Anaheim California Construction Expert Witness Directory

Location, Location, Location — But Which One? The Few Words in Your Construction Contract that Pick Where You Fight

June 29, 2026 — Brad Sands - ConsensusDocs
Most professionals know the old real estate line: location, location, location. It turns out to be just as true for construction contracts as it is for property. Consider a recent case involving a project owner that hired two design firms for a project. When issues arose during construction, the owner sued the design firms in state court in Brazoria County, Texas, pursuant to the forum selection clause in the parties’ contracts. The defendants then removed the case to the federal district court in Galveston, a courthouse in a different county. But the owner wanted the case back in Brazoria County state court. Whether it got its wish came down to two words in the contract: “situated in.” This article is about words like those. A construction contract’s forum selection clause names the place for the fight nobody plans to have, and where that fight happens can shape how it goes. This article explains why the wording in your forum selection clause deserves careful reading before you sign a construction contract. It is not a deep dive into the mechanics of federal removal jurisdiction, and it is not an academic comparison of the terms “forum” and “venue.” Instead, it is a practical look at how courts actually read these clauses, so the location of a future fight is the one you intended. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Brad Sands, Jones Walker, LLP
Mr. Sands may be contacted at bsands@joneswalker.com

Newmeyer Dillion Partner Jeff Masters Recognized by Chambers USA for Representation of Insurance Policyholders

June 08, 2026 — Newmeyer Dillion
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – June 4, 2026 – Newmeyer Dillion is proud to announce that litigation partner Jeffrey D. Masters has been ranked among a select group of California lawyers representing insurance policyholders in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA. This marks two consecutive years of recognition for Masters by this prestigious international attorney rating resource. "This recognition by Chambers and Partners is a testament to Jeff’s dedication to our clients," said Managing Partner, Paul Tetzloff. "We are thrilled to see his hard work acknowledged and the level of passion and care that he delivers to clients fully recognized." Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Newmeyer Dillion

Communication Gaps Can Cost Construction Firms in the Data Center Boom

June 02, 2026 — Mike Lewis - Construction Executive
The data center construction boom is transforming the construction industry at a historic pace. Fueled by cloud computing, artificial intelligence and relentless demand for digital infrastructure, data centers have become one of the fastest-growing project types in the built environment. Billions of dollars are flowing into new facilities and expansions, creating unprecedented opportunities for construction firms positioned to deliver reliably. But opportunity alone does not guarantee success. As competition intensifies, communication failures and poor information management are emerging as some of the most common (and costly) reasons firms lose margins, miss deadlines or fail to secure repeat work. In data center construction, where schedules are compressed and tolerance for error is minimal, even small breakdowns in communication can have outsized consequences. Reprinted courtesy of Mike Lewis, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved. Read the full story...

Federal Court Pauses New Mexico PFAS Labeling Rule, but Not Its Bans or Reporting Deadline

October 26, 2026 — Ashleigh K. Myers, Jillian Marullo & Claudia Vetesi - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law Blog
As we previously reported, New Mexico adopted novel product labeling requirements that would require manufacturers to display a PFAS flask symbol on covered products. Those requirements are now on hold. A coalition of industry associations led by the American Chemistry Council sued in federal court, arguing that the mandate unconstitutionally compels speech in violation of the First Amendment. On September 16, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico preliminarily enjoined enforcement of the labeling rule while the case, American Chemistry Council v. Kenney, No. 1:26-cv-02130-MIS-SCY, proceeds. The court found the challengers likely to succeed because New Mexico had not shown a reasonable fit between the label and its interests in protecting consumer health and the environment. A Broad Rule Built Around One Symbol New Mexico enacted its PFAS Protection Act in April 2025, joining Maine and Minnesota as the third state to adopt broad reporting requirements and eventual sales restrictions for products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Act also authorized the Environmental Improvement Board to require PFAS labels on products. The Board’s implementing rule, which became effective July 1, 2026, specified the exact format of the label and how it had to appear. Reprinted courtesy of Ashleigh K. Myers, Pillsbury, Jillian Marullo, Pillsbury and Claudia Vetesi, Pillsbury Ms. Myers may be contacted at ashleigh.myers@pillsburylaw.com Ms. Marullo may be contacted at jillian.marullo@pillsburylaw.com Ms. Vetesi may be contacted at claudia.vetesi@pillsburylaw.com Read the full story...

