How AEC Firms Move AI Beyond the Pilot
July 27, 2026 —
Aarni Heiskanen - AEC BusinessMost AEC firms can run an AI pilot, but few can scale it. Enthusiasm for a first experiment rarely extends beyond the pilot team, leaving the pilot as an isolated win that never changes how the company works. In a recent
AEC Business Podcast episode,
Adeline Chan, CEO and co-founder of Hong Kong-based AAL Innovation, explained why that gap exists and what separates the firms that close it from those that stall.
The Pilot Mindset that Holds Construction Back
Adeline draws a sharp contrast between finance and construction. Banks cannot afford to fall behind their competitors, so they pilot constantly, sometimes running hundreds of proof-of-concept teams in parallel and letting them compete internally to identify the approach that works. The winning concept becomes the standard and scales across the organization, and the return on investment is measured in undeniable numbers.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Aarni Heiskanen, AEC BusinessMr. Heiskanen may be contacted at
aec-business@aepartners.fi
GRSM Trial Team Holds Alameda County Asbestos Verdict to $900,000 Against $50 Million Demand
July 27, 2026 —
Gordon Rees Scully MansukhaniGordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partners John Katerndahl and Vincent Gunter recently obtained an outstanding trial result for a manufacturer of asbestos-containing electrical cable, holding a jury verdict to $900,000 against a $50 million demand following an eight-week trial in Alameda County Superior Court, which is among the most challenging asbestos venues in the country. The GRSM team also included Associate Brandon Sanchez, on-site trial Paralegal Laura Vitanova, and Paralegal Kerrie Lease.
The plaintiffs, the surviving spouse and four children of a former painter who died of mesothelioma, alleged that the decedent was exposed to asbestos from the company’s electrical cable during construction of a California nuclear power facility. GRSM’s client was the sole remaining defendant at trial. The plaintiffs asked the jury for $50 million and called 15 witnesses across their case-in-chief and rebuttal.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
Special Counsel Lorelie (Lorie) Masters Appointed Chair of the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession
October 06, 2026 —
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLPSpecial counsel Lorelie (Lorie) Masters was recently appointed as the chair of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession. Established in 1987, the Commission was created to assess the status of women in the legal sector and remove barriers to their professional advancement. As chair, Lorie will lead a 12-member roster of commissioners, and a panel of special advisers, dedicated to ensuring equal participation and systemic equity for women lawyers across the justice system and pursuing various studies to identify issues uniquely facing women in the profession, including disparate treatment, training and recruitment, parenting, and other issues. Most recently, the Commission in late July 2026 issued a groundbreaking study about issues affecting the mental health and well-being of women lawyers.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (8/12/26) – Data Center Momentum Increases, Multifamily Construction Projects Decline, CRE Returns as Top Investor Preference
September 01, 2026 —
Pillsbury's Construction & Real Estate Law Team - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law BlogIn our latest roundup, office vacancies fall, fair housing advocacy groups sue HUD, foreign buyers reduce purchases of U.S. residential real estate, and more!
- After a brief slowdown to begin the summer, data center construction planning momentum picked up in July, again shining as the brightest sector in building. (Zachary Phillips, Construction Dive)
- The number of finished multifamily construction projects declined last year — welcome news for multifamily operators eager to work through the recent supply wave — and a record share of new apartments were high-density. (Julie Strupp, Multifamily Dive)
- Fair housing advocacy groups sued the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, claiming the agency’s funding restructuring drastically reduces their ability to receive funds from the Fair Housing Initiatives Program. (Ryan Kushner, Multifamily Dive)
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Pillsbury's Construction & Real Estate Law Team
D.C. Circuit Upholds EPA’s CERCLA Hazardous-Substance Designations for PFAS as State-Law Settlements Highlight Expanding Liability Landscape
September 15, 2026 —
Ashleigh K. Myers, Amanda G. Halter, Jillian Marullo & Anthony B. Cavender - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law BlogOn August 18, 2026, a unanimous panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the 2024 designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund). (See Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, et al. v. EPA, No. 24-1193 (D.C. Cir. Aug. 18, 2026).)
The decision leaves EPA’s PFOA and PFOS hazardous substance designations in place and provides guidance on the scope of EPA’s authority to make future hazardous substances designations under CERCLA Section 102(a). The decision also likely resolves a challenge to the rule that has spanned two presidential administrations. After taking office, the Trump administration had obtained an abeyance of the litigation challenging the Biden-era rule while EPA reconsidered its position. In September 2025, EPA informed the court that it had decided to retain the designations, while signaling that it would work with Congress and industry to address CERCLA liability concerns for “passive receivers.” The litigation then resumed, with the current Administration defending the rule.
