and reviews contracts for clients. Before joining the firm, she was an attorney with a firm in Lexington, was an Assistant Attorney General with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Criminal Appeals in Frankfort, (2016-17) and was also a staff attorney for Judge Laurance VanMeter, Kentucky Court of Appeals in Lexington, (2013-16).

Jackson Kelly PLLC
John W. Hays is a Member in the Lexington, Kentucky office of Jackson Kelly PLLC.  Mr. Hays’ practice is primarily focused on construction litigation, contracts, and commercial litigation.  He also has extensive training and experience as a mediator in construction, commercial, employment and personal injury disputes.  He is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and is arbitrator and mediator on the Commercial Arbitration Panel for the American Arbitration Association.  He is a frequent author and lecturer on topics related to construction and alternative dispute resolution.

Mr. Hays is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and all state and federal courts within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  He is a member of the Fayette, Kentucky and American Bar Associations and is active in the ABA Forum for the Construction Industry and KBA Section on Construction and Public Contract Law.  Mr. Hays is also a member of the ADR Section of the KBA, is a past chair of the Mediation Center of Kentucky and is a past president of the Mediation Association of Kentucky.

Mr. Hays received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in 1985 and his Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of Kentucky in 1988.  He was a member of the Kentucky Law Journal and graduated Order of the Coif. Mr. Hays has an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell and has been named Kentucky Super Lawyers® list since 2009 and in Woodward/White’s The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of Construction Law since 2013.  He was named Best Lawyers’ 2021, 2018, and 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Lexington for Construction Law.

Aaron R. Klein is an attorney with Stites & Harbison, PLLC’s Louisville office and is a member of the Construction Service Group. His practice focuses on advising clients on all types of construction related matters. He provides construction clients with experience in both transactional and litigation practice. Prior to joininlso serveStites & Harbison, Mr. Klein was an attorney with a regional litigation firm based in Louisville. Prior to that, he was an attorney with a regional litigation firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He also serves in an advisory role to a nonprofit board dedicated to the Louisville addiction services community. Mr. Klein is also involved in his church community. Outside of work, he enjoys all types of sports. You may also find him on a variety of “CraneWatch” websites checking up on the latest projects in both Louisville and Nashville.

Craig L. McCloud is an attorney with McCloud Law Group, with offices in Lexington and Columbia. McCloud Law Group represents a diverse clientele of individuals and business owners in Kentucky. With a proactive approach and commitment to developing creative solutions, the firm assists clients with a wide array of business and employment law matters.

Managing Partner, Miller Edwards Rambicure PLLC, Attorneys at Law
Mr. Miller focuses his practice on business law, both transactional and litigation, and has extensive experience in construction, minerals, banking, and other commercial matters. His clients include construction companies, developers, municipalities, private equity funds, energy companies, regional and national banks, professional athletes and other large institutions. Mr. Miller has personally represented over a dozen publicly-traded companies in a wide variety of engagements.

Stephen E. Smith’s primary areas of practice are construction, public acquisition, and corporate law. Before joining Goldberg Simpson, LLP in 1989, Mr. Smith served the public sector with the United States Army Corps of Engineers for 15 years, serving as a district counsel and as senior legal advisor to the commander. Mr. Smith represents all participants in construction projects, including public and private owners, large general contractors and construction managers, and specialty subcontractors. He is a member of both the American Arbitration Association Panel of Construction Arbitrators and the Panel of Construction Mediators. Mr. Smith is approved as a mediator and arbitrator for all disputes arising under the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors. He has been selected by members of the Louisville Bar as a Louisville Magazine “Top Lawyer” in the areas of “Construction,” “Arbitration and Mediation-Non-Family” for the last four years. He has been selected as a Kentucky “Super Lawyer” annually since 2007. Mr. Smith was selected to The Best Lawyers in America in 2015 and 2016. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts and his law degree from the University of Louisville. He is a frequent lecturer and instructor in the areas of federal acquisition and construction claims administration. Mr. Smith is a member of the Federal, Kentucky, and Louisville Bar Associations and the ABA Forum on The Construction Industry. He is a founding member of the Kentucky Bar Association Construction Practice Section.

Managing Member of the Law Offices of Michael J. Barnaby, LLP
Mr. Barnaby practices exclusively in the area of construction law, representing general, sub and specialty contractors; suppliers; construction managers; sureties; public and private owners; homeowners; design professionals; and other entities involved in the construction industry in litigation, arbitration, mediation, public and private construction contracts, mechanics liens, surety law, administrative proceedings, business law, OSHA law, labor law, and environmental law. He has previously presented lectures to various construction industry professionals and organizations on topics ranging from the mechanics lien law to advanced construction law. Prior to law school, he was a construction superintendent for an internationally-recognized construction manager and he has first-hand experience on multi-million dollar construction projects throughout the tri-state region. Mr. Barnaby received his B.A. degree from Lehigh University and his J.D. degree and Certificate in Environmental Law from Pace Law School. He is a past chair of the Connecticut Bar Association Construction Law Executive Committee.

