Mediator Resume

Experienced attorney and mediator with more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, land acquisition, and real estate development. Extensive background in contract drafting and negotiation, project structuring and financing, and resolution of complex disputes, including construction defect, personal injury, and employment claims. Has represented homebuilders, developers, contractors, property owners, tenants, title companies, and mortgage lenders from pre-dispute risk analysis through mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal. Served for over 15 years as General Counsel to residential homebuilders, advising executive leadership on legal strategy, operations, and dispute resolution.

McKinnie Law Firm, PLLC - Attorney & Mediator

Mediator, Attorney

Mediator/ Attorney/ President/ Manager, McKinnie Law Firm, PLLC, 2025- Present; Vice President/ Chief Legal Counsel, Dream Finders Homes, LLC, 2021-2025; General Counsel/ Secretary/ Director of Human Resources, MHI Partnership, Ltd., 2010-2025; Participating Associate, Tekell, Book, Allen & Morris, LLP, 2002-2010; Associate Attorney, Hargis & Harpold, LLP, 2001-2002; Associate Attorney, Caldwell & Patterson, LLP, 1999-2000.

Extensive General Counsel–level legal practice with a primary emphasis on construction and real estate matters. Regularly analyzed, prosecuted, and defended construction-related claims arising from contract interpretation, construction defects under the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA), warranty disputes, DTPA claims, lien claims, subcontractor and supplier disputes, financing-related issues, insurance coverage, and risk allocation matters. Additional duties include negotiating and drafting construction and design contracts; financing and loan documents; and land acquisition, disposition, and development-related agreements. Has represented owners, developers, general contractors, homebuilders, subcontractors, title companies, and mortgage lenders in both transactional and dispute-resolution contexts, providing perspective on both claimant and defense positions. Real estate experience includes representing clients in the acquisition, disposition, financing, development, construction, and sale of real estate projects ranging from individual single-family residences to multi-million-dollar master-planned communities and commercial properties. Significant experience in commercial real estate development, financing, leasing, and disposition. Frequently advises clients on dispute avoidance, risk assessment, and strategic resolution of conflicts involving development structure, financing arrangements, and contractual relationships. This experience informs a practical, balanced approach to mediation that emphasizes issue synthesis, realistic evaluation of exposure, and resolution strategies responsive to the legal, financial, and business risks faced by all parties.

Certified mediator since 2023. Mediated disputes between or among business owners, builders, contractors, commercial developers, homeowners, subcontractors, and more involving construction defect claims (RCLA), financing disputes, mechanics liens, payment claims, delay claims, breach of contract claims, DTPA claims, warranty and habitability claims. Disputes have involved two parties or multiple parties, including insurers and indemnitors.

Contract disputes, construction-related claims, financing claims, payment disputes, general business law, and employment disputes.

I approach mediation with a pragmatic, impartial, and engaged style focused on achieving informed and durable resolutions. I listen carefully to all parties, ensuring each position is fully understood before evaluating the legal, factual, and practical strengths and weaknesses of claims and defenses. Through thorough preparation and active engagement, I synthesize applicable legal principles, party objectives, and risk exposure to help participants realistically assess outcomes and settlement options. I am flexible in process and tailor each mediation to the dispute, the parties, and counsel preferences. I am comfortable using both facilitative and evaluative techniques, including candid risk analysis when appropriate. My goal is to assist parties in reaching solutions that reflect sound legal judgment, practical business considerations, and the shared interest in avoiding the cost and uncertainty of trial or arbitration.

Comfortable with and accustomed to using online communication programs like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and willing to conduct mediation sessions virtually.

South Texas College of Law (JD-1999); Southern Methodist University (BA, History-1996; BBA, General Business-1996).

Admitted to the Bar: Texas (2000).

State Bar of Texas: Sections include - Construction Law; Real Estate; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Corporate Counsel; Litigation; General Practice, Solo + Small Firm; Houston Bar Association: Construction Law Section; Texas Association of Mediators; Association of Attorney-Mediators; Texas Association of Builders (TAB) - Volume Builders Council.

Hourly Rate: Not provided Daily Rate: $4,000.00 Study Rate: $625.00/hr Cancellation: $2,000.00/Day Cancellation Period: 7 Days Comment: Mediation Rates are set based on the number of parties, as outlined in the rate schedule below: 2 Party Full Day Mediation = $2,000.00 (per party fee) 3-6 Party Full Day Mediation = $1,750.00 (per party fee) OVER 6 PARTIES = $1,500.00 (per party fee) Major high-dollar disputes that involve extensive document review, site visits, extensive pre-mediation discussions, etc., may be billed at $625/hour in excess of the daily rates, charged only to the parties requesting same or directly benefiting from same. If mediation extends past the allotted time, will charge an hourly rate of $625.00, split evenly among the parties. Half-day Mediations: Half-day mediations must be scheduled in advance, by agreement of the parties and the mediator, and will be limited to four (4) hours, and will be charged at 60% of the above-stated rates. Additional Charges: Rates above for Mediation via Zoom. Will discuss logistics and forum fees if In-Person is requested. Occasionally, it is necessary to incur certain expenses for large, multi-party complex cases. Such expense will be disclosed in advance and agreed to by the parties before the mediator issues an invoice. The parties may also be responsible for charges associated with mediations held outside the office of one of the attorneys (e.g., hotel/conference center charges). Travel over 50 miles from the mediator's office will be reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate. Meals, airfare and hotel to be reimbursed at actual cost. No charge for time spent travelling. Cancellation/Postponement: If the mediation is canceled or postponed for any reason seven (7) or fewer days prior to the scheduled mediation date, a cancellation/postponement fee of 50% of the total mediation fees (plus any non-refundable expenses) will be assessed against the cancelling party(s).

English

United States of America

Houston, Texas