The construction industry today is marked by an increasingly plaintiff-friendly legal environment, coupled with a rise in substantial jury verdicts across the country. In this challenging climate, construction companies—many of whom diligently fulfill their contract terms, maintain strict oversight, and adhere to regulatory standards—still find themselves in a difficult position, often forced to make high-stakes business decisions when faced with litigation. Kiernan Trebach, a law firm with a strong presence across the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Florida, has made it their mission to address these challenges head-on, supporting clients with expertise that extends from pre-construction advice to the courtroom. As a pioneer, Kiernan Trebach brings a deep understanding of the construction industry’s unique legal hurdles and is adept at helping clients manage risk in a manner that is both strategic and business-friendly. By prioritizing early claim evaluation, the firm works proactively with clients to predict potential case outcomes and prepare for favorable resolutions, whether through settlement, mediation, or trial. As risk assessment becomes a core component of Kiernan Trebach’s approach, the firm offers consistent counsel on the pros and cons of various pathways, allowing clients to make informed decisions at every stage of litigation.
The firm’s holistic approach to construction litigation begins before ground is even broken. Kiernan Trebach’s attorneys provide pre-construction contract consultations, helping clients mitigate risk by ensuring that contract terms and conditions are robust and compliant with both regulatory and client-specific requirements. Should incidents occur during a project, the firm is well-equipped to provide immediate incident response and manage pre-suit claims, preserving evidence and investigating claims thoroughly before formal complaints arise. Once a complaint is filed, Kiernan Trebach’s skilled attorneys focus on effective case management, facilitating timely, cost-effective resolutions whenever possible. In today’s climate, where a jury trial can pose significant financial and reputational risk, Kiernan Trebach emphasizes mediation and early resolution when practical. However, the firm also stands ready to defend clients aggressively at trial, leveraging a trial-ready team known for delivering client-centered, rigorous advocacy. This focus on both strategic settlement and strong trial defense has made Kiernan Trebach a preferred partner for insurers and self-insured construction companies alike. “We place a critical emphasis on continuous improvement and client-centric innovation. To us, this means investing in our teams through ongoing professional development and technology integration, and regularly soliciting client feedback to ensure that our growth is aligned with our clients’ interests,” points Christopher L. Jefford, Partner, Kiernan Trebach.
Kiernan Trebach is distinguished by its extensive experience in handling multi-party construction litigation and navigating the complex risk transfer issues that arise in such cases. In many construction disputes, the distribution of responsibility can be fragmented, with multiple subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders involved. Kiernan Trebach’s attorneys are well-versed in untangling these layers of liability, ensuring that their clients’ roles are clearly defined and that their exposure to risk is minimized. The firm also brings in-house coverage counsel to advise on insurance matters when needed, ensuring a seamless, comprehensive defense strategy.
Kiernan Trebach’s approach is client-focused and tailored to meet the specific needs of each case. They believe that effective client service begins with listening to clients and understanding their priorities. By combining cost-effective defense strategies with open communication, the firm helps clients navigate complex cases with confidence and clarity. Their model is to serve as partners, not just service providers, advising on early resolution when it is both practical and prudent, recommending mediation when cases are mature enough to benefit from it, and proceeding to trial when necessary.
Looking to the future, Kiernan Trebach is expanding both geographically and in terms of service offerings to address emerging needs in construction litigation. By strengthening their presence in key regions and developing deeper expertise in high-demand areas, Kiernan Trebach aims to provide accessible, top-tier legal support for clients in construction and beyond. The firm’s proactive vision aligns with the evolving needs of the construction industry, where litigation is expected to continue rising as regulatory pressures and risk transfer complexities increase. In today’s plaintiff-friendly environment, where high jury verdicts and complex multi-party cases are becoming the norm, Kiernan Trebach’s experience, dedication, and holistic approach are invaluable assets for construction companies and insurers. Their emphasis on early evaluation, strategic guidance, and adaptable legal strategies makes them a crucial ally for clients looking to navigate the complexities of construction litigation while preserving their reputation, reducing risk, and achieving favorable outcomes. “Also, expanding our footprint is not solely about geography; it is also about broadening our capabilities to meet our clients’ evolving needs and upholding our long tradition of excellent client service and responsiveness, concludes Jefford.
