Construction: Texas

THE FIRM This boutique construction practice offers clients a full service across a wide range of matters, including construction litigation, contractual issues and claims defense. The team handles issues on behalf of a mixture of clients, although it is particularly renowned for its representation of engineering firms and design professionals. The last year has seen it negotiate numerous construction contracts. 

Sources say: "An excellent law firm." "They handle pure construction matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Allensworth is an eminent construction lawyer working with lenders, insurance companies and owners and developers, earning wide acclaim for his litigation expertise. "He is a fine lawyer: seasoned and highly respected in the industry," say sources.

A "bright and capable attorney," Matthew Ryan is hailed by peers for his design-side representation. He is skilled at handling arbitration, mediation and construction litigation at federal court level.

THE FIRM This practice receives extensive praise for its outstanding service and depth of resources. The team has recently been bolstered with the arrival of lateral hires that have added to its strengths in transactional matters, project counseling and construction litigation. It also continues to perform strongly in lien and payment bond claims as well as OSHA citations. Highlights include successfully representing Petrofac against a Department of Energy contractor in an arbitration hearing. Other clients include Toshiba International, Boyer and Consolidated Electrical Distributors.

Sources say: "The principals are very well respected in the local community and the team is well staffed and trained. They bring quality to every case, telling me when I'm throwing good money after bad and when to go all out."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Andrews receives high praise from clients and peers, with one noting that "he is the leading lawyer in the region for high-dollar, complex construction disputes whether commercial or industrial." He is well renowned for handling lawsuits as well as alternative dispute resolution.

Thomas Myers is considered an excellent choice for complicated contractual matters. According to sources, "he has the ability to reduce very complex transactions into manageable legal structures." He is also well versed in arbitration, litigation and risk management. He receives praise across the board, with clients describing him as "business-oriented, extremely responsive and willing to do whatever it takes to help."

Researchers are told that Jason Walker "works in the best interests of the client while keeping costs to a minimum." He receives plaudits for his extensive knowledge of bonds and is considered a "wonderful expert" on construction liens.

William Westcott continues to receive wide acclamation from clients as "an excellent advocate who is adept at dealing with complex issues," while peers predict that "he will fast become one of the top names in the state." Over the past year he has been heavily involved in the legislative process, helping to draft two successfully passed state construction bills.

THE FIRM This group is an established leader in construction. It handles an assortment of matters on behalf of owners, contractors and various other players in the construction area, including complex litigation, mediation and arbitration. Sources highlight the team's extensive knowledge and wealth of experience as significant strengths.

Sources say: "An excellent construction firm, and it has been for many years. I have been impressed with many different lawyers in their team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kyle Gooch is described as "one of the most intelligent construction lawyers I know" and "a pleasure to work with" by sources. As well as his work on contracts, he is also highlighted for his excellent litigation skills. "He blends different levels of aggression in the courtroom to get a result," said one interviewee.

The "top-notch" Joseph Canterbury is an experienced senior attorney who receives recognition for "speaking frankly and cutting to the chase." He has been busy over the past year handling a number of arbitration hearings.

THE FIRM Cokinos, Bosien and Young retains a strong presence in Texas, cemented through offices in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The team works with an array of regional clients on a variety of issues, with sources underlining in particular its strength in representing general contractors on high-value transactions and claims.

Sources say: "An excellent firm that we would rate as being right at the top."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of practice Gregory Cokinos is described by interviewees as "a sharp attorney" and a "veteran of the courtroom." He commands admiration from peers for his litigation and arbitration work.

Stanley Curry handles construction disputes, arbitrating and litigating high-value cases. He is known for representing a wide range of clients, including general and specialty contractors, owners, architects and engineers.

Richard Flake also concentrates on alternative dispute resolution, attracting praise as a "fantastic mediator." He has had an active year helping to settle several large claims including a roof disintegration case.   

Patrick Wielinski is highly regarded for his expertise in construction insurance and was recently sought to co-edit a book on the subject. He is held in high regard by both regional and national sources for his knowledge of this area. 

THE FIRM Interviewees are impressed with this group's in-depth industry knowledge and responsiveness. The team has recently been busy handling a large amount of contentious work on behalf of both owners and general contractors, and such is its strength in this field that it has achieved recognition on a national scale. It also represents some of the country's largest construction firms.

Sources say: "An accomplished and extremely gifted team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Although George Baldwin has spent time dealing with a number of transactional matters, his reputation rests on his talent at litigating. "He is a top-notch lawyer," enthuses one source.

The "outstanding" Jeffrey Ford represents developers, owners, manufacturers, insurers and contractors on the full range of construction matters. He receives receives high acclaim from sources, who concur that he is "definitely a top-tier attorney."

John Nassen conducts a mixture of transactional and litigation work, earning particularly strong commendation for the latter.  

THE FIRM This Houston-based firm has a stellar reputation in the construction field, offering the full range of services to clients drawn from a number of industries. In the past year the team has settled a construction dispute for Tres Palacios Gas Storage and provided advice on construction defects to both IBC Bank and Brasfield & Gorrie. Sources appreciate this broad practice's deep bench of specialist construction attorneys.

Sources say: "A very significant firm with great depth."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Peden is singled out as a leading light of the construction community and hailed for his talent in alternative dispute resolution. He is a member of the panel of arbitrators of the AAA, recently chairing three international hearings.

"A leading figure who really helps drive the practice," Allison Snyder is also highlighted for her alternative dispute resolution work. She recently chaired a three-member arbitration panel hearing in respect of a $78 million construction defect claim.

