Mediator Resume

Duane Morris, LLP - Partner

Attorney

Partner, Duane Morris, LLP, 2008-present; Partner, Construction and Government Contracts Practice Group, Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP (formerly Brown, Raysman, Millstein, Felder & Steiner, LLP), 2006-08; Founding and Senior Partner, Ross & Cohen, LLP, 1978-05; Partner/Associate, M. Carl Levine, Morgulas & Foreman, 1964-78.

Over 45 years as a civil trial lawyer specializing in construction and government contract law including suretyship and professional malpractice matters for architects, engineers and their insurers. Majority practice in construction law, primarily representing contractors, subcontractors, owners, suppliers (public and private), architects, engineers and sureties involved in private and public projects ranging in value to $1 billion (90%). Handles disputes relating to default and convenience terminations, differing site conditions, change orders, design defects, personal injury and property damage claims arising from surety bond, insurance and other issues associated with construction projects. Government contract experience includes representing public owners, sub and specialty contractors in the matters referred to above, including bond disputes and contests with local, state and federal agencies. Experience with BIM related contract issues, disputes and design/build matters. Experience as an advocate involving power plant (design) and refinery (turnaround) construction issues.

Within the past 10 years, has mediated disputes between public owners and contractors (several in excess of 10 million dollars), disputes between general contractors and private owners (including several in excess of 15 million dollars), and claims between trade contractors and owners in excess of two million dollars. Has also mediated claims between owners, sureties and contractors concerning performance bond claims and disputes between bond claimants (subcontractors and suppliers) and sureties. During the same period, mediated smaller disputes among owners, general contractors, subcontractors and design professionals.

The construction cases and/or design profession-related cases have included the following issues: delay damages, defective work, design errors, claims for extra work and surety issues including those related to cost of completion as well as other affirmative surety defenses.

My approach to mediation is to primarily act as a facilitator, although the initial approach often taken by the parties is to request an evaluative role. While I recognize the importance of evaluative techniques, I generally try to avoid evaluation unless it appears to be the only road away from impasse. My expectation of the parties requires diligent preparation and equally important, the attendance of senior (not previously involved) personnel. When those expectations are met, success can be fairly well predicted.

Cornell University (BA-1961); New York University (LLB-1964).

Admitted to the Bar: New York (1964); U.S. District Court: Southern (1966) and Eastern (1966) Districts of New York; U.S. Court of Appeals: Second (1983), First (1984) and Federal (1984) Circuits; U.S. Claims Court (1984).

New York City Bar Association; New York State Bar Association (Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section; Construction and Surety Law Division); American Bar Association (Forum Committee on Construction; Public Contract Law Section).

Faculty, "Using ADR in Construction Disputes," New York County Lawyers Association, 2011.

Hourly Rate: $1,100.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $1,100.00/hr Cancellation: $1,100.00/hr Cancellation Period: 5 Days Comment:

English

United States of America

New York, New York