Voluntary Dismissal of an Indemnity Claim Does Not Make the Subcontractor a “Prevailing Party,” Washington Court of Appeals Holds

September 21, 2026 — Margarita Kutsin - Ahlers Cressman & Sleight PLLC
In King County v. Walsh Construction Company II, LLC, No. 86503-0-I (Wash. Ct. App. Aug. 4, 2025), an unpublished decision from Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals, the Court affirmed the denial of a subcontractor’s request for prevailing-party attorney fees under an indemnity clause after the general contractor voluntarily dismissed its indemnity claims. Because the indemnity claim was no longer live and no determination of fault had occurred, the Court held that the trial court did not err in denying the request. ACS represented Walsh, the general contractor, in securing the denial of the fee request at the trial court that the Court of Appeals affirmed. A Pass-Through Indemnity Claim That Ended Before Fault Was Decided The dispute arose out of a public works contract under which King County hired Walsh Construction Company II, LLC (“Walsh”) to construct and install a conveyance pipeline. After the pipeline broke, King County sued Walsh for breach of contract and warranty, expressly identifying both Walsh and its subcontractor, Mears Group Inc., (“Mears”) as responsible. Walsh tendered defense and indemnity to Mears under the subcontract. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Margarita Kutsin, Ahlers Cressman & Sleight PLLC
Ms. Kutsin may be contacted at margarita.kutsin@acslawyers.com

Amazon’s Latest Response to AI Data Center Backlash: $1 Billion

October 20, 2026 — Matt Day – Bloomberg
Amazon.com Inc.’s latest attempt to address the intensifying blowback to an unprecedented buildout of computing infrastructure: a commitment to spend more than $1 billion over the next five years on initiatives for the communities near its server farms. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Matt Day, Bloomberg

Amanda Mathieu Named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2026 “Top Women of Law” List

September 21, 2026 — Lewis Brisbois
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recently named Boston Deputy Managing Partner Amanda Mathieu to its 2026 “Top Women of Law” list, which honors leaders who have shown excellence, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the industry and their communities. According to the publication, “Top Women of Law honorees represent the very best of Massachusetts’ legal community—from accomplished advocates and firm leaders to pioneers, educators, trailblazers, and role models driving positive change throughout the profession. Their influence extends beyond the courtroom and boardroom, creating a lasting impact on their clients, colleagues, organizations, and communities.” “We are lucky to have Amanda as a leader in our Boston office, and a mentor to so many Lewis Brisbois Associates who are getting their careers started in the legal profession” said Managing Partner Ken Walton on this recognition. “This is a well-deserved honor for her, and I look forward to continuing to continuing to work with her as we deliver excellent results for our clients across the country." Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of Lewis Brisbois

Settlement Agreements and Contracts Require a Meeting of the Minds

July 20, 2026 — David Adelstein - Florida Construction Legal Updates
A settlement agreement does not need to be executed for it to be enforceable as long as there was a MEETING OF THE MINDS. The same rings true for any contract regardless of whether the contract is signed – THERE NEEDS TO BE A MEETING OF THE MINDS. In a recent case dealing with the settlement agreement on a construction lien, the essential settlement terms (money and mutual release) were memorialized in an e-mail exchange between the parties (owner and subcontractor). The settlement required the owner to pay the principal amount plus some attorney’s fees and then a mutual general release would be prepared. In response to the confirmatory email, the owner sent a check, which the subcontractor deposited, but the owner refused to sign the release signed and sent by the subcontractor. The owner further claimed it doesn’t need to pay the attorney’s fees because the lien amount was paid in full. The subcontractor sued arguing the owner breached the terms of the settlement. The appellate court agreed. Read the full story...
Reprinted courtesy of David Adelstein, Kirwin Norris
Mr. Adelstein may be contacted at dma@kirwinnorris.com

ANAHEIM CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION EXPERT WITNESS DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES