Department profile
Pillsbury

Construction

USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia

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Pillsbury

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Construction - District of Columbia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Pillsbury has a high-caliber team with an impressive record litigating on a range of high-profile construction and insurance coverage disputes. It additionally boasts a sophisticated transactional and contractual practice encompassing PPP, real estate development and energy projects. Pillsbury acts for a wide range of clients, including developers, owners and general contractors. It possesses strong related expertise in a wide array of construction accidents both during and after project completion.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • The Pillsbury team represented Silver Rose in a claim against its subcontractor default insurance carrier, Cove.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Pillsbury team has a deep bench in the jurisdictions where we need them.

    Construction respondentUSA

  • Pillsbury has been instrumental in successfully navigating complex matters for the project over the past several years.

    Construction respondentUSA

  • The ability of Pillsbury to simplify the most complex issues into terms our clients can easily understand is unmatched. The service that we receive for both us and our clients is second to none.

    Construction respondentUSA

  • The Pillsbury team have a strong bench with multiple quality attorneys at our disposal, capable of handling all issues.

    Construction respondentUSA

  • Pillsbury is very knowledgeable about our business and always seeks to understand the reasons before they answer any questions or dig too deeply to ensure they know the what and why of the ask. It continues to build on its knowledge and stays informed of the changes in the industry.

    Construction respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • David T Dekker
    David T Dekker

    David T Dekker

    Chair of the firm David Dekker has exceptional expertise leading insurance coverage disputes at both the trial and appellate levels. He has further experience in a range of construction, surety and related commercial matters.
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  • Jeffrey R Gans
    Jeffrey R Gans

    Jeffrey R Gans

    Jeffrey Gans, chair of Pillsbury's public-private partnership team, is noted for his work in construction contracting and disputes practice. He also handles litigation avoidance work. He has extensive experience advising owner, developer and contractor-side clients in the construction of energy and commercial projects.

    • Jeffrey is a very good lawyer and strategist.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Melissa C Lesmes
    Melissa C Lesmes

    Melissa C Lesmes

    Melissa Lesmes co-chairs Pillsbury's construction counseling and dispute resolution practice group. She has substantial experience in construction defect litigation as well as construction-related insurance coverage cases. She also advises on contract negotiation and risk management issues.

    • Melissa's overall expertise in the construction and insurance field is by far one of the most detailed and sophisticated in the industry. She understands her client's business objectives and always brings both expert and practical solutions to meet their needs.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • The way that she interacts with clients and adversaries on the other side is a good as anyone I've ever come across. She is very diplomatic and highly effective in working between the client and the other side at the highest level.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • I can't say enough positive things about Melissa. She is truly one of the smartest, most sophisticated and talented individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Michael Evan Jaffe
    Michael Evan Jaffe

    Michael Evan Jaffe

    Michael Jaffe frequently represents project owners, contractors and other participants in domestic and international arbitrations.

    • Michael is a very smart and intellectual lawyer.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • Michael is an outstanding lawyer.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Michael McNamara
    Michael McNamara

    Michael McNamara

    Michael McNamara handles insurance coverage, engineering and general construction disputes at trial and before arbitral panels.

    • Michael is great to work with. He knew construction law really well. He is very quick to understand technical issues and is a very effective communicator and delegator.

      Construction respondentUSA

    • Michael excels in interacting with clients and understanding the needs of clients, aligning those needs with a strong legal strategy.

      Construction respondentUSA
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  • Laura LoBue
    Laura LoBue

    Laura LoBue

    Laura LoBue is well-versed in handling litigation and arbitration matters, with a focus on construction, engineering and energy-related disputes.

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Ranked Individuals at Pillsbury (6)

District of Columbia

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