Mediator Resume

George Spofford Law, P.A. – Shareholder

Construction Arbitrator, Attorney, Mediator

Shareholder, George Spofford Law P.A., 2020 - Present; Shareholder, GrayRobinson P.A., 2012 – 2020; Shareholder, Glenn Rasmussen P.A., 1996 – 2012; Shareholder & Executive Vice President, S & E Contractors Inc., 1992 – 1995; Litigation Attorney, Cummings Lawrence & Vezina P.A., 1987 – 1992; Corporate Counsel, Misener Marine Construction Inc., 1985 – 1987.

More than 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Routinely represent engineering firms, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, insurance companies, and owners (public and private). Disputes involve infrastructure improvements (roads, pipelines, bridges, marinas, landfills, excavations, mines, directional drills, microtunnels). Also, litigation of delay, extra work claims, breach of contract actions, mining disputes, claims preparation, bid protests, OSHA matters, contract negotiation and drafting, and claims avoidance. Previously, owner, officer, and counsel to one of the largest heavy civil construction companies in Florida. In that capacity, was responsible for contract negotiations, bid protests, owner and subcontractor relations, management of project managers and field superintendents, claims documentation and negotiation, loss control, and human resources. Familiar with the construction of roads, bridges, marinas, water and drainage systems, limerock mines, directional drills, microtunnels, and landfills. Lead counsel in litigation and negotiations involving: construction of a micro tunnel under saltwater estuary; construction of horizontal directional drill under the environmentally sensitive river; commercial and residential roofing; stucco disputes; solar installations; framing and foundation disputes; water intrusion issues; restaurant design and construction issues; deep injection wells and water wells; defective building envelope/water intrusion; hydraulic and mechanical dredging of marine channels; construction of multi-phase marina projects; condominium roofing and building envelope defects; installation of computerized building management system; steel fabrication, galvanizing, powder coating, pipe bursting and slip lining; construction of underground utility and storm water control projects; construction of landfills; construction of multi-floor masonry structures; defective construction of high-end residences; design/build construction of $200 million expressway expansion project; construction of roads, highways, and bridges.

Board Certified Construction lawyer and previous owner of an underground utility/heavy civil construction company. Over 35 years of experience devoted to the construction industry, representing all stake-holders, owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, sureties, insurance companies, architects and engineers. Mediated 200+ matters involving: commercial and residential site developments; stucco disputes, commercial and residential roofing disputes; commercial and residential building construction; marina disputes; drywall disputes; engineer and architect malpractice disputes; defective work disputes; roadway disputes; underground utility disputes, dredging disputes; and directional drilling disputes.

Primary issues mediated in construction cases include the interpretation of specifications and contract terms; causation; scheduling; and the quantification of damages. Many cases also involved the application of how courts have interpreted specific contract terms. After more than 35 years as a construction lawyer, has an understanding of the statutory laws (local, state, and federal) and the common law/court-made law relevant to construction matters. Successfully handled mediations involving engineering firms, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, insurance companies, and owners (public and private). Disputes have involved infrastructure improvements (roads, pipelines, bridges, marinas, landfills, excavations, mines, directional drills, microtunnels); defective building envelope/water intrusion; hydraulic and mechanical dredging of marine channel; construction of multi-phase marina project; condominium roofing and building envelope defects; installation of computerized building management system; construction of underground utility and storm water control projects; construction of multi-floor masonry structures; defective construction of high-end residences; design/build construction of $200 million expressway expansion project; construction of roads, highways, bridges; and stucco disputes.

In most cases, the parties and counsel want to settle but they are hesitant and unsure of how to accomplish that goal. Frequently, this is because the parties have never been through the mediation process or are concerned that a willingness to settle will be perceived as a sign of weakness. My role as the mediator is to patiently and persistently help the parties move off of their initial position and toward the other party’s position until they can reach a mutually acceptable solution. Ultimately, it is the parties that own the mediation. They decide whether their interests are best served by continuing to litigate or to end the dispute. My job is to make sure we exhaust all possibilities if need be to reach an agreement. When appropriate, I may challenge the parties’ and/or counsel’s evaluation of their position. Sometimes a dose of reality is the best medicine.

Emory University (JD - 1985); Auburn University (BA Philosophy, cum laude - 1982).

