Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to announce that Founding Partner Stephen Henning will serve as a featured panelist at the upcoming West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar, taking place May 14-15, 2026, at the Disneyland Resort Hotel in Anaheim, California.
Henning will participate in the panel discussion, Catastrophe to Courtroom: How Natural Disasters are Redefining Risk Coverage and Litigation, scheduled for Friday, May 15, from 12-1:00 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. During the session, Henning will joining fellow thought leaders, Phyllis Modlin, Director and Senior Counsel- Specialty International Claims, Casualty for Markel; Steve Lokus-VP Casualty Construction Claims for Sompo International Insurance; and Phil Collias, Senior VP for Lockton Insurance Brokers, to examine how the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters are reshaping construction defect claims, insurance coverage disputes and litigation strategies across the country.
The panel will explore emerging trends in disaster-related claims, evolving theories of liability, and the practical implications for developers, contractors, insurers, and defense counsel navigating complex construction and coverage litigation in the wake of catastrophic events.
"Natural disasters are creating new challenges for the construction and insurance industries, particularly when it comes to risk allocation and coverage disputes," said Henning. "The discussion will focus on the evolving litigation landscape and practical strategies for addressing these increasingly complex claims."
The West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar is one of the premier educational and networking events for professionals in the construction defect community, drawing attorneys, insurance professionals, builders, developers, contractors, and risk management experts from across the United States. Now in its 32nd year, the seminar provides cutting edge insights into the legal, technical, and insurance issues shaping the construction industry.
Henning is the co-founder of WSHB, a prestigious NLJ 125 law firm with an international presence and spanning 42 states. Renowned for his expertise as a litigator, he has earned national recognition for achieving exceptional results in complex construction, real estate, business, and employment litigation. His practice also includes professional liability and toxic tort litigation, where he represents major corporations and industry leaders in high-stakes matters.
Throughout his career, Henning has represented Fortune 500 companies and prominent figures in the business community, including some of the largest residential and commercial public and private owners, homebuilders, developers, investors, contractors, and lenders in the market. His track record of success has solidified his reputation as a trusted legal resource for high profile clients navigating complex litigation and risk management challenges.
In addition to his litigation practice, Henning is widely sought after as a thought leader in the legal profession, frequently speaking and publishing on emerging issues impacting the construction, insurance, and business communities.
"Steve has long been recognized as a leader in construction and insurance litigation," said Firmwide Managing Partner, Stewart Reid. "His participation in this nationally respected seminar reflects both his deep experience and the firm's continued commitment to thought leadership in the construction and insurance industries."
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.
