Wood Smith Henning & Berman Partner Chad Dunigan will speak at Perrin Conferences' National Construction Defect Conference, taking place November 12-13, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale.
Dunigan's presentation, "Going Beyond the Defect: Managing the Emotional Architecture of Construction Litigation," will take place Friday, November 13, from 10:45- 11:20 a.m. He will join Barbara Laskaris-Lorigan, Senior Vice President and Head of Claims at Golden State Claims Adjusters, and Walter Nelson, Claims Director at AmTrust Financial Services.
The discussion will explore the behavioral pressures that can shape decisions throughout a construction dispute, from tensions within project teams to the psychology of mediation. Speakers will offer practical approaches to recognizing those pressures, communicating more effectively and setting expectations that support productive negotiations.
"A construction dispute involves more than the technical questions in an expert report," said Dunigan. "The people involved bring their own pressures, priorities, and expectations to the table. Recognizing those dynamics early can help counsel and claims professionals have more useful conversations and find a path toward resolution."
Chad Dunigan is the Managing Partner of WSHB’s Orlando office. Nationally recognized for his exceptional results in managing all aspects of complex construction litigation, Chad is also sought out for his expertise handling commercial litigation, catastrophic injury, and environmental matters.
As a seasoned trial lawyer and legal strategist, Chad consistently delivers favorable outcomes for our clients through a powerful combination of courtroom prowess and strategic insight. His commitment to excellence is evident not only in his extensive trial experience but also in his nuanced approach to case resolution. With a laser focus on achieving early resolutions, Chad possesses the capability to navigate assertively in the courtroom, ensuring optimal results at every stage of a case's lifecycle. Chad's versatility extends to alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediations and settlement conferences, where he has proven to be a seasoned practitioner. His multifaceted skill set positions him as an effective legal advocate for WSHB's clients nationwide.
In the realm of construction litigation, Chad stands as a national thought leader, boasting expertise in public and private contracting, bidding and protest issues, mechanics’ liens, stop notices, licensing, and surety disputes. With over two decades of experience, he passionately represents owners, developers, and general contractors across a diverse range of commercial, public works, and private projects. Chad diligently advocates for firm clients, handling significant construction claims such as defects, delays, defaults, and bond surety matters.
For conference details and registration, visit the Perrin Conferences event page: https://www.perrinconferences.com/conferences/cd26/
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.