Managing Partner of Ciulla & Donofrio, LLP
Mr. Donofrio has been practicing construction law, municipal law and commercial litigation in Connecticut since 1990. Mr. Donofrio and his firm represent a variety of public and private entities, including municipalities, utilities, financial institutions, contractors, trade contractors, developers, financial institutions and project owners. He regularly presents construction law seminars to a variety of audiences on topics including construction contracts, claims, litigation, ADR, and collection techniques.

Attorney with Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger, P.C.
Mr. Fitzgerald practices in the areas of construction and surety law, where he handles a broad range of construction-related matters on behalf of subcontractors, contractors, public and private owners, and sureties. He has extensive experience litigating cases in state and federal court, and he has resolved many disputes in arbitration and mediation. Mr. Fitzgerald frequently drafts, reviews and negotiates construction contracts. Since 2002, Mr. Fitzgerald has been a contributing author on the topic of mechanic’s liens for the “Connecticut Bar Association Annual Construction Case Law Summary.” He also has given many presentations to construction trade groups and professional organizations on the topics of mechanic’s liens, payment bonds, and general payment issues in the construction industry. Mr. Fitzgerald also serves as a legal advisor to the Connecticut Subcontractors Association. He is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Mr. Fitzgerald has been included in both the Connecticut and New England Super Lawyers® Rising Star lists in the area of construction litigation (2010, 2014, 2015). He was also listed as a New England and Connecticut Super Lawyer® in the area of construction litigation in 2017.

Attorney with Pullman & Comley LLC
Mr. Robinson practices in the area of business litigation including the litigation of construction and employment disputes. He heads the firm’s Construction Law and Litigation Section. Mr. Robinson has successfully resolved hundreds of business litigation cases, both through trial and settlement.

Attorney at BrownWinick
Mr. Block is an associate attorney with BrownWinick and has a general business practice including, but not limited to, entity formation, corporate governance, contract drafting, mergers and acquisitions, securities, growth capital, startups, real estate, utilities and environmental law. He graduated from Creighton University’s Heider College of Business in 2016, where he received his B.S. degree, magna cum laude, in Business Administration and participated in the 3-3 Pre-Law program. In 2018, Mr. Block received his J.D. degree from the Creighton University School of Law, magna cum laude, with a Business Law Certificate. During law school, he was the research editor of the Creighton Law Review.

Attorney, Senior Vice President at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll
Mr. Caster’s law practice focuses on commercial litigation, and particularly on construction litigation. Many construction suits involve both claims about professional negligence and claims about the breach of construction contracts. Mr. Caster has written and spoken extensively on many construction law issues, including construction contract law, AIA contracts, implied warranties in construction contracts, economic loss doctrine, the standard of care for design professionals, and construction accidents. He is the author of the Iowa chapter of State-by-State Guide to Architect, Engineer and Contractor Licensing, second edition. He is an allied individual member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association.

Mr. Cutler enjoys representing individuals and businesses in all types of lawsuits including construction, business disputes, workers’ compensation, and personal injury. Before joining Cutler Law Firm, he practiced at a large law firm, and he has significant experience handling complex high-dollar litigation. Mr. Cutler prides himself on giving straightforward and understandable advice to his clients, aggressively advocating for them, and getting excellent results for a fair price. He prides himself on the personal relationships he builds with his clients. Mr. Cutler and his wife Gretta live in the Des Moines area with their three young children. When not at the office, he enjoys hiking, biking, fishing, camping with his family, and music. Mr. Cutler is actively involved in the Iowa legal community, including the Iowa Defense Counsel Association, Iowa Workers Compensation Advisory Committee, Polk County Bar Association, Iowa Association of Justice, Iowa Bar Association, and Association of General Contractors.

Attorney at Cutler Law Firm
Mr. Gainer’s practice is a general litigation practice, focusing on bankruptcy and debtor-creditor law, financial insolvency issues (including foreclosure bank note defense and defense against actions by the IRS and Iowa agencies), and the defense of employers in workers compensation and civil defense matters throughout the state of Iowa. In his litigation practice, he frequently represents clients with contract disputes, issues with banks and lending institutions (including foreclosure and banknote defense), construction payment (including public and private actions through mechanics liens and public improvement bonds), fraud defenses, and collections work.

