Q&A with Robert G. Ruggieri
Our newsletter team recently sat down with new Partner Bob Ruggieri.
Q: Tell us a little about your practice and the services you provide your clients.
A: I represent and provide counsel to federal government contractors, with a specific focus on those in the construction, dredging, and environmental remediation industries. In sum, I assist clients through the life cycle of a government contract. This includes guiding contractors through business formation and entering the federal contracting arena, drafting teaming and joint venture agreements, litigating bid protests, negotiating contract modifications, and preparing and pursuing Requests for Equitable Adjustments and Claims.
Q: How did you get started in your career and what first drew you to Cohen Seglias?
A: After law school, I had the opportunity to clerk for a trial court judge and observe many trials, including construction trials. I always found them the most interesting — learning about the process, problems, and resolution of issues that can arise on construction projects and what is necessary to overcome those problems and get the project completed. One trial included attorneys from Cohen Seglias. I was so impressed by their command of not only the law, but also their grasp of construction — reading plans and drawings, understanding construction schedules, and having an in-depth knowledge of the various trades that work on construction projects and how they work together to complete amazing structures, from high rises to schools, tunnels, and ports. I knew that when I began my practice I wanted to be part of that process. When my clerkship was ending, Cohen Seglias was at the top of my list of firms I wanted to join.
Q: What made you stay and grow here? What is it that you like about the firm?
A: This is an easy question to answer — my colleagues and my clients. I have been fortunate to work with and for some wonderful, hard-working, intelligent, and dedicated people and companies. These are clients who you do not mind waking up for in the middle of the night fretting over their cases, or putting in extra time over a weekend — because you truly have become invested in them, and want to help. I have also had the opportunity to learn from and work with excellent and selfless attorneys who have contributed to my development, especially in my early years. One in particular, Michael Payne, the Chair of our Government Contracting Group, took me under his wing. He became a mentor, and I am grateful for his guidance.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your practice?
A: It comes down to solving problems, or even better, helping clients avoid them. That’s really what is at the heart of practicing law. Because of our training, background, and experience, attorneys are in the unique position of being able to anticipate and avoid potential problems or resolve problems that arise. Our goal is to do so in an efficient and cost-effective manner that provides positive results for our clients, whether it be the award of a contract they deserve or compensation for work performed. Also, it is extremely satisfying seeing a construction project be completed after having played even a small part in assisting the parties to get over hurdles and obstacles along the way.