Department profile
Hanson Bridgett LLP

Construction

USA Guide 2026 : California


Hanson Bridgett LLP

Rankings

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.

Clients (21)

  • Build Group, Inc.
  • Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District
  • UCSF Medical Center
  • URS Corporation
  • Beador Construction, Inc.
  • California Rail Builders, LLC
  • Capital Health Group
  • FORMA Construction, Inc.
  • Flatiron West Inc.
  • 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

Industries (10)

  • Highway and light rail
  • Tunnels and pipelines
  • Hospital and health care
  • Clean and waste water treatment
  • Educational and government
  • Coastal and marine
  • Geotechnical and environmental
  • Commercial and industrial
  • Sustainability practice with LEED®-accredited professionals
  • High-density residential

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - California

Band 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

Provided by Chambers

  • 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

  • Hanson Bridgett is a powerhouse in construction law.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Hanson Bridgett possesses the expertise needed to successfully guide us through complex legal matters.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Hanson Bridgett knows the market and understands construction and architecture from a field level, not just a legal level. It has provided insightful comments that no other firm has been able to provide to us so far.

    Construction respondentUSA
  • Hanson Bridgett has a wealth of experience in construction law and a ready bench of attorneys who are able to assist when issues arise.

    Construction respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Howard W Ashcraft
    Band 1Howard W Ashcraft

    Howard W Ashcraft

    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.

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

      Construction respondentUSA
  • Band 3Alex Baghdassarian
    Band 3Alex Baghdassarian

    Alex Baghdassarian

    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.

  • Band 3Andrew G Giacomini
    Band 3Andrew G Giacomini

    Andrew G Giacomini

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

  • Band 4Lisa Dal Gallo
    Band 4Lisa Dal Gallo

    Lisa Dal Gallo

    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.

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

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

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

      Construction respondentUSA
  • Band 5Michelle Akerman
    Band 5Michelle Akerman

    Michelle Akerman

    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.

      Construction respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Hanson Bridgett LLP (5)

California

Members

Provided by Hanson Bridgett LLP

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