Tampa Team Obtains Highly Favorable Verdict for Property Owner Client in Lawsuit over Traffic Accident
March 24, 2026 —
Lewis Brisbois NewsroomTampa Managing Partner John Rine and Partner Nick Dareneau obtained a very favorable verdict for their property owner client in a Sarasota County trial in a lawsuit arising from a traffic accident. At the end of closing arguments, plaintiff’s counsel requested appropriately $18 million from the jury. The jury returned a net verdict of just over a thousand dollars.
The plaintiff was on a scooter and was involved in an accident with an SUV in a parking lot intersection. Our firm represented the property owner. The plaintiffs argued that the landscape vegetation was too tall and violated the sight lines of the two drivers, and that the height of the shrubbery violated the owner’s landscaping contract and a local sight line ordinance. They also argued that the intersection lacked a stop sign in contrast to the other six parking lot entrances, which had stop signs.
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Lewis Brisbois
Las Vegas Partner Jeffrey Saab and Team Leader D. Ryan Efros Secure a $0.00 Settlement on a Multimillion-Dollar Construction Defect Case!
April 14, 2026 —
Dolores Montoya - Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLPPartner
Jeffrey Saab and Team Leader
D. Ryan Efros’ client was a construction supervisor on a palatial mansion. The homeowners claimed millions of dollars in damages and asserted the client was a general contractor (GC) and so responsible for the alleged defects. Jeff and Ryan took more than 15 depositions, reinforcing their trial strategy theme: that the client was not a GC, but Plaintiffs were. They secured significant concessions from Plaintiffs, pressed Plaintiffs’ own negligent construction choices, and made the risk of trying the case intolerable. On the eve of trial, Plaintiffs backed down, settling out Jeff and Ryan’s client for $0.00.
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Dolores Montoya, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP
DOI Finalizes Long-Awaited Modernization of Type A Natural Resource Damage Assessment Regulations
August 03, 2026 —
Amanda G. Halter, Ashleigh K. Myers & Jillian Marullo - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law BlogFor nearly three decades, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) simplified “Type A” Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) regulations were available more in theory than in practice, constrained by dated models, narrow geographic applicability and a $100,000 cap that rarely matched the economics of modern environmental claims. DOI has now finalized revisions to the Type A natural resource damages assessment procedures under 43 C.F.R. Part 11 for hazardous substance releases under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA), with the final rule published in the
Federal Register on July 13, 2026 and scheduled to become effective August 12, 2026.
As discussed
previously, DOI has sought to modernize what it views as an “inefficient and inflexible” process and restore the Type A procedure to its intended role as a more streamlined pathway for smaller, less contentious NRD claims. The final rule adopts a $5 million default damages threshold, allows use above that amount if all parties agree, clarifies that Type A may be used in all environments and for all natural resource types, and removes legacy model appendices that had tethered the process to outdated formulas.
Reprinted courtesy of
Amanda G. Halter, Pillsbury,
Ashleigh K. Myers, Pillsbury and
Jillian Marullo, Pillsbury
Ms. Halter may be contacted at amanda.halter@pillsburylaw.com
Ms. Myers may be contacted at ashleigh.myers@pillsburylaw.com
Ms. Marullo may be contacted at jillian.marullo@pillsburylaw.com
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Segal McCambridge Recognized in 2026 Chambers USA Rankings
June 15, 2026 —
Segal McCambridgeLos Angeles, CA, June 8, 2026 -
Segal McCambridge is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized as a leader by Chambers USA in California. The firm is listed in the Chambers-ranked department, receiving a
Band 5 ranking for construction in California. The ranking further reinforces the firm's commitment to supporting California's construction market, from owners to developers and contractors, in high-stakes disputes statewide.
"Chambers' research-driven process and independence make this acknowledgment especially meaningful. We're proud of this ranking and grateful to our clients and colleagues whose consistent trust and collaboration make our work possible," said Jason P. Eckerly, Managing Shareholder of Segal McCambridge.
Chambers and Partners is widely regarded as one of the legal industry's most respected and independent ranking organizations. Operating across 200 jurisdictions and relied on in more than 70 countries, Chambers has, since 1990, conducted rigorous research to identify leading lawyers and law firms through a methodology that combines analysis of firm capability, achievement, and market presence through interviews and assessment of recent matters across more than 1,400 U.S. ranking tables, covering all 50 states, Washington, DC, and nationwide.
About Segal McCambridge
Segal McCambridge has built a reputation as a national law firm of accomplished trial attorneys for almost four decades. Founded in 1986, the firm has grown from a four-lawyer shop in Chicago to a firm with more than 20 offices nationwide. The firm routinely counsels and defends clients, including Fortune 500 companies, corporations, and individuals, across the United States in complex litigation matters, including, but not limited to: asbestos, class action, construction, employment, environmental, food and beverage, insurance coverage and bad faith, life sciences, product liability, professional liability, technology and cyber risk, transportation, and warranty. For more information, visit: www.segalmccambridge.com.