Attorney at BrownWinick
Ms. Johnson is an associate attorney with the BrownWinick law firm and has a general practice including, but not limited to, agribusiness, construction law, employment and labor law, fiduciary litigation, and workers’ compensation. Prior to joining BrownWinick, she was an associate attorney at Redfern, Mason, Larsen & Moore, PLC, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Ms. Johnson graduated from Luther College in 2014, summa cum laude, receiving a B.A. degree in English and Political Science. She earned her J.D. degree from the University of Colorado Law School in 2018 and is a member of the Order of the Coif. Ms. Johnson is a member of the Black Hawk County, Polk County and Iowa State Bar Associations. She is also a member of the Polk County Women Attorneys. She serves as a member of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society.

Attorney at Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman
Mr. Kaufmann is a litigation attorney with a general practice encompassing business and commercial litigation, construction and design, insurance defense, and labor and employment litigation. He has experience assisting clients with a variety of issues, including construction defect and mechanic’s lien litigation, trade secrets and business torts, contract disputes, federal civil rights litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. As a current member of the Construction Law Section Council of the Iowa State Bar Association, Mr. Kaufmann stays abreast of legal issues facing Iowa’s construction industry.

Attorney at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll
Ms. Merritt is an associate attorney at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. She tries cases to judges and juries in state and federal court, protecting the interests of her individual and business clients. Ms. Merritt has represented a broad range of individuals and businesses, including small businesses, large corporations, and insurance companies. She has also worked with city governments to craft and enact local ordinances, maintain compliance with state and federal laws, and create employee policies. Ms. Merritt received her J.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and currently practices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ms. Boyd’s practice focuses on estate planning, transfer tax planning, and charitable giving. In particular, she advises clients regarding sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, business succession planning, and the formation and taxation of private foundations and other charities.

Ms. Boyd was a member of the inaugural 2022-2023 class of the Southeast Fellows Institute of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a member of the 2022-2023 class of the Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute. She has previously served as the Secretary of the State Bar of Georgia Fiduciary Law Section Code Revision Committee and currently sits on the boards of two Atlanta charities.

Principal at Statereview
Mr. Huszka has been responsible for expert witness consultation, construction document review, and assessment and inspection of buildings and facilities for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Texas Architectural Barriers Act, and related federal and state codes for thousands of projects that include locations in over 40 US states. Some of his clients have included the Mississippi Bureau of Buildings, Grounds and Real Property Management; the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority; the Houston Independent School District; Reliant Center (NRG Stadium); Hilton; and Macy’s, Inc.

Managing Partner, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.Mr. Martin represents contractors and owners on large construction projects. He advises clients on all facets of the construction process. He prepares contract documents, counsels on risk management and business and legal issues that arise during projects, and resolves disputes. Mr. Martin has been in the construction industry since 1979, both as a lawyer and as an industry executive. His experience includes service as president and chief operating officer of an ENR-400 construction company. Mr. Martin stays at the forefront of industry trends, including new technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), which are changing the way construction is performed. He has taught six courses of the AGC’s BIM Module 3 (BIM Contract Negotiation and Risk Allocation). Mr. Martin has taught construction law at the university level and has trained industry professionals throughout the United States as well as abroad.

Mr. Moore is a director in the Construction/Surety and Litigation sections at Coats Rose. His law practice focuses on construction litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He represents owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers on a wide variety of construction-related issues, including breach of contract, breach of warranty, mechanic’s liens, contractual and statutory indemnity, payment and performance bonds, collections, fraud, extra work, construction defects, contract termination, differing site conditions, bid protests, bid mistakes, delay and disruption claims, in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Moore also regularly drafts and reviews contract documents. He joined Coats Rose in 2013 and has been selected to the 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists in the area of construction litigation. He received his law degree from Texas Tech University.

Kilmer Crosby & Walker, HoustonMr. Quadros is a shareholder in the Houston office of Kilmer Crosby & Walker PLLC. He is a trial attorney focusing on construction, trade secret, and real estate litigation. Mr. Quadros has an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and extensive business experience in real estate transactions and development. He has worked with owners, developers, landlords and tenants in all areas of real estate acquisition, financing, development, leasing and sales. Mr. Quadros also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in the Houston area.

Associate at The Cromeens Law Firm, PLLCMs. Townsley is a highly-experienced attorney in commercial, construction, general business, litigation, and insurance law, with 18 years law firm experience. She joined the Cromeens Law Firm after running her own private practice, where she practiced plaintiff personal injury and insurance coverage law. Previously, she was special counsel with Hailey, McNamara, Hall, Larmann & Papale LLP, where she practiced in the areas of insurance defense, insurance coverage and commercial Litigation. Prior to joining Hailey Mcnamara in 2012, Ms. Townsley served as general counsel and director of risk management for Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc., a major general contractor in the Gulf Coast Region. Her current practice consists primarily of construction, insurance coverage, and general business matters. She achieved her Bachelors degree from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas and her Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree from University of Houston College of Law.