Admitted to the Bar: Florida (1986); U.S. District Court: Middle and Northern Districts of Florida; U.S. Court of Appeals: 11th Circuit, Federal Circuit; U.S. Supreme Court. Board Certified in Construction Law, 2005-2025; Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator; U.S. District Court Mediator; Certified Florida Department of Transportation Disputes Review Board Panelist.

Florida Bar Association Hillsborough County Bar Association Underground Utility Contractors of Florida (General Counsel, 1999-Present; Member, 1992-Present) Florida Transportation Builders Association (Member, 1986-Present) Suncoast Utility Contractors Association National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), Member by invitation in National Construction Attorneys Forum Construction Owners Association of America Dispute Review Board Foundation Florida Energy Pipeline Association.

SELECTED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: • "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly – Legislative & Regulatory Update" National Utilities Contractors Association (NUCA) Florida Annual Conference (July 18-20, 2019) • "Local Government Prompt Payment Laws" SWUUCF 2017 • "Use of Drones on Construction Projects" Port of Tampa Bay 2017 • "Prompt Payment Laws", Private employers presentations (multiple) 2018 • "Prompt Payment Laws" , NUCA of Florida 2018 • "2019 Florida Legislative Wrap Up" NUCA of Florida • "Construction Liens and Bonds" Private employers presentations (multiple) 2017 • "Mediation for Construction Paralegals" Hillsborough County Paralegal Assoc. 2016 • “Prompt Payment Law,” Suncoast Utility Contractors Association, Roundtable, January 16, 2015. • “A General Overview of OSHA Citations,” The Florida Bar Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, Construction Law Committee Meeting, September 8, 2014. • “Mediation of Construction Disputes,” November 18, 2010, and April 21, 2011, Presented to Hillsborough County Bar Association. • “Rules and Statutes Governing Florida Contractors,” July 22, 2010, presented at UUCF Statewide Convention. • “Handling OSHA Inspections on Construction Projects,” January 28, 2009, presented to Construction Supervisors. • “What The Construction Professional Should Know About Construction Law,” August 12, 2008, presented at Florida COAA Annual Meeting. • “Handling OSHA Inspections on Construction Projects,” February 15, 2007, presented to Hillsborough County Bar Association. • “Laws and Rules Regulating The Construction Industry,” February 18, 2008, presented to Central Florida Utility & Transportation Contractors Association. • “Advanced Construction Law Issues,” November 2, 2002, presented in Dallas, Texas, Florida Bar Course No. 8153R. • “Roofing Law,” October 8, 2002, Presented to The West Coast Roofing and Sheet Metal Workers Association, Tampa, Florida, Florida Bar Course No. 8253R. • “Construction Contracting/Claims,” February 18, 2003, presented to The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, Florida Bar Course No. 8353R. • “Construction Bonds,” September 22, 2004, presented to Construction Owners Association of America, DBPR Course No. 8221, approved Florida Bar CLE Course. • “Handling OSHA Inspections on Construction Projects,” May 11, 2004, presented in Jacksonville, Florida, approved Florida Bar CLE Course. • “Handling OSHA Inspections on Construction Projects,” May 12, 2004, presented in Orlando, Florida, approved Florida Bar CLE Course. • “Handling OSHA Inspections on Construction Projects,” May 13, 2004, presented Naples, Florida, approved Florida Bar CLE Course. • “Construction Contracting for Public Entities In Florida,” November 2000, Lorman Education Services. • “Roofing Law,” presented to The West Coast Roofing and Sheet Metal Workers Association, October 2002. • “Mold Issues For Roofers,” Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association Statewide Convention, 2003, approved Florida Bar CLE Course. • “Construction Contracting/ Claims” February 2003, Presented to The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. • “Competitive Bidding,” January 4, 2000, Sponsored by Ringhaver Equipment Company.

There is no travel expense charge for matters within a two hour drive of Tampa, Florida.

Hourly Rate: $550.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $550.00/hr Cancellation: $500.00/Day Cancellation Period: 14 Days Comment: Travel will be reimbursed at actual cost (mileage, airfare, etc.). There is no charge if canceled at least 14 days prior to the scheduled start of the mediation. Hourly rates may increase by $25.00/hour on the first of each each year.

English

United States of America

Tampa, Florida