Timothy R. Ryan
- Newark, New York, Morristown
- tryan@cohenseglias.com
- 973.313.8408
“Timothy Ryan is noted for his experience in litigating construction design, delay and defect claims.“
– Chambers USA 2026
- Successfully represented the Utility Transportation and Contractors Association (UTCA) and the New Jersey Asphalt Paving Association in challenging the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) implementation of shear testing requirements and penalties. Obtained a stay from the Appellate Division, resulting in program revisions and agency collaboration with the industry.
- Represented a contractor in compelling arbitration in a dispute involving a $75 million industrial facility in Gibbstown, New Jersey. Secured reversal of a trial court ruling and a stay of overlapping subcontractor claims pending arbitration.
- Represented a contractor in litigation involving bridge construction work for the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners. Pursued claims for unforeseen conditions, design issues and delay-related costs while coordinating with multiple third-party defendants.
- Represented a contractor in a multi-party dispute with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Redevelopment Corporation (ACBRC) over alleged design and construction defects in a public utility facility. Negotiated a testing protocol that may lead to dismissal of all claims against the client.
- Represented a contractor in litigation with the Gloucester County Improvement Authority (GCIA) involving a landfill closure project. Secured a complete dismissal with prejudice of all claims through mediation and motion practice.
- Advised a design-builder on contract administration, change orders, delay claims and risk management for a $235 million infrastructure project with the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA). Supported mediation and strategic resolution of outstanding claims.
- Represented a contractor in litigation with NJDOT concerning a major bridge project involving defective wire rope specifications and associated claims. Developed a strategy to bifurcate central issues for trial efficiency.
- Represented contractors in disputes with NJDOT involving Requests for Equitable Adjustment, retainage disputes and extended general conditions related to the Pulaski Skyway rehabilitation project.
- Represented a joint venture contractor on the Portal North Bridge project with NJ Transit and Amtrak. Advised on access, environmental and delay-related claims and successfully opposed a temporary restraining order in related litigation.
- Represented a contractor in seeking compensation from NJDOT due to differing site conditions and schedule impacts on a viaduct rehabilitation project. Assisted with formal claim preparation and agency negotiations.
- Advised a contractor on a major bridge rehabilitation project for NJTA involving flawed design specifications. Supported evaluation of potential project restructuring options, including termination or suspension.
- Provided ongoing counsel to contractors working on multi-phase transportation projects for NJDOT, including delay claims, Requests for Equitable Adjustment and settlement strategy.
- Represented a contractor in preparing and pursuing more than $25 million in claims arising from unexpected conditions and project delays on a highway improvement project administered by NJDOT.
Tim counsels general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers and design professionals on a wide range of construction matters, with a focus on resolving disputes related to public infrastructure projects and transportation work. He represents clients in complex litigation in New Jersey and New York’s state and federal courts and regularly advises on contract performance, project delays, design and engineering issues, and payment disputes.
Tim’s practice includes both prosecuting and defending claims involving breach of contract, defective work and project scope changes. He is skilled at navigating claims on public contracts, including those involving state agencies, and frequently advises clients on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation strategies. Through his advocacy in high-stakes matters, Tim has helped shape the legal landscape affecting New Jersey’s construction industry. Known for his steady approach and attention to detail, he helps clients evaluate their position early in a dispute and develop a litigation or negotiation strategy aligned with their business goals.
Promoted to partner in 2024, Tim has become a go-to resource for construction clients seeking practical, solutions-oriented counsel. He also mentors younger attorneys through the firm’s summer associate program and remains actively involved in the broader construction community through his participation in key industry organizations.
Before joining Cohen Seglias, Tim was an associate at a prominent national firm where he defended design professionals in professional liability claims. He also completed a fellowship with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Financial Crimes Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted white collar crimes.
- University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
- Pennsylvania State University, B.S.
- New Jersey
- New York
- U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- General Contractors Association of New York (GCANY) – Law and Legislation Committee
- New Jersey Alliance for Action
- New Jersey Professional Engineers in Construction (PECNJ)
- New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) Construction Law Section
- New York Building Congress (NYBC)
- Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) – Golf Committee
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
