ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION EXPERT WITNESS
DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES

Labor Shortages in Construction: Managing Legal and Operational Risks

April 14, 2026 — Meghan Douris - Construction Executive
Labor shortages in the construction industry have become more than a scheduling headache—they are a legal and financial risk multiplier. As contractors scramble to meet deadlines with limited manpower, shortcuts in compliance, safety and subcontractor oversight become more likely. These gaps can expose companies to regulatory penalties, contractual disputes and reputational damage. Understanding how workforce constraints intersect with labor laws and contractual obligations is critical to mitigating the risks and navigating these challenges without compromising compliance or project integrity. The construction industry has faced persistent workforce challenges for years, but recent trends have intensified the problem. Factors such as an aging workforce, reduced immigration and post-pandemic recovery pressures have left contractors struggling to find skilled labor. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction workforce shortage surpassed half a million workers in 2024; in the same year, Associated General Contractors reported 88% of construction companies had difficulty finding qualified workers. Reprinted courtesy of Meghan Douris, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved. Read the full story...

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Chambers Global 2026 Recognizes Sheppard Practices and Attorneys

March 03, 2026 — Sheppard
Sheppard has been recognized by Chambers Global 2026 in the following practice areas:

• Privacy & Data Security in the United States
• Projects: Power & Renewables: Transactional in the United States
• Projects: Renewables & Alternative Energy in the United States

Additionally, the following Sheppard partners have been recognized by Chambers Global 2026:

• Justin Boose (Projects: Renewables & Alternative Energy – USA)
• Will Chen (Intellectual Property: International Firms – South Korea)
• David Chun (Intellectual Property – South Korea)

Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Sheppard

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CARB Issues Proposed Climate Disclosure Regulations

January 13, 2026 — Michael S. McDonough, Ashleigh Myers & Karen Eskander - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law Blog
On December 9, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued proposed regulations and a staff report for California’s comprehensive climate disclosure laws, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261). These proposed regulations come less than a month after the Ninth Circuit issued an injunction temporarily halting enforcement of SB 261, at least until a January 9, 2026, hearing on the plaintiffs’ requested longer-term injunction through the remainder of the First Amendment challenge to the laws. The draft regulations would adopt some, but not all, of the provisions proposed by CARB in its public workshops on the laws to date, and notably would scale back applicability to those companies above a threshold level of sales in the state. The proposed regulations also define key terms, establish the program fee structures, explain fee enforcement and set initial reporting timelines. The written comment period begins on December 26, 2025, and ends on February 9, 2026. CARB will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulations on February 26, 2026 at 9 a.m. PST. Reprinted courtesy of Michael S. McDonough, Pillsbury, Ashleigh Myers, Pillsbury and Karen Eskander, Pillsbury Mr. McDonough may be contacted at michael.mcdonough@pillsburylaw.com Ms. Myers may be contacted at ashleigh.myers@pillsburylaw.com Ms. Eskander may be contacted at karen.eskander@pillsburylaw.com Read the full story...

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Structuring Water Resilience for Data Center Development: Water Rights, Reuse Incentives, and Emerging Disclosure Risk

March 10, 2026 — Ashleigh Myers, Jillian Marullo & Jason Drogin Atwood - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law Blog
As AI-driven data center development accelerates, developers, communities and regulators are increasingly focused on water demand—both the volume required and the sources from which that water will be drawn. While industry attention has largely centered on electricity procurement and grid impacts, the availability and legal entitlement to a firm water supply has become equally material to siting, permitting and community acceptance. Particularly as surface and groundwater supplies become increasingly constrained and new projects are sited in regions experiencing tighter hydrologic conditions or growth-related supply constraints, project teams are increasingly integrating water supply analysis into early-stage development to address issues that can materially affect schedule, financing and long-term operations. Reprinted courtesy of Ashleigh Myers, Pillsbury, Jillian Marullo, Pillsbury and Jason Drogin Atwood, Pillsbury Ms. Myers may be contacted at ashleigh.myers@pillsburylaw.com Ms. Marullo may be contacted at jillian.marullo@pillsburylaw.com Mr. Atwood may be contacted at jason.atwood@pillsburylaw.com Read the full story...

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GRSM Attorneys Named Finalists in 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

March 10, 2026 — Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani attorneys have been shortlisted as finalists for Corporate Counsel’s 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, which honor women leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in the legal profession. In the Law Firm Internal Collaborative Leadership category, Stephanie Jones was recognized for her exceptional ability to foster collaboration, mentor talent, and align colleagues across GRSM. Jones has consistently demonstrated leadership rooted in trust, inclusion, and shared purpose, qualities that have strengthened the firm during a period of extraordinary growth. Her impact on the firm’s culture and success will continue as she steps into her role as Chief Operating Partner in June 2026, where she will further build on her leadership in fostering teamwork, mentorship, and alignment across the firm’s national platform. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

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Snell & Wilmer Partner Jonathan Frank Named Winner of 2025 Connect CRE’s Lawyers in Real Estate Award

January 13, 2026 — Snell & Wilmer
ORANGE COUNTY — Snell & Wilmer is pleased to announce that Orange County Partner Jonathan Frank has received the 2025 Connect CRE’s Lawyers in Real Estate Award, a distinction honoring attorneys who demonstrate excellence in commercial real estate law while making meaningful contributions to the industry and their communities. The award recognizes legal leaders whose expertise, vision, and dedication set them apart, reflecting a career marked by both professional achievement and civic impact. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Snell & Wilmer

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New California Law Requi
Enforceability of Contract Provisions Extending Liquidated Damages Beyond Substantial Completion

Arezoo Jamshidi Selected to the 2023 San Diego Super Lawyers List

Disputes Over Arbitrator Qualifications: The Northern District of California Offers Some Guidance

How Small Mistakes Can Have Serious Consequences Under California's Contractor Licensing Laws.

