Attorneys from BrigliaMcLaughlin authored state-specific chapters of The Surety Underwriter’s Desk Book, which was distributed to attendees of the ABA Fidelity & Surety Law Committee Midwinter Meeting this last January. Underwriters and attorneys from across the country contributed to the book, which should serve as a useful desk reference for the surety industry for many years to come. Lauren P. McLaughlin and Shiva S. Hamidinia co-authored the Maryland chapter and Robert J. Dietz and Shana E. Rothman co-authored the chapter for the District of Columbia.

(October 1, 2012) – BMc’s client, International Fidelity, recently obtained summary judgment against the Western Virginia Water Authority for contract retainage improperly disbursed to its principal during the course of the project. Lauren P. McLaughlin, counsel of record, argued that the surety’s right to the contract retainage was irrefutable under the doctrines of assignment and equitable subrogration.  In International Fid. Ins. Co. v. Western Va. Water Auth., Civil Action No. 7:11-cv-00441 (W.D.Va. Sep. 28, 2012), Chief Judge Conrad agreed and found that the Authority had improperly paid retainage proceeds directly to the contractor, despite its agreement to hold all retainage in an escrow account.  The Court entered judgment in favor of the surety in the amount of those improper disbursements.

To review Judge Conrad’s opinion, click here.

(July 9, 2012) - Shannon J. Briglia has again been selected to the exclusive Chambers USA 2012: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the Client’s Guide, for her expertise in construction law. Chambers USA selectively ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout America. Because the research is in-depth and client focused, industry leaders throughout the US and worldwide rely on Chambers as a renowned source for those legal professionals who excel in their chosen field.

For more information on Shannon J. Briglia, click here.

February 27, 2012 - Shannon J. Briglia has been selected to serve as program chair for the 33rd Virginia Construction Law & Public Contracts Section Annual Seminar. This must-attend event for construction lawyers practicing in Virginia is scheduled for November 1-2, 2012 at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia. Further details on the program will be posted soon.  Information on registration will be posted on the Virginia State Bar CLE website.

To learn more about Ms. Briglia, click here.

February 16, 2012 -Shannon J. Briglia has again been named a Virginia Super Lawyer for her work in construction and surety law. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

To read more about Ms. Briglia, click here.

Lauren P. McLaughlin recently spoke at the February 2012 American Bar Association (ABA) Construction Forum Mid-Winter session on “Innovative Financing Techniques for Mega-Projects.”  During the plenary session, co-panelist Ms. McLaughlin spoke to hundreds of ABA attendees concerning the pitfalls and benefits of debt and credit financing tools being used to fund the gap in improving our nation’s infrastructure. To view the presentation, click here.

January 6, 2012 - BrigliaMcLaughlin, PLLC, a nationally recognized construction law firm based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, is pleased to announce that Robert J. Dietz has been made Of Counsel to the firm.

Mr. Dietz, a 2004 graduate of the Washington & Lee University School of Law, has been with the firm since December 2008. A transplanted Floridian, he earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida in 2000. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Dietz served first as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable John H. Tisdale in the Circuit Court for Frederick County, Maryland.  Thereafter, he associated with other national and regional construction law firms, focusing his practice in the areas of construction law, government contracts and surety defense.  Since joining the firm, Mr. Dietz has continued to refine his areas of practice and hone his trial skills, obtaining numerous successful outcomes for our clients in a variety of matters in Virginia and Maryland courts. Mr. Dietz will continue expanding his experience and taking on added responsibility for the firm’s clients and management in his new role with the firm.

To read more about Robert J. Dietz, click here.

December 13, 2011 - Shannon J. Briglia has again been named a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer for her work in construction and surety law. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Only 5% of attorneys in the Washington, D.C. area are awarded this honor each year.

To read more about Ms. Briglia, click here.

Lauren P. McLaughlin recently spoke at the 32^nd Annual Construction and Public Contracts Law Conference, held in Charlotesville, VA in November 2011.  Ms. McLaughlin advised conference attendees on legal issues arising from the surety’s involvement in performance bond claims. Ms. McLaughlin presented a paper, “The Troubled Project – from the Surety’s Perspective” and spoke with co-panelist Mr. James Kisner of Developers Surety & Indemnity Company. To view the white paper, click here.

Nov 8, 2011 - Shannon J. Briglia has again been selected to the exclusive Chambers USA 2011: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the Client’s Guide, for her expertise in construction law.

Chambers USA selectively ranks the leading firms and lawyers in an extensive range of practice areas throughout America. Because the research is in-depth and client focused, industry leaders throughout the US and worldwide rely on Chambers as a renowned source for those legal professionals who excel in their chosen field.

For more information on Shannon J. Briglia, click here.