Ownership and Licensing in Design Agreements
April 14, 2026 —
Abby Dvorkin - Snell & WilmerThe ownership and licensing of design documents in professional services agreements play a significant role in protecting the interests of the design professional and the project owner during and after project completion. The ownership or licensing of the drawings provision typically outlines who owns the drawings and specifications, who can use the documents, and how the documents can be used during and after the project.
Project owners and developers should understand that payment for design services does not automatically transfer ownership or an exclusive right to use the professional design. Under U.S. copyright law, the default rule is that the design professional retains ownership of the instruments of service absent a contractual provision transferring ownership or a license. See 17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq. The Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act provides that copyright protection applies to “pictorial, graphic and sculptural works” and includes “architectural works.” 17 U.S.C. § 102. A design professional may only transfer copyright ownership in writing. 17 U.S.C. § 204(a).
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Abby Dvorkin, Snell & WilmerMs. Dvorkin may be contacted at
advorkin@swlaw.com
White and Williams LLP is Proud to Host the 20th Anniversary Virginia Barton Wallace Award and Reception
May 05, 2026 —
White and Williams LLPWhite and Williams LLP is proud to host the 20th Anniversary Virginia Barton Wallace (VBW) Award and Reception, which will celebrate this year’s honoree,
The Rendell Center for Civics & Civic Engagement. This award was created to celebrate the remarkable career of Virginia “Ginny” Barton Wallace, the first woman to be elected to partnership not only at White and Williams but also at any law firm in Philadelphia. The VBW Award is presented to a woman or organization that embodies the same qualities that Ginny possessed: leadership, drive, exemplary work ethic, overall excellence in her field, or an ability to inspire other women to succeed.
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White and Williams LLP
Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (3/11/25) – An AI Inflection Point for Hotels, Investor Pivot in Build-to-Rent and Looming Legislation for Single-Family Investors
March 24, 2026 —
Pillsbury's Construction & Real Estate Law Team - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law BlogIn our latest roundup, lodging demand for World Cup brings growth, commercial property management firms use of AI becomes firmer, construction industry shows slow start to the year, and more!
- The hotel industry has reached an inflection point, where Affirmed: Nationwide Acted in Bad Faith by Failing to Settle Within Limits
Los Angeles Team Secures Summary Judgment for Hotel Owner & Manager in Tenant’s Lawsuit
Designer of World’s Tallest Building Wants to Turn Skyscrapers Into Batteries
The Trend in the Economic Loss Rule in Construction Defect Litigation
Arizona Court of Appeals Upholds Judgment on behalf of Homeowners against Del Webb Communities for Homes Riddled with Construction Defects
Sales of New U.S. Homes Rose More Than Forecast to End 2014
Why Should Businesses Seek Legal Help Early On?
Dispute between City and Construction Company Over Unsightly Arches
Property Owner Found Liable for Injuries to Worker of Unlicensed Contractor, Again
South Carolina Law Clarifies Statue of Repose
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Every Employer Should Know
Risk Management and Contracting after Hurricane Irma: Suggestions to Avoid a Second Disaster
New 2021 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards Effective February 23, 2021
Hospital Inspection to Include Check for Construction Defects
Insurer Must Defend Claims of Alleged Willful Coal Removal
Boyfriend Pleads Guilty in Las Vegas Construction Defect Scam Suicide
Elliott Backed Venture Sues Lloyds Over Avant Cladding, Times Reports
Challenging a Termination for Default
Details Matter: The Importance of Strictly Following Public Bid Statutes
Florida Representative Wants to Change Statute of Repose
Court Grants Partial Summary Judgment on Conversion Claim Against Insurer
Managing Partner Jeff Dennis Recognized as One of the Most Influential Business People & Opinion Shapers in Orange County
The Who/What/How of Sealing Plans for Architects and Engineers (Law Note)
Sun, Sand and Stir-Fry? Miami Woos Chinese for Property: Cities
Amazon’s Fatal Warehouse Collapse Is Being Investigated by OSHA
Buy America/Buy American, a Primer For Contractors
Are You Ready For 2015?
Patriarch Partners Decision Confirms Government Subpoenas May Constitute a “Claim” Under D&O Policy; Warns Policyholders to Think Broadly When Representing Facts and Circumstances to Insurers
Mexico's Richest Man Carlos Slim to Rebuild Collapsed Subway Line
Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Increased 4.3% in November
Delaware State Court Holds that Defective Workmanship Claims do not Trigger Coverage by a Builder’s Commercial General Liability Policy
Texas “your work” exclusion
U.S. Homebuilder Confidence Rises Most in Almost a Year
The Great Skyscraper Comeback Skips North America
Loan Modifications Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: FDIC Answers CARES Act FAQs
“Over? Did you say ‘over’?”