Uniform Rules Governing New York’s Supreme and County Courts Get An Overhaul

SkenarioLabs Uses AI for Property Benchmarking

West Coast Casualty’s Quarter Century of Service

Waive It Goodbye: Despite Evidence to the Contrary, Delaware Upholds an AIA Waiver of Subrogation Clause

Arizona Court Affirms Homeowners’ Association’s Right to Sue Over Construction Defects

Avoiding Disaster Due to Improper Licensing

Idaho Supreme Court Address Water Exclusion in Commercial Property Exclusion

Toolbox Talk Series Recap – Best Practices for Productive Rule 26(f) Conferences on Discovery Plans

Why Construction Law- An Update

How Philadelphia I-95 Span Destroyed by Fire Reopened in Just 12 Days

New Report Reveals Heavy Civil Construction Less Impacted by COVID-19 Than Commercial Construction

Insurer Defends Denial in Property Coverage Dispute Involving Marijuana Growing Operations

Request for Stay Denied in Dispute Over Coverage for Volcano Damage

CDJ’s #6 Topic of the Year: Does Colorado Need Construction Defect Legislation to Spur Affordable Home Development?

Real Estate & Construction News Round-Up (08/10/22)

Traub Lieberman Partner Eric D. Suben and Associate Laura Puhala Win Summary Judgment in Favor of Insurer, Determining it has No Duty to Defend

Cerberus, Blackstone Loosening Credit for U.S. Landlords

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises for First Time in Two Years

County Sovereign Immunity Invokes Change-Order Ordinance

West Coast Casualty’s 25th Construction Defect Seminar Has BegunConstruction Defects Lead to Demolition of Seattle’s 25-story McGuire Apartments Building

Recommendations for Property Owners After A Hurricane: Submit a Claim

Snell & Wilmer Partner Jonathan Frank Named Winner of 2025 Connect CRE’s Lawyers in Real Estate Award

Construction Costs Absorb Two Big Hits This Quarter

Pre-Judgment Interest Not Awarded Under Flood Policy

Construction Defects Claims Can Be Limited by Contract Says Washington Court

Illinois Federal Court Applies Insurer-Friendly “Mutual Exclusive Theories” Test To Independent Counsel Analysis

Additional Insured’s Claim for a Defense Is Dismissed

Bad Faith Claim Dismissed as Insurer’s Actions Found Reasonable

Unjust Enrichment Damages Must Be Measurable and Quantifiable

London Office Builders Aren’t Scared of Brexit Anymore

Points on Negotiating Construction Claims

Unlicensed Contracting and Florida Statute S. 489.128

Firm Leadership – New Co-Chairs for the Construction Law Practice Group

Musings: Moving or Going into a New Service Area, There is More to It Than Just…

Texas Federal Court Upholds Professional Services Exclusion to Preclude Duty to Defend

Contract Change # 10: Differing Site Conditions (law note)

Framework, Tallest Mass Timber Project in the U.S., Is On Hold

Insurer Entitled to Reimbursement of Defense Costs Under Unjust Enrichment Theory

Pennsylvania Court Extends Construction Defect Protections to Subsequent Buyers

California Contractors – You Should Know That Section 7141.5 May Be Your Golden Ticket

A “Supplier to a Supplier” on a California Construction Project Sometimes Does Have a Right to a Mechanics Lien, Stop Payment Notice or Payment Bond Claim

California MCLE Seminar at BHA Sacramento July 11th

After Elections, Infrastructure Talk Stirs Again

Bad Faith and a Partial Summary Judgment in Seattle Construction Defect Case

Jury Trials: A COVID Update

Options When there is a Construction Lien on Your Property

Pennsylvania Superior Court Tightens Requirements for Co-Worker Affidavits in Asbestos Cases

Building Industry Association of Southern California Announces 2025 Legends Nominees

Illinois Appellate Court Affirms Duty to Defend Construction Defect Case

New Megablimp to Deliver to Remote Alaskan Construction Sites

Absence of Property Damage During Policy Period Equates to No Coverage

Design-Build – An International Perspective on Best Practices for Sustained Design-Build Success

Contractor Given a Wake-Up Call for Using a "Sham" RMO/RME

Congratulations to BWB&O’s Newport Beach Team on Obtaining a Defense Verdict in Favor of their Subcontractor Client!

$57M Settlement Keeps Red River Diversion Project Claims Out of Court

Performance Bond Surety Takeover – Using Terminated Contractor To Complete The Work

Jet Crash Blamed on Runway Construction Defect

Texas “your work” exclusion

Insured Does Not Prevail on Summary Judgment Motion Invoking Ensuing Loss Provision

Heat Stress Deaths Show Europe Isn’t Ready for Climate Change

A Homeowner’s Guide to Recovering After the Palisades Fire

The Small Stuff: Small Claims Court and Limited Civil Court Jurisdictional Limits

Kushner Cos. Probed Over Harassment of Low-Income Tenants

L.A.’s Modest Solution to the ‘Missing Middle’ Housing Problem

Trump Replaces Architect to Lead $300 Million Ballroom Design

Want a Fair Chance at a Government Contract? Think Again

My Construction Law Wish List

Background Owner of Property Cannot Be Compelled to Arbitrate Construction Defects

Earth Movement Exclusion Precludes Coverage