Breaking Ground, Setting Precedents: Women Attorneys in Construction Law

Join us for Breaking Ground, Setting Precedents: Women Attorneys in Construction Law, a dynamic panel discussion featuring accomplished women attorneys specializing in construction law. In celebration of Women in Construction (WIC) Week, this program will explore key legal issues impacting the construction industry, including contract negotiation, risk management, dispute resolution, and emerging legal trends.

Panelists will share their professional journeys, insights on navigating the complexities of construction law, and strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry. This engaging session offers valuable takeaways for construction professionals at all levels, with an opportunity for interactive Q&A.

Key Takeaways for Attendees:

• Legal Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of current legal trends in construction, including contract pitfalls, risk management strategies, and dispute resolution best practices.

  
  

• Real-World Applications: Learn practical approaches to navigating complex legal issues that impact construction projects, from contract negotiations to regulatory compliance.

  
  

• Expert Perspectives: Hear firsthand experiences from women attorneys who have successfully navigated the challenges of construction law in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

  
  

• Diversity & Inclusion Strategies: Discover how legal professionals can influence and support greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction and legal sectors.

  
  

• Actionable Advice: Leave with practical tips and legal strategies that can be applied immediately to protect your projects, mitigate risks, and strengthen professional relationships.

MODERATORS

Codi Cox is an associate attorney at Martin Hild, P.A. Her practice focuses on complex construction litigation. Ms. Cox represents clients through all phases of litigation, from pre-dispute contract preparation/review, risk management, claims development, alternative dispute resolution, and litigation. Prior to joining Martin Hild, P.A., Codi spent a year in France studying at the University of Dauphine Paris and earned an LLM in International Business law. She obtained her law degree from Saint Louis University and holds a master’s in business administration from Regis University. Codi is actively involved in several professional and community organizations. Currently she serves as the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the National Association of Women In Construction, Denver Chapter.

Serena Gudino earned her law degree from the University of Colorado Law and was admitted to practice in 2022. From the outset of law school, Serena has been passionate about construction law, immersing herself in the field through coursework and practical experience. Her commitment to this area of law is reflected not only in her professional endeavors but also in her active participation in volunteering and leadership roles within the construction community. Serena is driven by a deep appreciation for the intricacies of construction projects and is committed to advancing the industry through both legal expertise and community involvement.

SPEAKERS

With a career spanning nearly 13 years, Kate West is a seasoned professional with expertise in implementing policies, procedures and programs that ensure national business units comply with government contracts. As legal counsel for PCL Construction’s U.S. Buildings operations, West provides legal services across the company’s diverse industry sectors. Prior to joining PCL, West was a contract manager where she managed the organization’s claims against the project owner and subcontractor’s claims. In 2010, West earned a Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from the University of Nebraska. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, (Economics Major, Political Science Minor) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Sally represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in all aspects of construction law. She works on large, sophisticated, multi-million dollar public and private commercial, industrial, and heavy civil construction projects. She has experience in expanding renewable energy and high-speed fiber optic markets. On the front end of projects, Sally negotiates and drafts design-build agreements, EPC contracts, master services agreements, and subcontracts. She is well-versed in contractual risk shifting, risk mitigation, and insurance law. During projects, Sally assists clients with structuring change orders and claim requests. At the end of projects, she helps her clients file and defend mechanics’ liens. She also represents clients in litigation and arbitration and has tried a wide range of construction claims, including breach of contract, change order, delay, disruption, indemnity, insurance, and loss of productivity claims. Sally has recovered multi-million-dollar judgments for her clients, including $12M in damages in a recent delay and disruption case.

Brooke is a partner in the firm’s litigation and insurance recovery practice. Corporate policyholders come to Brooke for comprehensive and practical guidance on various insurance coverage issues and litigation. She represents policyholders from all industries, with an emphasis in the construction and development space.

Brooke represents policyholders nationally and internationally in nearly all aspects of insurance coverage, including counseling insureds on insurance issues and in disputes with their insurers. In addition to serving as coverage counsel and suing insurance companies for bad faith, Brooke provides a strategic approach to help companies protect their assets through insurance and comprehensive risk management practices.

She regularly writes and speaks on insurance coverage, construction, and risk management issues impacting businesses and individuals.

Laurie Choi is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP, a full-service law firm with offices in the United States and Mexico. Laurie is licensed to practice law in Colorado and California and her practice is focused on construction law and construction litigation. Laurie’s background in construction management, general contracting, and civil and environmental engineering allows her to provide clients with practical and strategic solutions for real-world construction issues. Laurie obtained a general contractor license in Nevada in 2009. Laurie counsels clients through construction contract drafting and negotiation, resolution of disputes arising from construction projects, legal advice for providing construction services, filing and bonding around mechanic’s liens, and other construction concerns.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR