Practice Areas:

• Construction Law
• Litigation

Chris's practice focuses on helping owners, contractors, construction managers, and design professionals litigate and resolve the various types of disputes that arise in the construction industry. Before entering the University of Texas School of Law, Chris developed a broad technical background as both a lead field engineer for Hensel-Phelps Construction Company, and as an integrated circuit mask designer for clients such as Motorola and Texas Instruments. His history in the construction industry ranges from interstate highway, oilfield, and public water supply projects in Wyoming, to corrections facilities in Texas.

• Litigating mold and other "sick building" cases on residential, commercial and public projects, including claims for mold related personal injury.
• Prosecuting and defending dozens of claims alleging design malpractice, negligent misrepresentation and construction defects, with fact patterns ranging from foundation movement, water infiltration and curtain wall performance to non-compliant sewer remediation, inadequate storm water detention and catastrophic roof failures.
• Litigating commercial and consumer disputes—in both federal and state courts—involving claims for breach of contract and warranty; fraud; Building Code, Water Code and DTPA violations; materialmen's liens; delay claims; cost overruns; and statutory and common law bond claims.
• Negotiating payment bond settlements and performance bond "takeover" and "tender" agreements.
• Representing nationally recognized hotel owners in franchisee disputes and public interest suits over compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Drafting subcontract and subconsultant agreements for public and private projects.
• Representing professionals in disciplinary proceedings before the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

Education:

• University of Texas at Austin School of Law, J.D., with honors (2000); Member - The Review of Litigation
• University of Texas at Austin, B.S., Architectural Engineering (1992)

Prior Firms:

• Haynes & Boone, L.L.P.

Professional Affiliations:

• State Bar of Texas (Construction Law Section)
• Austin Bar Association (Construction Law Section)
• Associated Builders & Contractors

Publications & Presentations:

• "Basic Risk Allocation Strategies in Contracting for Architects and Engineers," Seminar - University of Texas at Austin School of Law Construction Law CLE (2004).
• "Theories of Liability Against Architects and Engineers," Seminar - University of Texas at Austin School of Law Construction Law CLE (2003) (Matthew J. Sullivan, co-author).
• "Life of the Triparty: Why Flat-Fee Independent Counsel Might Just Make Everyone (More or Less) Happy," 19 Rev. Litig. 323 (2000).