Michael F. McKenna

With more than 40 years of construction litigation experience, Mike has been involved in some of the largest construction projects in the United States. He has participated in well over 200 trials, mediations, and arbitrations across the country and internationally, representing contractors, engineers, architects, owners, and subcontractors. Mike has particular experience in matters involving the construction of tunnels, subways, bridges, airports, sewers, foundations, marine, sub-aqueous, and other heavy construction.

Mike is a prominent figure in the construction industry and is involved in several industry and legal organizations. He serves as general counsel to the Construction Industry Advancement Program of New Jersey (CIAP), a multi-faceted industry organization representing contractors, owners, engineers, and labor. Mike is one of only a few attorneys to be named a member of the Moles, a prestigious national organization devoted to heavy and underground construction. He was inducted as a member of the organization in 2006 and was appointed a Trustee and Program Chairman in 2017. Mike also helped to establish the Moles Charitable Foundation, Inc. and was one of the initial Board Members and General Counsel of the Foundation. In addition, he is a founding board member and former president of the AGC of New Jersey Scholarship Foundation, which gives scholarships to deserving students.

Throughout his career, Mike has authored various major legislation, including changes to the “One-Call” system and the New Jersey Public Utilities Relocation Act. He has also drafted amendments to the New Jersey Contractual Liability Act to provide for interest and later, for Equitable Adjustments and testified before the New Jersey Assembly regarding the same issue.

Mike is a thought leader in the construction industry and is a frequent speaker and author on various topics. He has been a guest lecturer at Harvard Law School, Rutgers Law School, Stevens Institute of Technology, Pace University School of Law, and Manhattan College on legal and construction law issues. In 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, and again in 2020, Mike was chosen as one of 12 attorneys from across the United States to be a Faculty Teacher for the ABA Forum Committee on Construction Law – Construction Industry Trial Academy.

Before earning his law degree, Mike worked in the construction industry for a number of years as a project manager and design engineer. He also owned a private residential construction company.