Construction Defect Claims

Brandon J. Smith, Program Chair, is a partner in the Seattle office of Holt Woods & Scisciani LLP. He focuses his practice on a variety of complex commercial litigation, including construction, products liability and professional malpractice. Prior to joining Holt Woods & Scisciani LLP, Brandon represented financial institutions in banking law disputes. He also has substantial experience in class action lawsuits.

Jennifer M. Beyerlein is the chair of the Construction Team at Lane Powell PC, where she represents architecture and engineering firms. Her practice includes litigation and negotiation of complex construction contracts. She is a LEED-accredited professional, Construction Industry Panel arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, and a frequent presenter on construction topics.

Robert Bombino, MS, PE, is a Senior Building Science Specialist and President of RDH Building Science, Inc. He has extensive experience with a variety of building enclosure systems, components, and materials. He investigates, designs and reviews restoration of existing buildings and new construction projects. In addition, he provides expert testimony and litigation support for construction defect claims.

Eric L. Christensen is Of Counsel with Beveridge & Diamond PC and a leading energy and natural resources attorney in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 30 years of experience, he has successfully represented renewable and traditional energy companies, as well as major energy consumers, to navigate the complex legal and regulatory systems governing the nation’s energy industry.

Nicole L. DeNamur is a WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, EcoDistricts AP, attorney and sustainability consultant at Sustainable Strategies PLLC. She leverages more than a decade of experience practicing construction and insurance law to view sustainability issues through a risk management lens. She helps companies manage sustainable innovation and provides training on a variety of sustainability topics.

Erica A. Doctor is an attorney at Vandeberg Johnson & Gandara LLP. Her practice focuses on environmental issues and related litigation, advising clients on permitting, regulatory compliance, insurance coverage, cost allocation, and cost recovery.  She advises individuals and business owners on managing dangerous waste, land use and development, cannabis permitting, and neighbor disputes.

Scott Friesen, PE, is the President of Ivey Engineering, Inc. in San Diego, which he joined in 2010 and is a licensed Professional Engineer in 17 states and three Canadian provinces. He has over 20 years of experience in the design, construction administration and forensic analysis of mechanical, plumbing, fire protection and energy management systems for commercial, institutional and residential projects.

Lindsey M. Pflugrath is an attorney at Cairncross & Hempelmann PS. She has devoted her career to understanding the legal risks her clients face in the construction industry.  Her clients include owners, owner’s representatives, contractors, international multidisciplinary design firms, and local engineering and architecture firms.  She is a frequent presenter to industry organizations and professionals.

Shannon D. Ramey, PE, CFEI, is a Principal Mechanical Engineer and Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator at Exponent, with over 30 years’ experience. He has an extensive background with building mechanical systems, machinery, building design, structural analysis, and codes. He owned/operated engineering and contracting businesses for 17 years where he designed, installed, and serviced HVAC systems.

Blaine Weber, AIA, is a Founding Partner of Weber Thompson Architects, where he directs the High-Rise + Urban Projects Design Studio. He has over 40 years’ experience designing high-rise residential towers, commercial office structures, luxury condominiums, and hospitality projects. He is an Emeritus Chair of the Downtown Seattle Design Review Board & former Chair of the Seattle AIA Ethics/Practice Committee.