A nationally recognized litigator and longtime industry thought leader, Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) Founding Partner Stephen Henning will serve as co-chair of the 2026 Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Construction Conference. The event will take place September 23-25, 2026, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.
Henning will co-chair alongside Phyllis Modlin, Director and Senior Counsel at Markel. Together, they will help lead one of the construction industry's premier educational and networking events for professionals working across construction claims, insurance, litigation, and risk management.
The CLM Construction Conference is a three-day event dedicated exclusively to construction claims, insurance, and risk management. Designed for mid-to-senior level claims and litigation professionals, the conference combines in-depth educational programming with professional development and networking opportunities. Its agenda includes panel discussions, interactive workshops, roundtables, and expert presentations addressing current and emerging challenges throughout the construction industry.
"It is a privilege to once again help lead a conference that brings together such an extraordinary cross-section of the construction, insurance, and legal communities," said Henning. "The issues facing our industry continue to become more complex, and this conference gives professionals an opportunity to exchange perspectives, challenge conventional approaches and develop practical strategies they can take back to their organizations and clients."
Henning brings extensive experience and a nationally recognized construction practice to his leadership role. A seasoned litigator, he has achieved significant results in complex construction, real estate, business, and employment litigation as well as professional liability and toxic tort matters. He regularly represents Fortune 500 companies and prominent members of the business community, including some of the nation's largest residential and commercial public and private owners, homebuilders, developers, investors, contractors, and lenders.
Beyond his litigation practice, Henning is a frequent speaker and prolific author on emerging legal and construction industry issues. His contributions to the profession have earned significant recognition, including being named as CLM's 2019 Professional of the Year for Outside Legal Counsel. He also became the first defense attorney to receive the Jerrold S. Oliver Award for significant contributions to the construction community and was named RISE Mentor of the Year in 2022. His legal writing earned a 2023 Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award, and the Los Angeles Business Journal named him among its Top 100 Lawyers in Los Angeles in both 2024 and 2025, as well as selecting him as a 2025 Community Impact Award Nominee.
"Steve's leadership within the construction community extends far beyond the courtroom," said Firmwide Managing Partner, Stewart Reid. "His commitment to advancing the profession, mentoring the next generation of industry leaders, and bringing people together to address difficult and emerging issues makes him a natural fit to help lead this important national conference."
The 2026 CLM Construction conference will bring together construction executives, attorneys, claims professionals, insurers, risk managers, brokers, and other industry leaders for three days of substantive programming and collaboration. Attendees will explore issues affecting today's construction claims environment while gaining practical strategies for managing risk, resolving disputes, and responding to an increasingly complex litigation landscape.
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.