Court Slams the Privette Door on Independent Contractor’s Bodily Injury Claim
Construction Slow to Begin in Superstorm Sandy Cases
Contract Provisions That Help Manage Risk on Long-Term Projects
Contractor Gets Green Light to Fix Two Fractured Girders at Salesforce Transit Center
Assert a Party’s Noncompliance of Conditions Precedent with Particularity
California Supreme Court Shifts Gears on “Reverse CEQA”
A New Way to Design in 3D – Interview with Pouria Kay of Grib
Viewpoint: Firms Should Begin to Analyze Lessons Learned in 2020
How to Fireproof a Neighborhood
Federal Court Strikes Down 'Persuader' Rule
You Cannot Arbitrate Claims Not Covered By The Arbitration Agreement
Chambers USA Recognizes Hunton’s Insurance Coverage Practice in 2025 Guide
#1 CDJ Topic: McMillin Albany LLC v Superior Court of California
Certifying Claim Under Contract Disputes Act
Traub Lieberman Partners Lisa Rolle, Erin O’Dea, and Nicole Verzillo Win Motion for Summary Judgment in Favor of Property Owner
Can a Contractor be Liable to Second Buyers of Homes for Construction Defects?
Utah Becomes First State to Enact the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act
Rebuilding After the 2025 Southern California Fires
Illinois Favors Finding Construction Defects as an Occurrence
Material Prices Climb…And Climb…Are You Considering A Material Escalation Provision?
Lessons Learned from Implementing Infrastructure BIM in Helsinki
High-Rise Condominium Construction Design Defects, A Maryland Construction Lawyer’s Perspective
One to Watch: Case Takes on Economic Loss Rule and Professional Duties
Differing Site Conditions Claim Requires a Misrepresentation
Safety, Compliance and Productivity on the Jobsite
Construction Litigation Roundup: “Ursinus is Cleared!”
Consequential Damages Flowing from Construction Defect Not Covered Under Florida Law
Burden Supporting Termination for Default
Whose Lease Is It Anyway: Physical Occupancy Not Required in Landlord-Tenant Dispute
Court Again Defines Extent of Contractor’s Insurance Coverage
Building and Landscape Standards Enacted in Response to the Governor's Mandatory Water Restrictions Dealing with the Drought and Possible Effects of El Niño
Subcontrator’s Insurer Must Reimburse for Defense of Contractor
Engineer Pauses Fix of 'Sinking' Millennium Tower in San Francisco
Fire Protection You Can Trust Starts With the Right Testing
When is a “Willful” Violation Willful (or Not) Under California’s Contractor Enforcement Statutes?
Stop Losing Proposal Competitions
Traub Lieberman Partner and Firm Co-Chair Lisa L. Shrewsberry Named Top 25: 2025 Westchester County Super Lawyers®
Weslaco, Texas Investigating Possible Fraudulent Contractor Invoices
Virginia Joins California and Nevada in Passing its Consumer Privacy Act
DA’s Office Checking Workers Comp Compliance
Construction Litigation Roundup: “Tender Is the Fight”
Tampa Office Secures Summary Judgment for Property Owner Client in Trip-and-Fall Lawsuit
7 Sustainability Ideas for Modular Classrooms in the Education Industry (guest post)
Rental Assistance Program: Good News for Tenants and Possibly Landlords
Avoid the Headache – Submit the Sworn Proof of Loss to Property Insurer
Housing Affordability Down
Big News for “Smaller” Construction Cases
Changes in the Law on Lien Waivers
Hunton Insurance Lawyer, Adriana Perez, Selected to the National Association of Women Lawyers’ 2023 Rising List
New Survey Reveals Overwhelmingly Optimistic Results on the Use of AI in Construction
Denial of Motion to Dissolve Lis Pendens Does Not Automatically Create Basis for Certiorari Relief
Florida Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Homeowners Unaware of Construction Defects and Lack of Permits
Liability policy covers negligent construction: GA high court
Industry Groups Decry Jan. 6 Riot; DOT Chief Chao Steps Down in Protest
Manhattan to Add Most Office Space Since ’90 Over 3 Years
South Caroline Holds Actual Cash Value Can Include Depreciation of Labor Costs
Alleged Defective Water Pump Leads to 900K in Damages
Limitation on Coverage for Payment of Damages Creates Ambiguity
The Top 10 Changes to the AIA A201: What You Need to Know
