Anaheim California Construction Expert Witness Directory

Congratulations to Arizona Managing Partner John Belanger and Associate Ryan Leibel on Securing a Win at Arbitration!

August 05, 2025 — Dolores Montoya - Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP
This case arose from an incident that occurred on the premises of BWB&O’s client, a large wholesale retailer. Plaintiff alleged that she suffered serious injuries resulting from a slip and fall that occurred inside a warehouse owned by BWB&O’s client. Plaintiff asserted a negligence claim against BWB&O’s client under a theory of premises liability, alleging that BWB&O’s client had actual knowledge of the substance on which Plaintiff slipped, and that the warehouse failed to remedy the same. It was undisputed that BWB&O’s client had prior knowledge of the substance. However, Plaintiff conceded at her deposition that an employee of BWB&O’s client had warned Plaintiff of the substance moments before the slip and fall occurred. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Dolores Montoya, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP

GRSM Named #1 Fastest-Growing Am Law Firm

May 23, 2025 — Dion N. Cominos - Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani has been recognized as the fastest-growing top-100 law firm in the country by The American Lawyer. Over the past year, GRSM rose ten spots, marking the largest jump of any firm on the Am Law list. “This recognition reflects yet another validation of the firm’s commitment to and execution of our focused strategy on scaling the business into a national juggernaut with the capability of delivering superior legal services throughout the country wherever our clients may have needs,” noted Firmwide Managing Partner Dion Cominos. “We are very proud of this accomplishment and look forward to even greater growth and success in the years ahead.” Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Dion N. Cominos, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
Mr. Cominos may be contacted at dcominos@grsm.com

Different AI Uses Present Similar Benefits for Large and Small Construction Firms

May 23, 2025 — Fred Ackerman - Construction Executive
While artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, the construction industry seems, at first glance, an unlikely candidate for AI-driven transformation. The field is highly physical and rooted in tangible processes—placing AI in this environment may seem like a "square peg in a round hole." However, as learned in chemistry class, opposites often attract. As architecture, engineering and construction firms face increasing challenges—labor shortages, rising costs and supply-chain disruptions—AI presents a timely opportunity. Yet, its adoption within the industry has been measured, at best. For firms willing to embrace AI’s potential, the benefits can be substantial: optimizing operations, enhancing safety, and driving financial growth. AI’s predictive capabilities, cost efficiencies, and safety enhancements offer a road map for construction firms of all sizes to improve performance and profitability. However, firms must also navigate the associated costs and barriers to entry to ensure strategic, targeted implementation. Reprinted courtesy of Fred Ackerman, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved. Read the full story...

Ball Janik LLP Continues Growth of the Miami Office with the Addition of Jocelyn Rocha

September 30, 2025 — Ball Janik LLP
MIAMI, FL - Ball Janik LLP is pleased to welcome Associate Jocelyn Rocha to the firm's Miami office. Rocha focuses on construction defects and civil litigation. Rocha has experience in homeowners’ insurance cases involving property disputes, representing first-party and third-party claims. Her background includes depositions and mediations, trial preparation, and drafting legal motions and pleadings. She also has participated in successful trials in various counties as second chair, conducted opening statements, and directed and defended against cross-examination of experts and witnesses. "Jocelyn's experience in insurance recovery claims and civil litigation is a great match for our firm," said James C. Prichard, Managing Partner of Ball Janik LLP. "Her knowledge and dedication will strengthen our practice and fuel results for our clients." Prior to joining Ball Janik, Rocha worked at other boutique law firms in the Miami area. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. Rocha received her law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law, where she served as the Student Bar Association President, Cuban American Student Bar Association President, and Vice President of Communications for the Trial Team. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in political science and government. "I'm excited to be joining a firm filled with so many dedicated team members who go above and beyond for their clients," said Rocha. "I look forward to contributing my talent and legal advocacy skills to help community associations and commercial property owners throughout Florida."

ACCL Reaffirms Core Legal Principle: Lawyers Must Not Be Punished for Representing Their Clients

May 23, 2025 — The American College of Construction Lawyers
Washington D.C., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American College of Construction Lawyers (ACCL) has issued a statement defending a foundational tenet of the U.S. legal system: that attorneys must not be penalized by the government for representing clients, absent court findings of illegal or unethical conduct. In its official statement, the ACCL declared: "The American College of Construction Lawyers reaffirms this basic constitutional principle: The government, regardless of party, should not punish lawyers and law firms for the clients they represent, absent specific Court findings that such representation was illegal or unethical." Attorneys and firms have faced retaliation and punishment from the federal government for having provided legal services to clients involved in politically charged or high-profile matters. Such reactions threaten to chill the essential function of the legal profession. This affects the core constitutional freedoms all Americans hold dear, including free speech, due process, and the right to select counsel without the fear of retribution. By reaffirming this constitutional principle, the ACCL underscores that lawyers serve as independent advocates whose duty is to zealously represent their clients, and that attempts by any political party to punish lawful representation undermine due process and the justice system itself. "The right to counsel is not a partisan issue—it is a bedrock of our justice system," said Terrence L. Brookie, ACCL President. "Punishing attorneys for the lawful representation of clients undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent." About the ACCL The American College of Construction Lawyers is an invitation-only organization of leading construction law practitioners, judges, and academics from the U.S. and internationally. Founded in 1989, the College is dedicated to elevating the practice and understanding of construction law and supporting the role of lawyers as ethical, collaborative problem-solvers in the built environment. For more information about the ACCL, please visit https://www.accl.org/.

A Claim for Constructive Suspension Does Exist

May 23, 2025 — David Adelstein - Florida Construction Legal Updates
A claim for constructive suspension does exist:

“Constructive suspension occurs when work is stopped absent an express order by the contracting officer and the [G]overnment is found to be responsible for the work stoppage.” “A constructive suspension will be found on the same elements and has the same effect and consequences as an actual suspension.” To recover under the Suspension of Work clause, the contractor needs to prove four elements: “(1) [the] contract performance was delayed; (2) the Government directly caused the delay; (3) the delay was for an unreasonable period of time; and (4) the delay injured the contractor in the form of additional expense or loss.” “The Government’s actions [must be] the sole proximate cause for the contractor’s additional loss, and the contractor would not have been delayed for any other reason during that period.” Quality Trust, Inc. v. Department of the Interior, 2025 WL 1092348 (CBCA 2025) (internal citations omitted).

The four elements are a must. If you fail to prove any of them, the suspension claim FAILS, whether it’s an actual suspension claim or constructive suspension claim. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of David Adelstein, Kirwin Norris, P.A.
Mr. Adelstein may be contacted at dma@kirwinnorris.com

Pool Deck Failure Cited as Starting Point in Surfside Condo Collapse

September 30, 2025 — Bryan Gottlieb - Engineering News-Record
Federal investigators said Sept. 9 that the catastrophic collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla., in 2021 likely began in the pool deck. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Bryan Gottlieb, Engineering News-Record
Mr. Gottlieb may be contacted at gottliebb@enr.com

Ken Walton Named a 2025 Massachusetts “Go To Lawyer” for Construction Law

May 06, 2025 — Lewis Brisbois Newsroom
Boston, Mass. (April 29, 2025) – Boston Managing Partner Kenneth B. Walton has been named a 2025 Massachusetts “Go To Lawyer” for Construction Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s “Go To Lawyers” list recognizes leading attorneys in specific practice areas who are highly experienced, well-respected by peers, and known for their expertise, creative thinking, and consistent success. Honorees are nominated by colleagues and selected by a panel from the publication. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Lewis Brisbois

ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION EXPERT WITNESS DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES