Construction: Georgia

THE FIRM Kilpatrick maintains its position as a leading construction practice. This large, dedicated group handles a full range of construction matters, recently advising the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority on the Boston Harbor Project and representing the City of Atlanta in the $6 billion airport expansion. 

Sources say: "The team's depth and breadth of experience is among the very best."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brian Corgan chairs the team and mainly represents general contractors and construction managers in construction disputes. Clients say he is "an excellent and tenacious litigator who takes the time to fully immerse himself in the facts of the case." William Dorris is "one of the stalwarts" of the team and brings extensive experience to his litigation and alternative dispute resolution practice. Randall Hafer is well regarded by sources for his representation of public owners. He is currently defending the Massachusetts Department of Transportation against claims arising out of Boston's 'Big Dig'. Neal Sweeney is widely recognized as an industry leader, due to his "ability, experience and market knowledge." He represents clients in public contracts, large public works projects, and alternative dispute resolution.

THE FIRM Smith Currie has an established presence in construction law, with over 45 years of experience in the sector. It boasts a large team of excellent practitioners who handle the full array of transactions and disputes. Clients include Harrah's Entertainment, Ceres Environmental Services and Walton Construction.

Sources say: "The team's assistance has resulted in clear financial benefits for our company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Beck comes recommended by clients for his calm negotiating style and sensitivity to cost issues. He is representing a luxury property developer in a $35 million dispute stemming from the collapse of the parking garage in a condo project. Aubrey Coleman is an "effective, no-nonsense" senior attorney with decades of experience. His client base includes contractors, construction managers, developers and design professionals, which he represents in government contracts, litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Ronald Robey is a top attorney with "a gift for understanding complex construction issues," say clients. His practice centers on large national and international projects and disputes. James Butler is a "talented and experienced" construction litigator and mediator, whose varied practice includes environmental and international work. Robert Chambers is the firm's managing partner and serves as the general counsel to the Georgia Highway Contractors Association and the Georgia Asphalt Pavement Association. Eric Nelson is a well-respected younger partner, who successfully represented a national general contractor in an arbitration for more than $100 million in claims against an owner and lender. George Wenick has enjoyed "a great deal of success" in his career, which has involved work across the USA and in China, Latin America and Europe. He speaks French, Spanish and Italian. Thomas Abernathy is a highly respected senior partner with a strong reputation for government contracts work. Thomas Kelleher is "one of the best government contracts lawyers around," according to sources. He and Tom Abernathy are currently advising MACTEC Engineering & Consulting on a project in Afghanistan.

THE FIRM This top firm has a robust and diverse construction practice. Recent work highlights include representing Bovis Lend Lease in disputes arising out of the deconstruction of 130 Liberty Street, the last building to be removed from Ground Zero.

Sources say: "I call them when something has to be done absolutely right, and can't afford to go wrong."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jennifer Fletcher is a star trial lawyer who "spends more time in the courtroom than any other construction lawyer I know," according to one interviewee. Clients comment on Fletcher's "ability to handle large matters anywhere in the USA." Lee Davis is active in the energy sector, and is representing several power plants in a multimillion-dollar matter concerning the design and engineering of sophisticated equipment. Barry McCabe recently impressed sources with his work on a nine-month arbitration on behalf of a developer. "He's smart and quick on his feet, and does a great job for his clients," say interviewees. William Wildman has excellent trial experience representing design professionals and public owners, such as the DeKalb County school system. Clients value his practical and personable approach.

THE FIRM This firm specializes in large, complex construction disputes and government contracts work throughout the Southeast. The group is defending AIG in a $6 million claim arising out of the development of Atlantic Station. Other clients include AIG Global Real Estate and Skanska.

Sources say: "The team has helped us solve some very tough issues. We get our money's worth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Spangler is valued by clients for his calm demeanor and good judgment. Sources say he "thinks like a contractor but knows when to push forward and when to settle." Peers praise his success in developing the practice. William Hughes represents owners and is defending EMJ in a six-party civil litigation concerning $40 million in alleged damages. He also represents a number of Chinese companies in construction and development projects in the USA.

THE FIRM This firm is best known for its representation of specialty contractors in litigation and arbitration. It also advises clients on bid protests, design liability, surety law and OSHA claims.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Hendrick is "the quintessential subcontractor lawyer" and "a mainstay of the Atlanta construction Bar," say sources. He focuses on construction contracting and claim matters, contract litigation and alternative dispute resolution.

THE FIRM This firm has a strong reputation for advising utilities and energy industry companies. Most of the practice centers on dispute resolution, though attorneys also undertake transactional work. The group is currently representing a major energy contractor in a $150 million arbitration. It is also heavily involved in the development of Plant Vogtle, the first new nuclear plant in the USA in 30 years, for clients Southern Nuclear and Georgia Power. 

Sources say: "A team of very solid construction lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ira Genberg has decades of experience in litigating energy project disputes across the USA and internationally. "He's a top rainmaker and litigator," say sources. Frank Riggs is a "top-of-the-line" attorney whose practice centers primarily on owner and developer representation. Peers say he is "articulate, thorough and measured."

THE FIRM This firm has an established reputation for insurance defense work but is also recommended for construction litigation, from classic defect work to commercial disputes. The team is currently representing the American Bridge Company in disputes arising out of the cableway system collapse of the Hoover Dam Bypass Colorado Bridge Project.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Dial is a highly regarded trial lawyer who "gets great results." Peers say there is "no question he's a leader." His clients include general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, architects and engineers. David Larson is a "bright and methodical" attorney who represents construction entities in a diverse range of disputes and liability claims. He splits his time between Atlanta and Las Vegas, where he is the office managing partner. George Anthony Smith, formerly of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, is advising Rosser International in disputes arising out of the design and construction of the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi. He has an excellent reputation with peers and clients. John Flynn is widely considered to be an expert in construction contract and government contract disputes. "He is an outstanding lawyer: thorough, efficient and experienced." Ross Ginsberg is a younger partner whose practice centers on the representation of design professionals and suppliers in high-stakes litigation.

THE FIRM Seyfarth Shaw is particularly renowned for its representation of contractors in disputes. The group works closely with the real estate team and with construction attorneys throughout the firm's national network. Clients include Winter Construction, Silverman Construction and Skanska.

Sources say: "The quality of the team's work and the outcomes it produces are consistently excellent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Walker Ingraham is an experienced attorney who "really knows the lay of the land." He is representing Winter Construction in three arbitrations involving more than $50 million in claims against the owner of a mixed-use project.