What’s New?

In this issue, you will learn practical tips to avoid or make the most of bid defects for New Jersey public projects. You’ll also get an in-depth explanation of why the design-build model is currently a no-go for Pennsylvania public projects and the bill that might change that. This issue also includes an analysis of the most recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision on the Mechanics’ Lien Law and information about how you can protect your lien rights before it’s too late. Lastly, check out our Q&A on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry.

As we approach the end of 2021, we hope you take a moment to reflect on all you’ve accomplished this year and your goals for 2022.

Sydney Pierce, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Christopher W. Sexton, Co-Editor-in-Chief

New Faces

Emily A. Letcher is the newest addition to our Wilmington office, joining as an associate with a primary focus on civil litigation. She litigates corporate disputes involving governance, fiduciary duties, dissolution of organizations, and other contractual matters before the Delaware Court of Chancery, Delaware Superior Court, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.

Evan Rassman also joined the Wilmington office as an associate. He regularly represents real estate developers, investors, banks, retail tenants, and other stakeholders in various complex commercial real estate transactions, including project financing, joint ventures, acquisitions and sales, real estate lending, commercial leasing, workouts, and restructurings. In addition, Evan frequently advises clients in the Philadelphia and Delaware markets at all stages of their transactions.

Sydney M. Smith joined our Washington, DC office as an associate. She helps individuals and companies navigate complex investigations and prosecutions for federal and local criminal violations brought by state attorneys general, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other federal and state agencies. Sydney’s work also involves guiding clients through internal investigations, helping to evaluate potential wrongdoing and develop solutions to remediate possible ethics and compliance violations.

Cohen Seglias Ranked in Chambers USA 2021

We are excited to announce that Cohen Seglias is recognized in the 2021 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the preeminent legal ranking of attorneys and law firms.

The firm’s Construction Group is named a leading practice in Pennsylvania, and our New Jersey construction practice is again similarly recognized. Chambers USA describes the group as a “[r]obust construction team with expertise in litigation and complex contract negotiations. Noted for representing a range of general contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry, including electrical, mechanical and concrete specialists.” Clients laud the firm as “a great firm among the leaders in the construction area.”

The publication notes these attorneys for their outstanding work in the construction field: Shawn Farrell (new this year), Roy Cohen, Edward Seglias, George Pallas, Jason Copley, and Michael McKenna. The firm continues to increase its rankings from the previous years, and this group represents the largest number of Cohen Seglias attorneys recognized by Chambers USA.

Cohen Seglias Ranked Seventh in Nation by Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2021”

We are proud to announce that Cohen Seglias is ranked seventh in the latest national rankings in Construction Executive’s “The Top 50 Construction Law Firms® of 2021.” Construction Executive, a leading industry publication, surveyed hundreds of law firms with dedicated construction practices throughout the United States. Factors in the rankings covered the general scope and breadth of the firm’s construction practice, including the number of construction attorneys; the number of states in which the firm is licensed to practice; and the year in which the construction practice was established.

The American Lawyer South Trailblazers 2021: Paul Thaler and Shan Wu

Congratulations to Paul Thaler and Shan Wu, who are among the inaugural class of The American Lawyer’s South Trailblazers! Those selected as Trailblazers are attorneys based in the southern region of the United States who have made significant marks on the practice, policy, and technological advancements in their practice areas.

Washington, DC office managing partner Paul Thaler is noted for his innovative research misconduct practice. In his interview with The American Lawyer, he discusses how he came to focus on this area of law, the changes that have come about in research misconduct investigations, and what the future may look like. He remains hopeful that “…we can continue to make improvements to the process and [the] interpretive law governing the process that [will] provide better protection to science as a whole, as well as the stakeholders involved while enabling scientists to continue research that makes all of our lives better.”

Shan Wu is recognized for his role in pioneering the area of student defense, which he speaks about in the publication’s supplement, describing how he came to realize that the university systems are unique and require a different approach. He also talks about the challenges parents and students face when navigating the education system, observing that, “Too often in the past, parents, and students simply passively followed the lead of the schools believing that the same school that sought their admission and made them feel welcome would never take any negative action against them. Sadly, those assumptions were frequently wrong and devastating consequences would follow from blemishes on transcripts, suspension, and expulsion.”

2021 NJBiz Leaders in Law: Michael F. McKenna

Cohen Seglias is pleased to announce that partner Michael McKenna is listed on NJBiz’ inaugural “Leaders in Law” list. A panel of independent judges, experienced with the justice system, selected honorees (lawyers and general counsel) for their dedication to their occupation and communities. Mike, who is managing partner of the Newark office, concentrates his practice on the construction industry, counseling contractors, engineers, architects, owners and subcontractors on myriad legal issues. He has participated in more than 200 trials, mediations, and arbitrations across the country and internationally, helping to resolve disputes resulting from the construction of tunnels, subways, bridges, airports, sewers, foundations, marine, sub-aqueous and other heavy construction.

2021 Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia Building HOPE Virtual Lunch-In

As a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and its mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, Cohen Seglias was proud to sponsor its Building Hope Virtual Lunch-In this year. The Building Hope Luncheon is Habitat Philadelphia’s signature annual event that celebrates community, highlights their work and partnerships, and shares the successes of the families with whom they work. Through our Block Builder sponsorship of $10,000, Cohen Seglias is helping Habitat Philly achieve their goals. At the Virtual Lunch-In, Ed Seglias spoke about the firm’s involvement and dedication to Habitat Philadelphia.