Known for its strength in class actions, cybersecurity disputes and complex commercial litigation, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has recently been engaged in a number of disputes relating to the impact of the pandemic on businesses in the US. With particular strength in real estate litigation and healthcare disputes, Deborah Baum continues to handle high value corporate disputes across all forums. Also recommended is Melissa Lesmes, who has been recognized throughout the market for her expertise in construction and insurance coverage disputes. Both named partners are based in Washington DC.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP has on-the-ground construction experts in California, Texas and Washington DC, acting for a varied and prestigious client base that includes Aecom, New York University and the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit. The department regularly sees major projects from inception through to disputes, emphasizing in particular its approach dispute avoidance. A trio of lawyers coordinate the construction practice: Clark Thiel in San Francisco chairs the firm’s global construction group and he has notable expertise in complex construction disputes including cost overruns, breach of contract and professional liability; litigation group lead Melissa Lesmes in Washington DC represents owners, developers and general contractors in contract negotiations and also advises clients on insurance and risk management issues arising outside of litigation; and Charles Conrad heads the Texas construction group. Among the team’s recent work, Conrad has been providing ongoing advice to Amec Foster Wheeler regarding alleged cost overrun and delays to a refinery in Cartagena, Colombia, with an estimated $2.4bn potential liability. John Heisse in San Francisco has experience advising on a variety of projects, from transportation and energy projects to hospitality and healthcare facilities.