Reprinted courtesy of
Ashleigh K. Myers, Pillsbury,
Amanda G. Halter, Pillsbury,
Jillian Marullo, Pillsbury and
Anthony B. Cavender, Pillsbury
Ms. Myers may be contacted at ashleigh.myers@pillsburylaw.com
Ms. Halter may be contacted at amanda.halter@pillsburylaw.com
Ms. Marullo may be contacted at jillian.marullo@pillsburylaw.com
Mr. Cavender may be contacted at anthony.cavender@pillsburylaw.com
Read the full story...
Newmeyer Dillion Ranked in Chambers Spotlight California 2026 Guide
May 26, 2026 —
Newmeyer DillionNEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – May 14, 2026 - Prominent business and real estate law firm Newmeyer Dillion has been ranked in Chambers Spotlight California 2026 guide and recognized as a leading firm in Litigation: General Commercial for Orange County.
Newmeyer Dillion was selected based on an independent and in-depth market analysis, coupled with an assessment of the firm’s experience, expertise and caliber of talent where the firm stood out for its exceptional work and is recognized in Litigation: General Commercial.
Managing Partner Paul Tetzloff expressed the firm's gratitude: “It is an honor for our firm to be recognized by Chambers and Partners in their Spotlight California 2026 guide. This acknowledgment reflects our commitment to providing high quality legal services tailored to the unique needs of our clients.”
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Newmeyer Dillion
No Bad Faith Despite Insurer’s Appraisal Award Exceeding Initial Payment
August 03, 2026 —
Tred R. Eyerly - Insurance Law HawaiiThe federal district court granted the insurer’s motion for summary judgment, finding no bad faith despite the appraisal award exceeding the amount the insurer initially paid. Jazi Kat 4659 Rockridge LLC, et al. v. Travelers Cas. Ins. Co. of Am., et al., 2026 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 105634 (D. Ariz. May 13, 2026).
Plaintiffs sued Travelers for breach of contract and bad faith, alleging that Travelers failed to pay money plaintiffs were owed under the policy. Plaintiffs held a commercial property policy for two properties. A fire destroyed one of the properties. Travelers adjusted the claim and issued two payments. Plaintiffs disagreed with the amount of the payments and demanded an appraisal. Travelers agreed to the appraisal.
Read the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak HastertMr. Eyerly may be contacted at
te@hawaiilawyer.com
California Poised for the Most Significant Residential Construction Defect Reforms in Decades
September 01, 2026 —
Thomas D. Fama & Andrew J. Mallon - Wood Smith Henning BermanThe California Legislature is considering legislation that would dramatically alter the landscape of residential construction defect litigation. Assembly Bill 1903, currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposes extensive amendments to California's Right to Repair Act (Civil Code sections 895-945.5) that would substantially strengthen procedural protections for builders while narrowing the scope of recoverable construction defect claims.
If enacted, the legislation would affect virtually every stage of a construction defect dispute- from the initial notice of claim through litigation and settlement- and would introduce an entirely new certification process for newly constructed condominium projects. This article details some of the most significant proposed changes.
Higher Burden for Construction Defect Plaintiffs
Perhaps the most consequential change is the bill's modification of the proof required to establish liability. current law generally requires a claimant to demonstrate the residence fails to satisfy one
Florida Duty to Defend a Chapter 558 Right to Repair NoticeTwo Important Points Regarding the Miller ActMonumental Museum Makeover Comes In For LandingAmos Rex – A Museum for the Digital AgeTermination of Construction ContractsNorth Carolina Exclusion j(6) “That Particular Part”Consequential Damages Flowing from Construction Defect Not Covered Under Florida LawIrvine Partner Cinnamon J. Carr and Associate
California’s Prompt Payment Laws: Just Because an Owner Has Changed Course Doesn’t Mean It’s Changed Course on Previous Payments
You Cannot Always Contract Your Way Out of a Problem (The Case for Dispute Resolution in Mega and Large Complex Construction Projects)
Insurer Unable to Declare its Coverage Excess In Construction Defect Case
Insurer in Bad Faith Due to Adjuster's Failure to Keep Abreast of Case Law
When Customers Don’t Pay: What Can a Construction Business Do
Stucco Contractor Trying to Limit Communication in Construction Defect Case
Workers Hurt in Casino Floor Collapse
Los Angeles Recovery Crews Begin to Mobilize as Wildfires Continue to Burn
Accounting for Payments on Projects Became Even More Crucial This Year
Peru’s Former President and His Wife to Stay in Jail After Losing Appeal
Practical Pointers for Change Orders on Commercial Construction Contracts
Ensuing Losses From Faulty Workmanship Must be Covered
Saudi Arabia Awards Contracts for Megacity Neom’s Worker Housing
Alabama Appeals Court Rules Unexpected and Unintended Property Damage is an Occurrence
Traub Lieberman Attorneys Recognized in 2019 Edition of Who’s Who Legal
Construction Defect Coverage Summary 2013: The Business Risks Shift To Insurers
Water Backup Payment Satisfies Insurer's Obligation to Cover for Rain Damage
Construction Liens and the “Substantial Performance” Doctrine
Contractors Battle Bitter Winters at $11.8B Site C Hydro Project in Canada
Defining Construction Defects
When Is a Project Delay Material and Actionable?
