About

Provided by Hanson Bridgett LLP

As part of the construction industry's leading edge, our Chambers USA Band 1-ranked Construction Group delivers tailored solutions to serve our clients' business goals. Whether negotiating a state-of-the-art project or resolving a contentious dispute, our attorneys draw on deep experience and genuine passion for the design and construction industry to serve clients regionally, nationally, or internationally. We have prosecuted and defended major construction claims, including delay, loss of efficiency, default termination, surety, licensing, mechanics' lien, and stop notice claims. We leverage technology and AI to efficiently analyze digital information generated on modern projects, and have considerable experience with construction insurance coverage, including general liability, errors and omissions, builders' risk, OCIP/CCIP, and environmental contamination claims. Our top-ranked group represents owners, contractors, and developers in complex international arbitration before leading forums under ICC, ICDR, UNCITRAL, and LCIA rules. With deep experience in global infrastructure, energy, and commercial development, we deliver strategic, cost-effective advocacy in high-stakes disputes. Our Construction Group is complemented by attorneys in labor and employment, environmental, real estate, insurance recovery, and related practices. Our attorneys have also helped develop standards for BIM, IPD, and Lean Construction, and have significant experience in design-build and P3.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - California

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Hanson Bridgett LLP maintains a strong profile for its work in Integrated Project Delivery development, structuring complex contracts across a range of construction schemes. The firm advises a broad range of clients, including general contractors, on matters such as insurance coverage disputes, default, delay and defective construction disputes. Known for advising on projects in the infrastructure, healthcare, energy and education sectors, among others. Also able to offer expertise in complex arbitration matters.

Work Highlights

  • Hanson Bridgett continued to represent the University of Nebraska on a hospital project, providing project advisory services and preparing the Integrated Project Delivery Agreement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Howard W Ashcraft
1
Howard W Ashcraft
1
Band 1

Howard Ashcraft is noted for his strong contract negotiation and drafting skills in relation to large national and international construction projects. His extensive experience encompasses a range of technical design and infrastructure projects, including in the Energy and Transportation sectors.

Howard Ashcraft is experienced in all the construction problems we have encountered and the changes insurers and parties try to make. His acumen and availability are great.

Howard gets in the knitty-gritty of drafting and provides invaluable business insights.

Alex Baghdassarian
3
Alex Baghdassarian
3
Band 3

Alex Baghdassarian frequently represents general contractors in litigation involving construction delays, terminations and defaults. He is particularly well-versed in jury trials in both State and Federal Court.

Andrew G Giacomini
3
Andrew G Giacomini
3
Band 3

Andrew Giacomini is a specialist trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving complex construction-related disputes at trial or through ADR proceedings.

Lisa Dal Gallo
4
Lisa Dal Gallo
4
Band 4

Lisa Dal Gallo advises designers and contractors in major projects, including the construction of healthcare, educational and assisted living facilities. She offers extensive expertise concerning a variety of construction contract delivery models.

Lisa is the lawyer you want to have on your side.

Lisa’s knowledge of design and construction, coupled with her IPD and contracting experience, is a valuable resource to our team.

Lisa Dal Gallo embodies integrity and fiercely advocates for our interests.

I look forward to whenever Lisa Dal Gallo leads a negotiation. The work flows more smoothly and balances the needs of all parties.

Michelle Akerman
5
Michelle Akerman
Head of Construction
5
Band 5

Michelle Akerman represents clients in a broad range of construction disputes. As a litigation attorney, she handles everything from contract negotiation and claim evaluation to litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on private commercial and large-scale residential projects.

Michelle handles legal matters really well.

Ranked Lawyers at
Hanson Bridgett LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

California

Construction

Howard W Ashcraft
1
Howard W Ashcraft
1
Band 1
Alex Baghdassarian
3
Alex Baghdassarian
3
Band 3
Andrew G Giacomini
3
Andrew G Giacomini
3
Band 3
Lisa Dal Gallo
4
Lisa Dal Gallo
4
Band 4
Michelle Akerman
5
Michelle Akerman
Head of Construction
5
Band 5

Members

Provided by Hanson Bridgett LLP

Brian Schnarr

Jeff Chu

Joseph Moore

Michelle Akerman

Michelle Akerman

Head of Department

Rebecca Takacs

Stuart Eisler

Tyson Shower

Clients

Provided by Hanson Bridgett LLP

Beador Construction, Inc.

Build Group, Inc.

California Rail Builders, LLC

Capital Health Group

FORMA Construction, Inc.

Flatiron West Inc.

Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

Longroad Energy Holdings, LLC

McWhinney

Plant Construction Company, L.P.

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System

San Bernardino Mountains Community Hospital

Silicon Valley Clean Water

Skanska USA Civil Inc.

Smith-Hyder

Standardkessel Baumgarte Holding GmbH

Stanford Hotels Corporation

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board – CalTrain

UCSF Medical Center

URS Corporation

Industries

Provided by Hanson Bridgett LLP

Clean and waste water treatment

Coastal and marine

Commercial and industrial

Educational and government

Geotechnical and environmental

High-density residential

Highway and light rail

Hospital and health care

Sustainability practice with LEED®-accredited professionals

Tunnels and pipelines