THE FIRM This firm offers a sizable force of attorneys spread across five Texas offices, with clients recommending the construction team for both transactional and litigious concerns. It is frequently highlighted for its work on infrastructure projects and disputes, and is currently representing clients including Harris County Hospital District and RLB Contractors in claims worth over $1.3 million each. Other notable clients include ARCO National Construction and RBC Bank.

Sources say: "They are client-responsive, have good communication skills and common sense, and know how to apply the law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cited as "the guru," Robert Bass is widely regarded as "right at the top of the pile." Feedback indicates that he is highly active in drafting state legislation and negotiating both large and small construction contracts. He recently prepared the construction contract for a shopping center on behalf of Weingarten Realty Investors.

Mark Guthrie is hailed by sources as "a warhorse who is still at the top of his game" and is appreciated for his "excellent legal strategy and business realism." He is highlighted for his expertise in construction litigation where he handles large complex cases on behalf of industrial contractors.  

Michelle Rieger works for a wide range of clients including owners, developers and general contractors. Interviewees say that "she is the whole package: very learned, responsive, a good communicator and extremely nice to work with."

Practice chair Stewart Whitehead comes highly recommended by clients. "He is a very thorough and responsive attorney," enthuses one client. He focuses on construction disputes, including, recently, helping a contractor to settle a large, multimillion-dollar dispute.

THE FIRM This well-reputed firm offers a high-quality service to a mixture of public and private sector clients. Recent highlights include acting for the City of Sugar Land over the construction of a $40 million professional baseball stadium, and representing a contractor involved in a $60 million lawsuit against a pipeline operator.

Sources say: "An extremely strong firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Thomas Barber is renowned for his expertise in transactional matters and cited as "a very well-rounded attorney." He has handed a number of high-value matters this year, including negotiating $800 million worth of construction contracts for two major medical projects on behalf of University Health System.

William Short has been highly active in his capacity as arbitrator and mediator, assisting in settling claims with values in excess of $100 million.

THE FIRM This well-regarded boutique firm is best known for representing design professionals in defending malpractice claims. Clients appreciate the team's professionalism and the capabilities of its attorneys.

Sources say: "One of the best firms in the state for architects and engineers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Hollye Fisk is held in high regard by sources, one of whom notes that "he is without question the leading lawyer for the defense of design professionals." He has been involved in the successful arbitration of a $3 million dollar claim. 

THE FIRM Gardere Wynne Sewell moves up the table this year after impressing clients with the quality of its advice and service levels. The construction group covers a wide spectrum of matters, including contracting, risk management, litigation and arbitration, and works closely with the firm's other practice groups to provide an all-around service. The team is currently in the midst of defending various claims brought against general contractors, including one case in which over $100 million of damages is being sought. A solid roster of clients includes Atkins North America, Austin Industries/Austin Commercial and EMJ Corporation.

Sources say: "A very fine group of attorneys who are extremely smart and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "extremely knowledgeable" Gregory Harwell specializes in commercial and residential transactional matters. He has acted as outside counsel for numerous trade associations over the past year.

Head of practice Steven Henry is described as "a standout attorney in litigation and contract negotiations," and is well known for representing some of the largest contractors in the industry.

THE FIRM Boasting offices across four cities in Texas, this firm is known for its work in complex construction litigation and arbitration. The group advises a whole host of clients, including general contractors and subcontractors, healthcare facilities and pipeline and offshore platform operators. Its prowess in construction disputes is underlined by its current role defending subcontractor Rockport Contracting in a $10 million faulty cable installation claim.

Sources say: "When they show up on the other side, you know it will be a tough case."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Daniel is a key contact.

THE FIRM Operating out of Dallas, this construction boutique offers clients a full range of services, from litigation and alternative dispute resolution to advice on virtually every type of construction contract. The team has a strong track record in representing general contractors, and is currently representing the Shaw Group in a claim for damages in excess of $100 million. The team receives praise from clients for consistently performing to high standards.

Sources say: "The Griffith firm goes out of its way to be responsive and proactive. The team is well staffed and trained, and has an excellent grasp of the law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kimberly Davison focuses on transactional concerns and lien and bond claims, and has enjoyed an active year advising a number of clients on this area of law. She is renowned among sources for her "diligent, thorough and eager to help" attitude. 

Scott Griffith is highlighted for his understanding of construction litigation, where he represents both commercial and industrial clients. According to feedback, he is "a forceful litigator with good powers of recall" who "thinks quickly on his feet."

THE FIRM This firm operates out of six offices around the state as well as another eight offices nationwide and internationally. The construction team focuses on transactional work and is highly commended by sources for its up-to-date knowledge of contracting requirements. It typically represents owners and developers, and is currently acting for Headington Oil in negotiating an $85 million project to expand a large boutique hotel.

Sources say: "They made us feel as though we were their most important client."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruce Merwin impresses clients with his strong knowledge of construction contracts and representation of clients from the owners market. He is commended for his in-depth knowledge of the industry and expertise in drafting service specific agreements.

THE FIRM This expanding group is renowned for its work for clients from the energy industry and emphasis on delivering a high-quality client service. The team receives strong plaudits for its transactional work, and includes within its ranks attorneys that advise exclusively on the preparation of contracts. The team also earns recognition for its timely resolution of construction disputes. Chevron, ExxonMobil and Shell are active clients of the practice.

Sources say: "They are organized, thorough and inspire a great deal of confidence."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Extremely talented and knowledgeable" head of practice Scott Greer is sought out for his expertise and experience of construction law.  According to clients, he "knows the construction market inside out" and is "a brilliant negotiator who really shines." Clients also appreciate his engineering background that allows him to grasp extensive technical questions.