In Florida, Exculpatory Clauses Do Not Need Express Language Referring to the Exculpated Party's Negligence
Subcontractor Default Insurance (“SDI”): What Is It?
Wendel Rosen Construction Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Cybersecurity on Your Project: Why Not Follow National Security Strategy?
Defend Now, Allocate Later? An Unresolved Tension in Colorado Construction Law
Coverage Denied for Insured's Defective Product
Colorado Federal Court Confirms Consequetial Property Damage, But Finds No Coverage for Subcontractor
Ken Walton Named a 2025 Massachusetts “Go To Lawyer” for Construction Law
Cincinnati Goes Green
Nuclear Energy Gets a Much-Needed Boost
Endorsements Preclude Coverage for Alleged Faulty Workmanship
Generally, What Constitutes A Trade Secret Is A Question of Fact
Before Celebrating the Market Rebound, Builders Need to Read the Fine Print: New Changes in Construction Law Coming Out of the Recession
Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (1/10/24) – New Type of Nuclear Reactor, Big Money Surrounding Sports Stadiums, and Positivity from Fannie Mae’s Monthly Consumer Survey
Eleven Payne & Fears Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers
How Machine Learning Can Help with Urban Development
Toll Plans to Boost New York Sales With Pricing, Incentives
Sellers' Alleged Misrepresentation Does Not Amount To An Occurrence
Paul Tetzloff Elected As Newmeyer & Dillion Managing Partner
Indemnity: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You!
Construction’s AI Moment — Why Contractors Are Increasingly Optimistic
Traub Lieberman Attorneys Recognized as 2021 New York – Metro Super Lawyers®
Torrey Pines Court Receives Funding for Renovation
Flexible Seattle Off-Ramp Would Retain Shape in Quake
HDR Agreed to $12M Settlement With Miami Bridge Design-Build Team
New Mexico Holds One-Sided Dispute Resolution Provisions Are Unenforceable
Why You May Not Want a Mandatory Mediation Clause in Your Construction Contract
More Money Down Adds to U.S. First-Time Buyer Blues: Economy
Google, Environmentalists and University Push Methane-Leak Detection
a Kull Obtains Favorable Arbitration Award In Year-Long High-Stakes Construction Defect CaseTruck Hits Warning Beam That Falls, Kills Motorist at Las Vegas Bridge ProjectBuilding a Strong ESG Program Can Fuel Growth and Reduce Company RiskNationwide Immigrant Strike May Trigger Excusable Delay and Other Contract ProvisionsDallas Condo Project to ExpandTown Sues over Defective Work on Sewer LinesCollapse Claim Dismissed as UntimelyEngineer Proposes Slashing Scope of Millennium Tower Pile UpgradeSenate’s Fannie Mae Wind-Down Plan Faces High HurdlesAFL-CIO Joins in $10 Billion Infrastructure PlanDecaying U.S. Roads Attract Funds From KKR to DoubleLineCongratulations to BWB&O’s 2023 Mountain States Super Lawyers Rising Stars!GRSM Named Among 2026 “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers®Does Your 998 Offer to Compromise Include Attorneys’ Fees and Costs?City Sues over Leaking Sewer SystemIt’s Called “Delegation” – Basic Risks and Considerations for Delegated Design on ProjectsGreen Cement? You Bet!Georgia Coal-to-Solar Pivot Shows the Way on Climate RegsChambers USA 2021 Recognizes Five Partners and Two Practices at Lewis BrisboisTraub Lieberman Partner Lisa M. Rolle Obtains Pre-Answer Motion to Dismiss in Favor of DefendantIf Passed, New Bill AB 2320 Will Mandate Cyber Insurance For State Government ContractorsMeet the Forum's ADR Neutrals: LESLIE KING O'NEALLewis Brisbois Launches New Practice Focusing on Supply Chain IssuesIndiana Appellate Court Allows Third-Party Spoliation Claim to Proceed 
